Explore The Discovery Center

Find a Hidden Gem in the City

The Discovery Center offers a unique experience to explore the outdoors and learn about the birds and environment of Philadelphia. From the native pollinator gardens to our floating classroom experience alongside the Strawberry Mansion Reservoir, there is always something to do or see at The Discovery Center. Our ¾ mile trail is flat, easy to navigate, and offers multiple opportunities to see the trees, flowers, birds (more than 200 species have been spotted here), and wildlife that make The Discovery Center their home. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are available to help you make the most of your visit. Guests can learn about upcoming programs and activities, read about the history of the site and the birds that call it home, sign up for workshops, and find out what feathered friends have been seen recently on the property. Binoculars, bird-guides, and historical information are always available, free of charge. 

School & Youth Programs

Through agreements with North Philadelphia schools and youth groups, Audubon offers unique, hands-on environmental education experiences specifically tailored to their students that challenge them with real-world science and conservation.

• Floating Classroom: Students engage in aquatic ecology studies on the reservoir, exploring water chemistry, micro-organisms, and the importance of the Delaware River Watershed.
• Habitat Conservation: Youth learn about native plants, participate in community science projects, and understand the role of the reservoir as a critical stopover for over 160 species of migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway.
• Outdoor Classrooms: Utilize the accessible trail and native gardens for experiential learning that connects classroom science directly to the vibrant ecosystem in their own neighborhood.

These programs are only available through pre-registration with participating schools and organizations.

Public Programs & Community Engagement

The Discovery Center welcomes neighbors, families, and visitors to explore this beautiful urban oasis with a variety of free public activities:

• Guided Bird & Nature Walks: Join knowledgeable staff and volunteers for tours of the reservoir to spot diverse bird species. Binoculars and guides are available to borrow for free!
• Community Science Workshops: Participate in hands-on activities like bird and butterfly counts, water quality monitoring and macroinvertebrate sampling, contributing valuable data for conservation management.
• Family-Friendly Events: Attend interactive workshops on topics like native gardening, nature journaling, and habitat stewardship to foster a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

Audubon at The Discovery Center is committed to inspiring new stewards of the earth and making high-quality nature education a resource for the entire North Philadelphia community.