“This is a corner of heaven here,”
wrote American poet Gerald Stern in his poem In Carpenter’s Woods. And indeed it is!

Carpenter’s Woods, part of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park system, is located in the northwestern part of the city. Preserved from development in 1916 specifically because of its importance to a wide variety of resident and migratory bird species, Carpenter’s Woods is part of a global network of places recognized by the National Audubon Society and BirdLife International for its value to bird conservation.

Besides woodpeckers and warblers, Carpenter’s Woods is a nature-lover’s delight, filled with toads and butterflies, wild mushrooms and skunk cabbage, and so much more. Active during all seasons, you can enjoy walking the trails, sledding, or, as Gerald Stern wrote, just laying “for hours with my eyes closed listening to the great sounds.”

Carpenter’s Woods is preserved and maintained as an ecologically important natural area and public resource by the Friends of Carpenter’s Woods. Through their voluntary efforts, the Friends provide ongoing maintenance, educational programming, and public information about Carpenter’s Woods.

Philadelphia Love Your Park Week – FoCW Service Day May 19

Posted on May 16, 2012 by focw

It’s time for the May FoCW Service Day and it’s part of Philadelphia Love Your Park Week. There will be two sessions this Saturday, May 19: Morning 9-12 and Afternoon 1-3. Volunteers are welcome to join either or both sessions.

Long sleeves, long pants, and boots or sturdy shoes recommended.
Flip flops and sandals are not allowed.
Ticks and mosquitoes are likely, so insect repellent is also recommended.
Bring a refillable container for water.
Gloves and tools will be provided.

Meet at Wayne Ave entrance and kiosk. There’s something for everyone, whether you can stay for an hour or the entire day. Please see the PDF announcement below for more information.

5.19.12.WorkDay Flyer

Posted in Invasive plants, Service Day | Leave a comment

Carpenter’s Woods Community Day – Saturday, April 21

Posted on April 11, 2012 by focw

Carpenter’s Woods Community Day
Sponsored by Friends of Carpenter’s Woods, Audubon Pennsylvania, and Fairmount Park
Saturday, April 21
9 AM – 3 PM

Nature walks, talks by representatives from local watershed and environmental groups, representatives from Friends of Carpenter’s Woods, Friends of the Wissahickon, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Audubon, and others to answer questions about Woods and Watershed projects, native plants, birds, and animals, and Carpenter’s Woods history. In conjunction with a scheduled volunteer service work day to close an eroded old trail, remove invasive plants, and other park cleanup.

Bring your questions, your curiosity, your energy, and enjoy the day in the woods with your neighbors.
Volunteers Welcomed!

Lunch provided for service work volunteers and nature walk participants.
Treats for well-behaved doggie visitors.
Walks and talks throughout the whole day. FREE.

Carpenter’s Woods, Ellet Street entrance and trail, Mt. Airy, Philadelphia. Carpenter’s Woods is Philadelphia’s First Bird Sanctuary, located between Sedgewick and North Mt Pleasant, Wissahickon Ave and Greene St and is at the northern end of the 53 bus. For information 215-848-2014 or www.focw.org.

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Service Day, Saturday, March 31 – Removal of Garlic Mustard, 9 AM – Noon

Posted on March 23, 2012 by focw

It’s that time of year, again. The garlic mustard and other nasty weeds are coming up and need to be removed so native plantings can grow. Friends of Carpenter’s Woods is having a Service Day, Saturday, March 31 to remove garlic mustard from the meadow, 9 AM to Noon.

All volunteers are welcome, whether you can come for an hour or the entire morning. This is a good activity for all ages, so bring the family, wear long pants, long sleeves, protective shoes, and bring water in bottles. Gloves and tools will be provided.

The day will be led by our vice-president, Louise Hayes, who has become an expert on removing this nasty invader.

See announcement below for details.

March 31 Service Day Flyer

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