September 24, 2025
The Astonishing Dawn Redwood by Dr. Len Eiserer
Finding a remnant population of supposedly extinct Dawn Redwoods in a remote Chinese valley was one of the most important botanical discoveries of the 20th century. Join tree hobbyist Len Eiserer for a presentation about the incredible past, thriving present, and sparkling future of the Dawn Redwood, a living fossil. Len Eiserer received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and doctorate in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College. He’s taught for 40 years and currently teaches at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). He maintains the website, Tree Treasurers of Lancaster County, and serves on the boards of the Friends of the Tanger and the Kaneko Arboretums
October 22, 2025
Bog Turtles in your Backyard by George Gress
Bog Turtles in your Backyard is about the life cycle and research that has been done on the bog turtle, a federally listed species. George is recently retired from the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Nature Conservancy after more than 31 years of service. During his time as a land steward, he managed properties in Pennsylvania for TNC, and also managed the PA bog turtle program. He enjoys gardening, woodworking and photography, and has had over 150 images published in local, state and international publications. He lives in Reinholds with his wife Patti.
November 19, 2025
Birding New Zealand’s South Island by Warren & Nina Wolf
In late 2022 we had planned to visit New Zealand as an add-on to a birding trip to Australia. When the Australia trip was cancelled, we decided to keep our plans for travelling to NZ and tweaked our itinerary to add some more birding spots. 17 days on the South Island were filled with driving, birding, boating, and even a train ride. Friendly people, awesome scenery, spectacular birds, New Zealand was a fascinating place providing some one of a kind experiences. We’ll share some of the things that made the trip unique, as well as the special species we encountered. Warren Wolf is an avid birder who loves “the chase” and photographing wildlife. A Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and a Master Gardener Emeritus, he was formerly the director of the Master Gardener program in Lancaster County. An avid backpacker, he has hiked the Appalachian Trail, and both the Fitz Roy and Torres Del Paine circuits in Patagonia sections of the Andes in South America. After retiring from computer work in 2018, Nina turned in her company laptop, switching to binoculars and digital cameras as her new tools of the trade. She serves as Treasurer for The Lancaster County Bird Club as well as Secretary for The Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association. Both are members of The Muhlenberg Botanical Society, The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, and The Lancaster County Garden Club. The Wolfs enjoy hunting for birds near and far but they are most often found around Lancaster County - listening for, looking for, and logging the feathered friends they find. They lead several bird watching walks for The Lancaster County Bird Club, most of which are free to the public.
December 10, 2025
Christmas Social and Member Photos
*Note – Social Gathering starts at 6:30pm, Program starts at 7:00pm
Join us as members share their favorite slides and digital photos with the group. This is our holiday social, so please bring a plate of holiday treats to share. Drinks will be provided.
January 28, 2026
Birding Pennsylvania’s State Parks by Chris Kemmerer
Pennsylvania has one of the largest state park systems in the country. With 124 parks across 64 counties the system includes geologic wonders, prominent moments in American history, old growth forests, tidal waterways, and Great Lakes access. This diversity is also represented in the flora and fauna that call our Pennsylvania State Parks home. Join Chris Kemmerer, Education and Interpretation Section Chief for Pennsylvania State Parks, on a tour of the best birding spots in PA’s state park system. He’ll highlight parks close-to-home near Lebanon, parks worthy of a daytrip and parks further afield that may require an overnight visit or two. You’ll get a sense for the diverse habitats of each park as well as the best birds to look for. You’ll also learn a few other ways to engage with PA State Parks beyond a birding adventure. Chris Kemmerer has been with Pennsylvania State Parks for over 20 years. As an avid birder and conservationist Chris works to bring his love of the outdoors to Pennsylvania residents and visitors. As the Education and Interpretation Section Chief, he oversees the educational program for state parks providing direction, support, and training to field staff who annually educate over 250,000 people. In addition, he promotes state park educational opportunities, develops and fosters ongoing partnerships, represents DCNR on environmental education panels and working groups, guides development of State Park Interpretive Management Plans, and leads various exhibit and non-personal education projects such as the award winning exhibits at Hickory Run State Park.
March 25, 2026
Migrants on the Move: Motus Bird Migration Tracking in Pennsylvania
by Shelly Eshleman
Do you ever wonder where our breeding birds travel to in the winter? This talk will focus on bird migration research in PA using the Motus Wildlife Tracking System. You will learn about the birds that have been detected by local Motus receiving stations and the pathways that those birds have taken. There will be a specific focus on Eastern Towhee and Wood Thrush migration. Shelly Eshleman is the Motus Avian Research Coordinator at Willistown Conservation Trust and a PhD candidate at the University of Delaware. Her research follows birds throughout the year to better understand the hazards they encounter during migration and how we can help them thrive. As someone who grew up in Lancaster County, she is particularly passionate about conserving Pennsylvanian birds
April 22, 2026
Allegheny Woodrats On The Road To Recovery In Pa. by Katelyn Otterbein
Allegheny woodrats are a native species found only in rocky habitats along the Appalachian Mountains. Unfortunately, the species has experienced significant population declines in the past two decades and is listed as a state-threatened species in Pennsylvania and a regional species of greatest conservation need. To recover the species and avoid federal listing, Pa. Game Commission staff and partners have been working diligently to address the three primary drivers of Allegheny woodrat declines: decreased food availability, disease, and habitat fragmentation. This talk will discuss the Allegheny woodrat recovery program in Pennsylvania.
May 19, 2026 (Tuesday) (RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)
40th Annual Banquet
Bringing Up Baby: The American Robin By Dr. Len Eiserer
Join the Quittapahilla Audubon Society for the 40th annual banquet as Len Eiserer will present his program, “Bringing Up Baby: The American Robin”. The American Robin is arguably the most successful avian species in North America, thanks largely to its prolific reproduction. At this event, learn about how robins build nests, hatch eggs, nourish nestlings, and turn fledglings into the next generation. Len Eiserer received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and doctorate in Psychology from Bryn Mawr College. He’s taught for 40 years and currently teaches at Harrisburg Area community College (HACC). Len has conducted extensive research on both ducklings and robins and has authored what has been considered “the definitive book on the American Robin”. Len also enjoys community service, traveling, golfing and collecting information on significant trees in Lancaster County. He currently serves on the board of both the Friends of the Tanger and the Kaneko Arboretums.
