eco trips

Join retreat leader, Leslie Porreca, RSM, to find beauty in all things through the lens of contemplative ecology.  When: Friday, March 8, 2019, 7 p.m. to Sunday, March 10, 2019, 11 a.m. Presenter: Leslie Porreca, RSM Cost: $185 (includes lodging and meals)...

Take a walk across the famous Ben Franklin Bridge, once the longest suspension bridge in the world. Take in stunning views from far above the Delaware River while learning the fascinating and little-known history of the structure. Meet us at...

Take a unique nature walk along a historic corridor in West Philly. Discover artifacts of the famous 1876 Centennial Exposition and learn the little-known history of water in West Fairmount Park. Hikers will also walk through the park’s horticultural center...

Take a walk along Philadelphia’s famous waterfront and discover its historic secrets with a local expert. This walking tour will trace Philadelphia’s old waterfront, uncovering the Wood Street Steps, old Dock Creek, remnants of Water Street, the I-95 intrusion, and...

Embark on a unique urban pier exploration with an ecological perspective. Explore beautifully renovated piers (including one designed by your tour guide, Scott Quitel) and discover spontaneous urban ecosystems. Learn about piers as peninsulas and the “railroad on the river.”...

Experience the Wissahickon Valley Park springing to life and hike some mildly rigorous trails under the guidance of a local environmental expert. Discover Cresheim Creek, Devils Pool, Shakespeare Rock, the gravity sewer, a lively frog pond, and a cave! Dress...

Over the past few weeks I was very fortunate to enjoy a blissful vacation in Hawaii. I fell in love with surfing, the unbelievably fresh local food and the incredible landscape. The combination of the crystal aquamarine ocean and the huge, expansive mountains was in a word, gorgeous. We visited Maui, Kauai, and Waikiki - and enjoyed a bit of a different experience on each island. I was so excited to take advantage of the terrain in our first stop, Maui, I immediately booked a hike through the rain forest. Equipped with backpacks filled with water, lunch and bug spray our friendly tour guide led us to wilderness. I anticipated it would be interesting but I had no idea that we'd learn so much. Here's some of the learning and findings from our Hawaiian rain forest experience...