Nature Lab
Introducing Nature Lab
There's a lot of magic hidden in the Rail Park's ecosystem, and we're here to help you uncover, dig up, and discover some of that magic with a series of workshops led by a wide range of the park's friends. Whether you're a burgeoning naturalist or just experienced in playing in the dirt, you'll take away a whole new appreciation for the ways that your local parks and the ecosystems they support impact your community!
June 3, 5:30 - 7 pm | Compost Conversation with Bennett Compost
This beginner-friendly conversation all about composting, how it works, why it matters, and how we can grow more sustainable practices right here in Philly.
June 14, 10 am - 1 pm | Natural Dye Workshop with Cait Nolan
Join Cait Nolan for a beginner-friendly natural dye workshop all about foraging, plant-based color, and creating something beautiful by hand right here at the Rail Park. This class is limited to 15 people, sign up quickly!
June 20, 10 am - noon | Worm Workshop with Abundant Philly
Join Kyonne from Abundant Philly for a beginner-friendly workshop all about worms, soil health, and the tiny underground helpers doing some very important work.
June 22, 5:30 - 7:00 PM | Butterfly Release
We'll have Wild Things Nature Preserve on hand to teach us about butterflies! The evening's class will end with a release of over 30 butterflies into the pollinator garden at the Rail Park!
June 24, 5:30 - 7 PM | Urban Beekeeping and Pizza Party
Come by for an urban beekeeping workshop hosted by local apiarist Mark Berman of Anna Bee's Honey located in South Philly. Mark will teach us the ins and outs of urban beekeeping and we'll end the night with a slice of pizza from Wood Street Pizza just up the block that uses Anna Bee's Honey in their recipe!
June 25, 5:30 - 7 pm | Spontaneous Nature with Land Health Institute
Join Land Health Institute for this unique walk-and-talk about the plants that were along the Rail Park prior to development and those that exist in the future sections now.
June 26, 5:30 - 7 pm | Pollinator Workshop with Dean Sine
Join Dean Sine, our volunteer caretaker of the plants at the Rail Park, for a hands-on pollinator workshop all about the gardens that make the park thrive.
Click the links above to register or learn more about each event!
Interested in all our Nature and Environment Programming?
Past Nature Lab Events:
May 26, 5:30 - 7 pm | Walk and Talk with Andrew the Arborist
Join us at Nature Lab for a special guided walk and talk with Andrew the Arborist, an ISA-certified arborist, urban forester, educator, and founder of the Community Canopy Project.