POTTSTOWN PA – A coffee-fueled gathering of prospective volunteers, the return of a popular community recycling effort, and a family-friendly Easter activity all are planned during March at Althouse Arboretum, 1794 Gilbertsville Rd.
The arboretum is a free-to-explore, 17-acre open space property owned by Upper Pottsgrove Township. It is managed by GreenAllies, an award-winning non-profit organization, and named for the Althouse family, its former owners and last residents.
The arboretum is home to about 50 sponsored programs annually, most intended to provide education about nature and the environment. Here’s what’s on its March calendar.
Photos and graphics provided by Althouse Arboretum
Volunteer Coffee, March 7
For those passionate about nature, learning, and their community, the 10 a.m. coffee serves as a casual meet-and-greet. It offers an opportunity to learn about supporting the arboretum’s educational programs for local high school students.
Participants can enjoy a hot beverage, light refreshments, and a relaxed morning in a beautiful natural setting. They will meet current Arboretum volunteers and staff members, and hear about ways to get involved with student field trips, science activities, tours, and garden projects.
No advance registration is required; simply stop in and say hello.
Community Recycling Day, March 14
GreenAllies will again host its drive-through Community Recycling Day from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the arboretum, for a cost of $10 per vehicle. As material-laden vehicles slowly pass through and stop in its designated areas, student volunteers will remove donated items, and ensure they are properly recycled.
On the list of items being accepted are:
- Large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and outdoor grills;
- All scrap metal and anything made primarily of metal, such as old wires, nails, aluminum siding, shelves, tire rims, and power equipment or lawnmowers with all fluids removed;
- Microwaves, laptops, cell phones, iPads and other tablet devices, computer ink cartridges (but not toner cartridges);
- A variety of clothing items, shoes, and household goods (but no furniture, pillows, bedding, or unusable items);
- Toys, working electronics and small appliances, and household decorations.
Bicycles are being accepted and will be donated to Bike and Sol, an East Greenville non-profit agency that provides repaired used bicycles to children and families in need. Also, pet supplies and equipment received will be donated to the Pottstown-based Animal House Project for distribution to shelters.
Family Forest Easter Egg Hunt, March 28
The arboretum this year has turned its traditional Easter Egg Hunt, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., into a complete family event. The cost is $10 per car.
Participants will take a short hike to look for eggs hidden along the park’s woodland trails, and return them to exchange for candy and prizes. They also can enjoy kid-friendly carnival games, fun crafts, bingo, other activities and food, making it “a fun destination for the whole family,” the arboretum says.
If anyone’s still hungry, they can stay for lunch with a “make your own pizza” offer.
Our entertainment reporting covers the arts and culture, shows, exhibits, performances, festivals, and history-related activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more entertainment articles here. Also, see and join the Pottstown Arts and Cultural Alliance group on Facebook.
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