April Events

Rail Park

April 9, 2026
Noon-1 p.m.

For this one-hour outing, we will meet at 1300 Noble Street, or you can plug this location into your map (39.960176, -75.159957). We will observe the early spring biodiversity of this young park with its maturing trees and native plantings. We will also explore and imagine the potential future of wildlife this park could host if additional phases are advanced.

Access Features

• Surface/Terrain: Trail surface: chip seal path
• Public Bathrooms: There are no bathrooms available at the Rail Park. We recommend using the bathroom ahead of your visit.
• The area features some tree canopy shade and offers ample benches.
• Parking: can be found on the street around the Rail Park, both paid and free. There is also a paid parking lot at 411 N 13th Street.
• Public Transportation: Bus Routes 2, 4, 16, 23, 45, 61; Broad Street Line to Spring Garden (Five minute travel)
• Weather: If it is actively raining, we will postpone or cancel the event. Please check our Facebook event listing by 11 a.m. on event day to confirm.

Logan Circle & Sister Cities Park

April 16, 2026
Noon-1 p.m.

For this one-hour outing, we will meet out front of the Academy’s Parkway entrance, or you can plug this location into your map (39°57'26.1"N75°10'15.6"W). We will observe the new native plantings in front of the Academy celebrating the Botany of Nations exhibit opening, and then we will look out for emerging insects pollinating along the Logan Circle planters managed by PHS. There may also be early migratory birds at Sister Cities Park to notice, as well as possible nesting ravens and an occasional Peregrine Falcon perching nearby.

Access Features

• Surface/Terrain: The park surface is composed of sidewalk.
• Public Bathrooms and water fountains located at Sister Cities Park.
• The area features some tree canopy shade and offers ample benches.
• Parking: meter street parking located along Logan Circle including Race St. And 19th near the Free Library Central branch.
• Public Transportation: Bus Routes 48, 32, 446 (18th and Arch St.) 32, 33 (19th and Cherry St.), 2 (19th and Arch St.)
• Weather: If it is actively raining, we will postpone or cancel the event. Please check our Facebook event listing by 11 a.m. on event day to confirm.

Rittenhouse Square

April 23, 2026
Noon-1 p.m.

For this one-hour outing, we will meet at noon at the Rittenhouse Square entrance located at 19th and Walnut Streets, or you can plug this location into your map (39.9501253, -75.1723100). We expect to encounter early migrants and some insects starting to emerge.

Access Features

• Surface/Terrain: The park surface is composed of sidewalk, brick pathways, looser brick sections near the center of the square and grassy areas. The area is level with no elevations or slopes.
• Public Bathroom: As there are no public bathrooms in the park, it is recommended that you use the bathroom before arrival.
• The area is shady and offers ample benches.
• Parking: 1845 Walnut St. (Philadelphia Parking Lot). Street parking is available.
• Public Transportation: Bus Routes 9, 12, 21, and 42
• Weather: If it is actively raining, we will postpone or cancel the event. Please check our Facebook event listing by 11 a.m. on event day to confirm.

City Nature Challenge 2026 Kickoff

Friday, April 24, 2026
10-2 p.m.

Join the Academy of Natural Sciences and Friends of FDR Park for the City Nature Challenge 2026 Kickoff at FDR Park! City Nature Challenge 2026

We will be making observations via iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge, observing plants,insects, fish, birds, mammals, fungi, reptiles and other biodiversity. All walks will start and end at the Boat House.

Join CNC Philly iNaturalist Project: City Nature Challenge 2026: Greater Philadelphia Area Join the Academy Naturalists iNaturalist Project: Academy Naturalists

Follow FDR Parks iNaturalist account: fdr-phillylakes

Nature Walks

• 10-11am Habitat Survey Walk: Try to find as many species as you can as you stroll along Edgewood Lake. Walk leaders will teach you how to use iNaturalist.
• 11-12pm Entomology Walk: Get up close to the insects that call FDR Park home on your walk to Meadow Lake.
• 12-1pm Bird Walk: This walk will go along the lake, through the woods, and to the wetlands. With migration in full swing, there should be plenty of birds along the way!
• 1-2pm Botany Walk: Explore the lake's edge and get to know some of the beautiful members of this riparian woodland community.
• 10-2pm Little Sit: Want to enjoy the park from one spot? Explore the area around the Boat House with our naturalists; you’ll find more than you think!
• 10:30-11am and 12-12:30pm Kid's Little Sit: Perfect for young naturalists, take a close-up look at a forest understory for creepy-crawlies, "fun-guys", and more!

Access Features

• Surface/Terrain: Paved trails from parking lots around lakes. *Bird walk is on grass and dirt paths.
• Public Bathrooms: Bathroom trailer and an ADA accessible porta potty at Boat House. FDR Park welcome center near Pattison Ave and Ashburn Fields near the skate park.
• Hydration: Two water stations at Boat House.
• Parking: Located at 1500 Pattison Ave Philadelphia, PA 19145. You can enter park through either entrance off Pattison Ave. Park in the parking lot in front of the Boat House, follow signage to lot.
• Public Transportation: Pattison Ave/NRG station Broad St. Line; 4 and 17 bus lines.
• Weather: If it is actively raining, we will cancel the event by 8am that morning.

Download the FDR Route Map

This event is a part of The City Nature Challenge.

Washington Square & Independence Square

Monday, April 27, 2026
Noon-2 p.m.

For this special two-hour Monday outing, we will meet at noon at the Washington Square entrance located at 7th and Walnut Streets, or you can plug this location into your map (39.947820, -75.152588). We will take our time around the park and over to Independence Square, all the way to Carpenters’ Hall, making observations via iNaturalist for the City Nature Challenge and exploring wild plants, insects, birds, mammals, fungi, and other biodiversity.

Access Features

• Surface/Terrain: The park surface is composed of sidewalk, brick pathways, looser brick sections and grassy areas. The area is level with no elevations or slopes.
• Public Bathroom: As there are no public bathrooms in the park, it is recommended that you use the bathroom before arrival, or use the bathroom at Independence Branch Free Library at 18 S 7th St.
• The area is shady and offers ample benches.
• Parking: Street parking is available.
• Public Transportation: Bus Routes 21, 42
• Weather: If it is actively raining, we will postpone or cancel the event. Please check our Facebook event listing by 11 a.m. on event day to confirm. 

This event is a part of The City Nature Challenge.

Discovery Center at East Park Reservoir

April 30, 2026
Noon-1 p.m.

For this one-hour outing, we will meet at the parking lot of the Discovery Center at 3401 Reservoir Drive, or you can plug this location into your map (39.98197397151752, -75.1915637320782). This location features an indoor space excellent for viewing ducks and other waterfowl on the reservoir.

Access Features

• Surface/Terrain: The paved walkway up to the entrance is ADA accessible. The trail is wide and grass covered, with a section of mulch at the beginning of the trail and a somewhat steep entrance. The trail is flat otherwise, but there may be tree roots and other natural items on the path. The water walk has a lip of 1 to 2 inches from the ground to the dock ramp and one step.
• Public Bathrooms and water fountains located inside the center.
• The area features an indoor heated space and trail that hugs the reservoir.
• Parking: The parking lot is gravel, with two van accessible parking spots.
• Public Transportation: Route 32 Bus: 33rd St. and Oxford St. (4 minute walk; 0.2 miles); Route 3 Bus: 33rd St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave. (5 minute walk; 0.3 miles)
• Weather: If it is actively raining, we will postpone or cancel the event. Please check our Facebook event listing by 11 a.m. on event day to confirm.