Mike Weilbacher is the executive director of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in Philadelphia, the region's largest and oldest nature center. An environmental educator with 40 years of experience teaching through nature walks, lectures, newspaper essays, theatrical performances, and radio. Since 1988, he has appeared as "Mike the All-Natural Science Guy" on an award-winning live children's radio show, talking to children about nature and the environment. Mike has been a keynote speaker at state and national education conferences, speaking before groups like the National Science Teachers Association, the Pennsylvania Association for Environmental Educators, the National Association of Interpretation, and the Association of Nature Center Administrators.

Brief Description:
"In the tradition of Wild LA comes Wild Philadelphia, a celebration of the surprisingly rich natural history of Philadelphia and surrounding areas. It is a unique guide to the region written by a naturalist with more than 40 years of experience writing and teaching about nature, mostly in Philadelphia. Today, the world's fastest animal strafes pigeons from City Hall in the exact center of the city, bald eagles nest only a stone's throw from the international airport, and a Serengeti of American toads crosses a Roxborough street on the first warm rainy night of every spring. Stunningly colorful warblers perch in a compact forest in a packed city neighborhood where every Spring, masses of birders migrate to excitedly watch them. Coyotes are beginning to find their way into Philadelphia, and if an occasional bear wanders into the city from New Jersey or the Poconos, as one did in 2019, don't be too surprised"--

Publisher Marketing:
A vibrant, family-friendly guide to the unexpected nature found in and around Philadelphia.

Philadelphia may seem like a concrete jungle, but in reality, it's full of amazing wildlife. You just need to know where to find it! Equal parts natural history, field guide, and trip planner,Wild Phillyhas something for everyone. This handy yet extensive guide looks at the factors that shape local nature and profiles over 100 local species, from beautiful flowers and towering trees to majestic birds and surprising city-dwellers like coyotes and red foxes. Also included are descriptions of day trips that help you explore natural wonders on hiking trails, in public parks, and in your own backyard.