About us
The Valley Forge Audubon Society (VFAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society serving those residing in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Delaware and Chester Counties, and parts of Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. Our mission is to preserve birds, other wildlife, and their habitats by promoting appreciation and stewardship of the local natural environment through education and active participation. VFAS offers regular bird walks, hikes, events, and educational programs. Valley Forge Audubon Society is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the birding community and beyond. We are excited to bring the joys of birding – the fun of seeing or hearing birds, the social benefits of being part of a like-minded community, and the health and wellness benefits humans receive from spending time in nature – to “everyone and every body”, regardless of someone’s physical, mental, emotional, or societal challenges. Long-time birders, ‘fledgling’ birders, able-bodied birders, and those with disabilities and health concerns are all welcome at VFAS’s programs.
We offer a number of outings that are accessible for those with various access challenges and/or health concerns.
Upcoming events
19
Birding at Chanticleer Garden (Registration Required)
Chanticleer Gardens, 768 Church Road, Wayne, PA, USDue to minimal parking, this event is limited to 25 people. Registration is required to reserve a parking space. Registration link:
https://buy.acmeticketing.com/events/583/detail/67c0afa2996b8358048fbc62?date=2026-05-30T00:00:00
Chanticleer is home to a remarkable diversity of plants, creating a vibrant ecosystem that provides essential food and nesting resources for migrating birds each spring. These varied species offer the perfect habitat for both birds that breed at Chanticleer and those passing through.
Join us for a guided walk through the garden and immerse yourself in the beauty, sights, and sounds of this seasonal migration. You’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of migratory and resident bird species while exploring the lush landscape of Chanticleer.
Bring binoculars if you have them, and wear sturdy walking shoes. Benches are available along the way for rest.
Meet at Chanticleer’s Entrance Circle.
The Chanticleer entrance fee is waived for this event.
If you register and then change your mind, please let Chanticleer knowLeaders: Pat and Tony Nastase (patnastase@gmail.com)
Chipping sparrow photo by Tony Nastase
25 attendees
Boating & Birding on the Schuylkill River
Ganshahawny Park - VFAS, 335 Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville, PA, USPLEASE NOTE: you will need to book in advance to reserve your spot
Join Valley Forge Audubon Society for a leisurely 4-mile group paddle on the Schuylkill River. As we float along we will look for a wide variety of birds who are utilizing the waterway and its adjacent areas for feeding, breeding, and resting, so we will take our time and see what we can spot along this beautiful, calm stretch of the Schuylkill.
Whether you need to rent a boat or are bringing your own watercraft and just need a shuttle, our partners at Take It Outdoors have you covered. We will meet at Ganshahawny Park near Douglassville at 8:30 am before being shuttled upriver to Union Meadows Park, where we will put in and float back down to our cars at Ganshahawny Park.
You can book your kayak rental or shuttle here: https://book.peek.com/s/a0558a25-b0c4-49c0-85b9-5f0729aa6da8/wqD8k
Photo credit: Patty Werth, taken on one of last year's floats on the Schuylkill River
19 attendees
Annual Spring Bird Count
Location not specified yetCalling all birders of all experience levels! Please help us by joining a team to participate in Valley Forge Audubon Society’s annual Spring Bird Count on Saturday, June 6th as we survey breeding birds for this important community science project. If you have never done this before, training will be provided! Please register with Vince Smith by June 4th at larusvs34@gmail.com or 484-410-1157, or contact Vince with any questions.
How it works: Volunteers of all experience levels are assigned to teams, and surveys are conducted at predetermined locations within a 15-mile diameter circle centered in Audubon, PA. Beginning birders will be paired with those with more experience, making this a great opportunity for those new to birding to improve their identification skills and contribute to avian research and conservation.
The Spring Bird Count takes place each year on the first Saturday in June, and unlike the Christmas Bird Count which monitors the population of wintering birds in our area, the SBC is held during breeding season. The data generated from both surveys can be used to estimate changes in populations of species and direct bird conservation efforts. But there is an additional difference between the two bird counts: this one is held in warm weather, so if you've been thinking about participating, now is the perfect time.
VFAS thanks you in advance for your help with this important and long-running survey. We can't do it without volunteers.
Various locations and times up until noon
Photo credit: Pileated Woodpecker feeding nestlings by Jaime Thomas
4 attendees
Past events
1067
Group links
Members
4,135
