Welkinweir

and wild turkeys. The large, clam-like shells you may find near the dam are mussel shells, brought up from the bottom of the pond by the beavers.

Want to get your holiday on? Consider visiting Welkinweir this Saturday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. for the annual holiday Open House. The historic estate house will be alive with candlelight and decorated with natural materials, some including whimsical animal figures. There will be hors d’oeuvres and beverages, and the rare, 1920s Skinner organ will pipe out holiday tunes. Come enjoy this festive time, meet GVA and Welkinweir staff, and learn more about the beautiful grounds and GVA’s work for the environment. There is no admission fee for the open house, though donations are requested. You might also consider becoming a Welkinweir member. That’s a gift to you and the environment that will keep on giving.

Part of the Hopewell Big Woods, Welkinweir is located at 1368 Prizer Road, East Nantmeal Township, PA, near Pottstown. For more information, visit www.welkinweir.org. For information on Green Valleys Association, go to www.greenvalleys.org.

Note: Last week I wrote about The Faerie Handbook. I am ready to part with my copy. If you would like it, please send me an email or letter telling me about your interest in fairies and if you have a fairy garden or house. Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Share your gardening stories on Facebook at “Chester County Roots.” And check out Pam’s new book for children and families: Big Life Lessons from Nature’s Little Secrets. Available at amazon.com.

PHOTO BY PAMELA BAXTER A window display is seen at Welkinweir.