Feb. 28
• Maple Sugaring, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township, 10 a.m. Learn how to identify the right kinds of trees to tap and make your very own syrup. Observe the process of taking sap to syrup and see just how much it takes to get the sweet and sticky liquid we love. $5 per person, kids under 3 free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
March 1
• Leesport Swap Meet and Car Corrall, Leesport Farmers Market, 312 Gernants Church Road, Leesport, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Over 60 indoor vendor spaces and unlimited outdoor vendor spaces. Held rain or shine, handicap friendly, refreshments available. White elephants for women and kids. For information call 610-823-4656 or email Lhedgehog1@aol.com.
• Christian pet loss support group, St. John’s Reformed Church, 4001 Penn Ave., Sinking Spring, 6:45 p.m. Sessions are led by Dr. Becky Frank, associate veterinarian with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. Frank is also certified in thanatology (death, loss, grief and bereavement). The program entails six different sessions and participants may join at any time. Visit www.stjohnsss.org/pet-loss. This group is open to the public and is offered at no charge. Questions should be directed to office@stjohnsss.org. RSVP to that email if you are planning to attend. Parking is located behind the church, and the fellowship hall is on the lower level.
March 3
• Full Moon Hike, Antietam Lake Park, Angora Trailhead Lot, 230 Angora Road, Lower Alsace Township, 7 p.m. Walk the trails of Antietam Lake Park on the evening of the full moon. Wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes and bring a flashlight. We’ll be outside the entire time, so dress warm. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
March 5
• Deadline to register for training/informational session for prospective Reading Public Museum arboretum assistants. The session will be held at the planetarium at the museum, 500 Museum Road, on March 18 at 8:30 a.m. To register or for additional information, contact Donna Goughnour, volunteer coordinator, at tstingrayg@comcast.net.
March 7
• Winter Wellness Walk, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 9 a.m. Join Parks staff as we get out on the Union Canal Trail to enjoy an hour-long brisk walk with likeminded friends. Getting moving this time of the year can be tough, but studies show that outdoor time is just as important in winter as the warmer months of the year. Just a few minutes of walking can greatly improve the state of your mind, create healthy habits, and introduce new connections among others looking to do the same! Wear walking shoes or other appropriate footwear and dress accordingly. Free. Registration suggested at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
• Volunteer open house, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Come out and learn more about volunteering for the Berks County Park system. We’re looking for energetic volunteers to assist us in a variety of roles. Would you be interested in being a tour guide, visitor center attendant, event staff, trail ambassador or park steward? There are opportunities for all ages with no experience necessary. Help us keep the parks beautiful and accessible.
• Spring Valley Boutique, Spring Valley Church of God, 2727 Old Pricetown Road, Muhlenberg Township, 10-11 a.m. Most items at the boutique are free. Featured items vary by month (depending on donations) but frequently include clothing for women, men and children, shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc. Anyone looking to donate used items to this ministry can do so during boutique hours. Park in the upper parking lot, boutique is set up in the gym.
March 8
• Gift card bingo, sponsored by the Lions Club of Boyertown, Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown, doors open at 1 p.m., games start at 2. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Special games available and many door prizes, 50-50 cash raffle. For advance tickets, call Nancy at 484-269-7138 or email boyertownlions@aol.com.
• Pennsylvania’s Birthday, Daniel Boone Homestead, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Exeter Township, noon-4 p.m. Formerly known as Charter Day, this event recognizes the day William Penn received his land grant for Pennsylvania from King Charles II of England in 1681. In observance of Pennsylvania’s founding, the Daniel Boone Homestead will offer an open house and living history event featuring 18th century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities. No admission is charged for this program, but donations are welcome.
March 10
• Trail Tales, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township, 10 a.m. Get wrapped up in a trail tale and discover plants and animal friends in our parks. This toddler-age program focuses on a nature topic each month partnered with a story and a craft. Special guests and visitors may make an appearance to join us in the fun. Geared toward children ages 3-5.Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
March 11
• Blue Bird Box Workshop, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 6-8 p.m. Join parks staff as we explore the finer points to enticing beneficial wildlife to your backyard. Learn the benefits of attracting bluebirds and why providing proper nesting spaces for them can be a boon for your flowers, veggie gardens and more. Roll up your sleeves and complete a bluebird box of your own to take home. $20 per kit. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program. Additional kits can be purchased in person while supplies last at the program; bring exact cash or check for additional kits.
