Program Calendar – October to December

Birder’s Walk

Thursday, October 9
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

With Dave Hall, New Jersey Audubon Naturalist

Immerse yourself in nature as you venture into the garden with this avian expert. Dave will talk about the varied species of birds that visit Greenwood’s peaceful woodlands and the surrounding 2,100 acres of South Mountain Reservation’s protected parkland.

$15 per person

Open to 15 participants

Register

AUTUMN PLANT WALK

Friday, October 10
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

With Sonia Uyterhoeven, Head of Horticulture at Greenwood

Spend part of a crisp autumn day on a stroll through nature to learn the fundamentals of readying your garden for the winter. Our expert Head of Horticulture will cover such topics as planting for this time of year, pruning, and overwintering. You will leave prepared for the work ahead!

$15 members; $20 non-members

Open to 15 participants for each session; choose one session when registering.

Session 1: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Session 2: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

En Plein Air Arts Day

En Plein Air Painting, Sketching, and Photography for Enthusiasts

Wednesday, October 15
10  a.m. – 3 p.m.

Whatever your preferred mode of creating art, en plein air artists of all skill levels are invited to practice painting, photography, sketching, and journaling throughout the garden on this day. Use of various media – watercolor, pastel, and pen and ink – are welcome. Our century-old site offers magical views, iconic Arts & Crafts follies, stately fountains, and ample space in which to feel at home. Artist easels and tripods are permitted provided they are not placed in the planted beds and pathways are not blocked. Drop cloths required for painting.

$10 members; $15 non-members

Open to 25 participants, including five slots for oil painters.

Register

Meditation Walk

Thursday, October 16
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

With Carl Klemme, Co-owner, Glow Yoga Center

In this session, you will learn and practice meditation and mindfulness, approaches to quieting the mind that can enhance sleep, support heart health, and provide a boost to your immune system. There will be some breathing exercises and an exploration of the ideal posture for sitting still. We will enjoy our practice of meditation in various beautiful locations in the garden which always deepens the experience of inner stillness. Participants will be provided with take-home resources to support an ongoing practice of meditation. These sessions are perfect for those new to meditation, while more experienced practitioners are bound to learn something new as they enjoy the benefits of sitting with a group.

$15 members; $20 non-members

Open to 18 participants 

Register

The Peter P. Blanchard III Lecture Series

The Forgotten Victory Trail

Sunday, October 26

3  p.m. – 5 p.m.

With Bob Gula, VP/Education Officer for both the Sons of the American Revolution (West Fields Chapter) and the Forgotten Victory Trail Association

Join us for a fascinating lecture about our local area’s role fighting in the Revolutionary War. Noted Short Hills expert, Bob Gula, will provide insight into the significant battles that were fought in our own backyards including the Battles of Springfield, Connecticut Farms, and Elizabethtown. To enhance your experience, Bob will deliver his presentation dressed in full period uniform of a New Jersey Militia Private.

$20 members; $25 non-members

Open to 30 attendees

Register

Night Hike and Ghost Tour

Thursday, October 30
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

This evening hike through Greenwood’s West Woods and across to the London Plane allée will sure up your belief in ghosts! Take a step back in time as you listen to accounts of the eerie sights and sounds that add to the site’s sense of wonder. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa to keep you warm.

$15 members; $20 non-members

Open to 15 participants

Register

Sunrise Walk at Greenwood

Tuesday, November 4
6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.

Head over early to Greenwood to watch the sun rise in an enchanted garden setting. Marvel at how the dappled light magically punctuates the trees. Venture around the ponds to see and hear wildlife
wake up in the morning, along with other special, unexpected experiences. Enjoy coffee and biscuits at the Main House after the walk.

$15 members; $20 non-members

Open to 20 participants

Register

Historic House Tour and Tea

Friday, November 7
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

With Stephany Murphy, Public Engagement Manager at Greenwood

Enjoy a look back in time when the Blanchard’s made this 1950s Georgian Revival their home. Take a tour of the first floor and hear delightful stories that will provide you with insight about how this exceptional family set the stage for the Greenwood of today. This tour includes an in-depth discussion of one of the home’s major design elements, the handmade Zuber wallpaper lining the walls of the foyer, and a cup of tea in the formal dining room.

$15 members; $20 non-members

Open to 20 participants

Register

Wreath and Garland Workshop

Saturday, November 22
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

With Sonia Uyterhoeven, Head of Horticulture, and Stephanie Murphy, Public Engagement Manager

Ring in the holiday season with this festive workshop where all that limits you is your own creativity! Choose making either a garland or wreath when registering. All instructions and supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own ribbon and/or ornaments to complete your holiday masterpiece.

$70 members; $75 non-members

Open to 20 participants

Register

Christmas Bird Count

Saturday, December 20
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

With Carl Woodward, Greenwood Trustee and Avid Birdwatcher

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is hosted annually by the National Audubon Society in which volunteer birdwatchers throughout the northern Western Hemisphere take a census of wild bird sightings. The CBC is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world and Greenwood is proud to host it for the third year in a row. Led by Greenwood Trustee and avid birdwatcher, Carl Woodward, we will explore the grounds seeking out the birds that winter here and report our findings as part of the Watchung Ridge Count and the annual report of North American bird sightings. Meet in the Cottage Parking Lot shortly before 12:00 p.m. Basic bird identification knowledge is helpful but not necessary. Cameras welcome. Please prepare for cold weather by dressing warmly, especially with sturdy warm footwear and good gloves. Bring binoculars and bird guides. Rain or shine and group focused.

Free and open to 25 participants

Register