Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College

We’ve been taking note of all the fantastic fungi around the reserve. The damp chilly weather is the perfect recipe for growing all kinds of them! Have you seen any? #getoutside #WPNR #fungi #fantasticfungi

Parisienne Market Carrots in January!! Happily growing under their blankets. It’s the little things. #getoutside #WPNR #wintergarden

Blue skies today in the neighborhood. #getoutside #wpnr

Effective November 20th, Pennsylvanians are required to wear a mask and social distance both indoors and outdoors when away from home. In keeping with this mandate, we ask that all visitors wear a mask and social distance at all times when on the WPNR grounds. No exceptions. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to make the reserve a safe and heathy space for all. Be well in nature. #getoutside #WPNR

Mosses are tiny (and sometimes not-so-tiny!) biomes where all sorts of life exists. At first glance, many seem to look the same, but zoom in and you’ll find that they’re complex and varied! Mosses produce spores for reproduction instead of seeds and don't grow flowers, wood or true roots. Who can resist their intense green hues and velvety soft texture?! #getoutside #WPNR #moss #forestphotography #nature #science #mosses #biomes

January Dandelions. One of many indicators in nature that climate patterns are changing. Nonetheless, they are so fascinating up close. A member of the composite family, this one flower is made of many, many tiny flowers called discs and rays. The next time you encounter one, take the opportunity to look under a magnifying glass...you’ll be glad you did! #getoutside #WPNR

Iris versicolor, aka Blue Flag, or Purple Iris soaks up all of the extra water in our gardens. When the season ends, we are gifted with the dazzling seed pods that burst forth to make more! #panativeplants #WPNR #getoutside

Although it’s cold and damp out, the Palmer Pond is still a peaceful place for reflection and discovery. The chara still thrives even in the winter, lending a much needed pop of green to an otherwise grey landscape. Be sure to turn up the volume! #getoutside #WPNR

The seed pods of the Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) are so ethereal. This PA native plant produces gorgeous large pink blossoms all summer amd are so easy to grow. #PANativePlants #WPNR #GetOutside

Seems the squirrels have created a little outdoor dining area in our play space! #getoutside #WPNR

Stella is one spoiled bunny on her Christmas Vacation! We are so thankful to our students and friends who graciously welcome Stella into their homes so she is not alone while the barn is closed! #wpnr #stella #hollandlop

Enjoy the second video in our Makers Monday Holiday series and learn how to make Magical Pom Pom Branches. You can use natural materials found right in your back yard and craft supplies that you might already have. Happy Making!

Listen closely for the bells! It’s brisk, but gorgeous!! #getoutside #wpnr