Montco Parks and Historic Sites Announces February Events

NorthPennNow Staff

Peter Wentz Farmstead located in Worcester, PA.

(The following information was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications.)

Whether or not a certain groundhog sees his shadow this Friday, Montgomery County’s parks and historic sites have a busy February of family-friendly events. Learn about groundhogs and other wildlife, how work continued during harsh 18^th century winters, the legacy of Pennsylvania’s abolition movement, and more.

Some events require pre-registration. Events are subject to change and/or cancelation. Confirm with each site prior to the event date. View all details for these events and others here.

Green Lane Park

Montgomery County’s Green Lane Park will be hosting three environmental education programs in February 2024.

Groundhog Day - Story time with Ranger Dan: Saturday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m.

This brand-new offering for kids and their grown-ups is a special program to celebrate Groundhog Day. Park Ranger Dan Diehl will be sharing stories and other kid-friendly activities to celebrate the Groundhog.

The free event is suitable for preschool through second graders with an adult. Pre-registration is required. Call 610-287-6970 to reserve your spot. Meet at the Deep Creek Stone Lodge, 2115 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA 18054.

Animal Tracks and Signs - Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.

Many of the park’s wild inhabitants are seldom seen but very much active in winter. Join us in a search for the "signs and signatures” left behind by some of our wild creatures.

This free event is suitable for ages 8 to adult. Pre-registration is required. Call 610-287-6970 to register. Meet at Walt Road boat launch near the flagpole, 1051 Walt Road, Pennsburg, PA 18073.

Waterfowl Watch - Saturday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m.

The spring migration of ducks, geese and swans will be underway! Join us in a search for early migrants and resident birds at the Green Lane Park Important Bird Area. You will quickly learn why the park is one of Eastern Pennsylvania’s premier birding sites!

This event is suitable for ages 12 to adult. Dress for the weather (including muddy ground), bring binoculars and meet at Tennis Court parking lot, 2298 Green Lane Road, Green Lane, PA 18054. Pre-registration is suggested.

Peter Wentz Farmstead

Weathering the Winter - Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Winters were harsh in the 18^th century, but even in cold and snowy weather there was still plenty of work to do around the farm. Fires had to be built, food preserved and cooked, and animals needed tending. Visit the Farmstead on Saturday, Feb. 10 to watch our living historians demonstrate the types of farm chores a family like the Wentz’ would have had to do this time of year. Watch as meat and other provisions are cured and preserved in the Smokehouse, check out a cooking demonstration in the Summer Kitchen, and more!

This free event is suitable for all ages. Activities take place at Peter Wentz Farmstead, 2030 Shearer Road, Lansdale, PA 19446.

Pennypacker Mills

Valentine Craft Workshop - Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pennypacker Mills is hosting a free Valentine craft workshop for kids.

Grade school children are welcome to drop by the classroom building between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This drop-in workshop will provide materials and instructions for children to make several Valentine crafts at their own pace.

Pre-registration is preferred. Please call 610-287-9349 to pre-register. This workshop is free; suggested donation of $2 per person. Pennypacker Mills, 5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473.

Norristown Farm Park

History Series- Slavery in Pennsylvania - Saturday Feb. 10 at 2 p.m.

Honor Black History Month with a lecture on the history of the institution of slavery in Pennsylvania. The first enslaved individuals arrived in the territory prior to Pennsylvania’s founding as a colony and soon-there-after abolitionists began to speak out. Explore the life of Pennsylvania’s enslaved, the passing of the Gradual Abolition Act of 1780 and its results, as well as civil rights issues in the decades before the Civil War. End with a discussion about the legacy of abolition in Pennsylvania.

Limited space. Registration required. Contact [email protected]to register. This free event is suitable for ages 12 and up. Meeting location given upon registration.

Education Center Open House - Saturday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come explore our education center! This indoor space has displays to learn about mammals, bats, watersheds, and more. Visit with our critters, including our rabbits, reptiles, and trout. Plus, meet new special guests, our baby quail that have spent the month incubating in the building. The building will be staffed from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

No registration is needed for this free event, which is suitable for all ages. Please park in Parking Lot #1 and walk across the driveway to the building. Parking Lot #1, Upper Farm Road, Norristown, PA 19403.

Pottsgrove Manor

A Stuffed Animal Adventure – Friday, Feb. 23 with drop-off by 3 p.m. through Saturday, Feb. 24 with pick-up at 11 a.m.

It’s a night at the museum for your favorite stuffed animals, dolls, and action figures! Stuffed animals get to sleepover while kids follow along online from home as pictures are shared of their brave friends exploring Pottsgrove Manor after-hours. See what secrets of the museum the animals uncover, discover the historic objects, and learn about life from the colonial era — all before bedtime. The next morning when it’s time to pick up their fuzzy friends, kids can take a tour to see the spots their favorite buddies explored to share in the memories.

This event is suitable for ages 2 through 12. Registration is required; please call 610-326-4014 to register. This event is weather dependent; a suggested donation is $2 per person. 100 West King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464.