March 14
• Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue will hold its monthly open house from 10 a.m. until noon at its Golden Gateway facility at 60 Vera Cruz Road, Reinholds. Meet and greet the golden retrievers and dogs available for adoption. Staff is on hand to answer questions, and food is available for purchase. No admission charge. No photos, and do not bring other dogs to this event. Check the website www.dvgrr.org for possible event cancellation. For more information, contact info@dvgrr.org, call 717-484-4799 or visit dvgrr.org/adopt/monthlyopenhouse.
• Deadline to order from the Friends of Mifflin Community Library spring pansy sale. Colorful pansy assortment in foil-covered six-inch pot $10 each; hanging baskets $20 each. Order at the library, 6 Philadelphia Ave., Shillington, 610-777-3911 and pay by cash or check. Order online at https://friends-of-mifflin-community-library.square.site and pay by credit card. Pickup at the library on March 20 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
March 15
• Deadline to register for pollinator workshop to be held at Daniel Boone Homestead, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Exeter Township, on March 22 from 1-2:30 p.m. In this fun and educational hands-on workshop presented by Heritage Art and Craft Studio, discover how to create a welcoming environment for pollinators using a 16-inch tall Amish-made wooden pollinator house and natural materials such as twigs, pinecones, and moss. Participants will learn about the significance of garden friendly insects, their role in the ecosystem, and how to cultivate a garden that thrives throughout the year, all to enhance your understanding of creating a lovely backyard. This workshop is suitable for all ages (adult supervision required). All materials provided. Registration is required for the workshop, and a form can be obtained by emailing thedanielboonehomestead@gmail.com. Daniel Boone Homestead associate members $50 and non-members $55. All proceeds go to support the Daniel Boone Homestead. Checks can be made out to the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates and mailed to Daniel Boone Homestead Associates, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508. Space is limited to 10 participants. The workshop will take place in the Wayside Lodge at the Daniel Boone Homestead.
• Junk Journaling, Part 3, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 6 p.m. Join us for this workshop series to learn the art of junk journaling. Junk journals can be made out an assortment of different materials, which are often recycled or found. Learn about ways you can use your journal and what supplies can be utilized to create one. A limited amount of art materials are provided but please bring your own book and any supplies you would like to include in your journal. If you need to purchase a journal, we will have some available for $5. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
March 18
• Sinking Spring Area Historical Society meeting, Sinking Spring Borough Hall, 3940 Penn Ave., front entrance, 7 p.m. The program is “Prof. Herman Schnitzel-Pennsylvania Dutch Humorist.” Enjoy an evening of laughs. Parking in rear off Columbia Avenue. Information 610-678-4219.
March 20
• Spring Seed and Houseplant Swap, Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Bern Township, 6-8 p.m. Winter brings seed catalogues and warm season dreams, and most of us go a little crazy buying way too much in anticipation of warmer weather. Spring into the growing season by bringing extra seeds, sprouts, bulbs, and even houseplants gone crazy to this swap. Everything you bring must be free to trade, and please identify your plants/seeds clearly. No money will be exchanged. Feel free to bring giveaway supplies, too, clean unused pots, planters, tools, etc. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.
March 21
• Daniel Boone Optimist Club Spring Craft Show, Daniel Boone Middle School, 1845 Weavertown Road, Amity Township, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The craft show will feature quality handcrafted items from over 100 crafters. It will also feature a raffle, free admission, free parking and refreshments.
March 23
• Deadline to order Pennsylvania Dutch potato filling from Pioneer Grange, 46 E. Keller St., Topton. Cost is $7 for 1 1/2 pounds; $9 for 2 1/2 pounds. Pickup on April 3 from 2-4 p.m. at the Grange hall. To order, call Tammy at 610-463-7213.
March 28
• Egg-cellent Eggs, Gring’s Mill Recreation Area, 2083 Tulpehocken Road, Spring Township, 10 a.m.-noon. Discover some truly egg-cellent facts about eggs. We’ll take a look at birds, insects, reptiles and share just why eggs are so incredible. Learn to ID common birds’ nests, dissect an egg, peek at evidence of insect eggs, and meet some cold-blooded egg layers too. A non-competitive egg hunt will follow the program. Geared toward families with children ages 5+. Free. Registration required at countyofberks.recdesk.com/Community/Program.