Nature's Best Hope Is You!
A Local Community Action Project
led by Main Line Unitarian Church
From March through May 2025, MLUC focuses on easing the biodiversity crisis through local action, celebrating the interconnected web of life. This three-month project aims to educate, empower, and enrich, exploring how simple steps can create a richer, more vibrant environment.
Members, friends, and interfaith community collaborators of MLUC (listed below), in conjunction with sponsors Homegrown National Park, Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light, and Darby Creek Valley Association, embark upon a regional project to help restore natural habitat and biodiversity.
Programs are free, unless otherwise noted, and open to all.
Members, friends, and interfaith community collaborators of MLUC (listed below), in conjunction with sponsors Homegrown National Park, Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light, and Darby Creek Valley Association, embark upon a regional project to help restore natural habitat and biodiversity.
Programs are free, unless otherwise noted, and open to all.
COMMUNITY READ
Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy
Local professor and renowned author Douglas W. Tallamy outlines his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation. His message: each of us can make a difference, together.
Half-price books are on sale in the MLUC Atrium after Sunday services, while supplies last. Books are also available online, in bookstores, and in libraries.
Half-price books are on sale in the MLUC Atrium after Sunday services, while supplies last. Books are also available online, in bookstores, and in libraries.
UPCOMING EVENTS
PA Plants Native Tree Tagging Project
Thursday, April 24, 9 am to Noon
Schuylkill Nature Center
PA Plants Native! is a program of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. To date, PA Plants Native has distributed more than 150,000 trees across the state. On Thursday, volunteers will assist with moving and tagging native trees delivered to the Schuylkill Nature Center, an important step on their way to cool off and green up neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Signups coming soon!
Schuylkill Nature Center
PA Plants Native! is a program of Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. To date, PA Plants Native has distributed more than 150,000 trees across the state. On Thursday, volunteers will assist with moving and tagging native trees delivered to the Schuylkill Nature Center, an important step on their way to cool off and green up neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Signups coming soon!
Saturday, April 26
1–5 p.m.
FREE
Join a fun-filled gathering for nature-lovers of all ages—featuring gardening experts, native plant sales, family activities, and environmental education in a festive atmosphere. Discover what sustainable gardening is—and what role you can play to make a positive difference. Enjoy short demonstrations, talks, music, exercises for gardeners, plant-based bites, art, and activities celebrating our planet and pathways to a greener future.
1–5 p.m.
FREE
Join a fun-filled gathering for nature-lovers of all ages—featuring gardening experts, native plant sales, family activities, and environmental education in a festive atmosphere. Discover what sustainable gardening is—and what role you can play to make a positive difference. Enjoy short demonstrations, talks, music, exercises for gardeners, plant-based bites, art, and activities celebrating our planet and pathways to a greener future.
Past Events
Lecture Lunch: My Little Corner of the Homegrown National Park
with Mike Piccioni
Wednesday, March 12
11:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Mike Piccioni, member of the Biodiversity Project at MLUC, shares a personal story: his ongoing efforts to create a more wildlife and pollinator friendly yard. He shares some tips on how to create a native plant rain garden. Enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch ($10 donation per person), fellowship, and time for questions and answers. RSVP by clicking here.
11:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Mike Piccioni, member of the Biodiversity Project at MLUC, shares a personal story: his ongoing efforts to create a more wildlife and pollinator friendly yard. He shares some tips on how to create a native plant rain garden. Enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch ($10 donation per person), fellowship, and time for questions and answers. RSVP by clicking here.
with garden designer Michelle Detwiler
Sunday, March 16
11:30 a.m–1 p.m.
Join us for an enlightening session with native garden designer and wildlife advocate, Michelle Detwiler. Discover practical advice on making your outdoor space safe and welcoming for birds, fireflies, moths, and other wildlife. Learn how communities can support bird migration and pollinator survival across neighborhoods through the Pollinator Pathway. This presentation will offer simple tips to enhance local habitats, integrate your landscape with the natural world, and experience the joy of vibrant, living gardens.
11:30 a.m–1 p.m.
Join us for an enlightening session with native garden designer and wildlife advocate, Michelle Detwiler. Discover practical advice on making your outdoor space safe and welcoming for birds, fireflies, moths, and other wildlife. Learn how communities can support bird migration and pollinator survival across neighborhoods through the Pollinator Pathway. This presentation will offer simple tips to enhance local habitats, integrate your landscape with the natural world, and experience the joy of vibrant, living gardens.
Sunday, March 23
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn about the Homegrown National Park initiative through a short video, and then join in the discussion about the initiative and the related MLUC All-Church Read: Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. In his best-selling book, Douglas W. Tallamy, professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, shares his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation—a vision where every person can make a difference. Half-price books on sale at MLUC while supplies last!
11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Learn about the Homegrown National Park initiative through a short video, and then join in the discussion about the initiative and the related MLUC All-Church Read: Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. In his best-selling book, Douglas W. Tallamy, professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, shares his vision for a grassroots approach to conservation—a vision where every person can make a difference. Half-price books on sale at MLUC while supplies last!
More Events to Come in May!
Native garden tours, community clean ups/plantings, more!
Help Our by Volunteering
Volunteers make our events—and the Biodiversity Project—a success. Click HERE to see what volunteer needs we have—and sign up if you can help out!
Other Resources and Events in Our Community
Other local organizations are also holding events focused on biodiversity during March–May 2025. Click below for additional resources and event information.
Have an Idea or a Question?
Email us environmentaljustice@mluc.org.
Read the Press Release
Co-Sponsors
Where We Are Located