I’ve taught children and adults on a variety of natural history, ecology, environmental issues, and gardening topics. If you’d like to take a class, please contact me by email.

If you would like me to teach a class or present for your organization, please use the contact form

Natural History Topics

Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Natural History
Learn about the landforms, waterways, plants, and animals of the land we live in.

Butterfly Basics
Learn about butterfly anatomy, life cycle, and how butterflies work in the environment. Take home a list of butterfly plants easily grown in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley.

Keeping a Nature Journal 
I have kept a nature journal for over fifteen years. It is a wonderfully enjoyable and inexpensive way to study nature and practice photography, drawing or writing skills. This workshop can be one session or a multi-session workshop.

Scientific Nature Journal 
The Scientific Nature Journal Workshop provides the easy-to-understand framework needed to help with the collection of data for climate monitoring, habitat restoration, reintroduction of expiated species, and other ecosystem management projects.

Nature in Spring
A slideshow presentation on the ecological processes which cause the Earth to awaken and bloom.

Nature in Summer
Dog Days, the Summer Solstice, hurricanes, and thunderstorms are a part of the season we call summer. Learn about the science behind the heat, humid, and other phenomena.

Nature in Autumn
Birds migrate, leaves change color, animals hibernate, and plants go dormant in this dynamic season. Learn and understand the processes that cause the changes in the season we call Fall.

Nature in Winter
Quiet, still, and cold. Learn how animals, plants, and humans adapt and survive freezing cold temperatures for months on end.

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Gardening

Philadelphia Garden Ecology
Philadelphia Garden Ecology will focus on the land, climate, and best environmental practices for gardening in the Delaware Valley. We will discuss effective ways of designing native plant gardens that support the local ecosystem and become the envy of your neighbors.

A Gardener’s Calendar
Spring is a rush for beginning and advanced gardeners. One of the toughest tasks knowing when to do what chores.

Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, and Other Pollinators in Your Garden.
There are so many native flowers, shrubs, and trees which provide food to beneficial insects, hummingbirds, and other pollinators in Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. Learn which plants to place in your garden or property to help you in your role as a caretaker of the environment.

Choosing the Best Native Perennials for Your Garden
Some plants have tidy, neat growth habits and some have vigorous running growth habits. Learn when to plant which style plant for easy care and the best looks in your garden.

Native and Other Plants for Your Cottage Garden
Discover native plants and easy-care annuals for growing an informal, romantic, cottage garden.

Designing and Planning Your Organic Kitchen Garden
Learn the best planting and care methods for pesticide-free, organic produce right in your backyard.

Money-Saving Kitchen Garden
Learn which crops give you the most “bang for your buck”. Why waste money on tools and equipment with dubious practical use when you can buy the few tools that truly add value. I share tips and techniques which I have learned and practiced in a lifetime of gardening.

Spring Blooming Native Perennials
A colorful slideshow of the flowers, shrubs, vines, and trees that bloom in the Delaware Valley in the spring season. Sit back and choose those plants which will fit delightfully in your garden.

Summer into Fall Blooming Native Perennials
Slide after beautiful full-color slide of native plants of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley which bloom through the heat of summer into the cool days of autumn. Learn how ecology affects these plants and which you can plant for easy-care gardening.

Do you have questions about the presentations? Contact Donna using the form below.