Next week at the Conservancy: February programs and spring highlights
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Dear ,
Thank you to everyone who has already registered for upcoming programs and to those who joined us for the Conservancy’s Annual Meeting on February 3. We’re grateful for your continued engagement as we spring into a full and active season of public programming.
Below is a look atmost of our Spring 2026 public programs, with special highlights on our February offerings, both virtual. As the season continues to unfold, more announcements will be budding soon, including a members-only program in May, a special Discovering program in June, and another Ask the Experts session later this spring.
A reminder that when you register for Conservancy programs, you’ll receive access to the program recording. For low-cost programs such as Discovering, recordings are shared only with registered attendees. Recordings of our free Ask the Experts programs are made publicly available on the Conservancy’s YouTube channel; however, only registered attendees receive handouts and additional materials.
Photo by James McNabb.
Discovering: Pastorius Park
A Century of Design, Stewardship, and Renewal
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 Virtual, via Zoom | 7:00–8:30 PM Registration: $20 for Conservancy members | $25 for non-members Advance registration required. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants approximately one day prior.
This virtual lecture opens a two-part Discovering program focused on Pastorius Park, exploring a century of design, stewardship, and renewal.
Located in the heart of Chestnut Hill in Northwest Philadelphia, Pastorius Park reflects a long arc of civic vision, community advocacy, and evolving stewardship. The lecture is led by Rob Fleming, ASLA, landscape historian, and James McNabb, park steward, drawing on newly compiled research from their forthcoming Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) submission.
Using historic drawings, archival photographs, and contemporary documentation, the talk traces the park’s origins, its transformation under WPA designers, and decades of restoration and ecological renewal led by the Friends of Pastorius Park. The program concludes with Q&A.
The Discovering series is one of the Conservancy’s signature public programs, spotlighting the region’s architecture, history, and natural landscapes through lectures and tours. Conservancy members receive discounted registration.
John B. Ward & Co., Arborists, serves as the 2026 Discovering Event Sponsor, and Laurel Hill Gardens serves as the Supporting Sponsor.
Ask the Experts: Preservation and Conservation in Philadelphia
Understanding and Navigating Tools for Community Advocacy
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Virtual, via Zoom | 7:00–8:30 PM Registration: Free; advance registration required.
This free virtual program provides a clear, high-level overview of the legal and planning tools that shape zoning, historic preservation, and environmental conservation in Philadelphia.
The session will be led by David Gest, Esq., Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, with presentations from Kim Chantry, Historic Preservation Planner Supervisor at the Philadelphia Historical Commission, and Meg Cavanagh, Environmental Planner at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. The program concludes with a moderated Q&A led by Jean McCoubrey, AIA, architect and Conservancy board member.
The program is intended for a broad audience and applies citywide, with a contextual focus on Northwest Philadelphia.
Ask the Experts provides free expert advice on key issues related to historic homes, collections, and landscape care. The Conservancy organizes this free public education series in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.
Thursday, March 12, 2026 Virtual, via Zoom | 7:00–8:30 PM Presented by Amy Lambert Registration: $20 for Conservancy and docomomo Greater Philadelphia members | $25 for non-members Co-presented with docomomo Greater Philadelphia
From Trains to Utopia: Uncovering Chestnut Hill’s 19th-Century Charm
Saturday, April 11, 2026 In-person walking tour | 2:00–4:00 PM Led by George McNeely, architectural historian and Our Town columnist Registration: $20 for Conservancy members | $25 for non-members
Saturday, May 9, 2026 In-person walking tour | 2:00–4:00 PM Led by Rob Fleming, ASLA, and James McNabb Registration: $20 for Conservancy members | $25 for non-members
Additional spring programs will be announced soon, including a members-only program in May, a special Discovering program in June, and another Ask the Experts session later this spring.
Members receive benefits such as discounts to our Discovering series, complimentary research in the archives, and exclusive opportunities. Contact Development Manager Ashley Maass at Ashley@CHConservancy.Org or 215-247-9329, ext. 202, if you would like to learn more about your membership.
Support the Conservancy bydonatingtoday! Your support helps the Conservancy fulfill its mission to preserve historic architecture, conserve open landscapes, and share the rich history of Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed through inclusive public engagement and education.
Are you interested in sponsoring the Conservancy in 2026?
Learn more about your opportunities by contacting the Conservancy's Development Manager,Ashley Maass, to discuss your options.
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