What might be on a Christmas list for our wildlife, if they could come together to generate one? “Wildlife” is a very broad term, so wishes would likely vary. Pine martens might jot down “more trees please” while meadowlarks would request “fewer forests, more grasslands.” Even with that variability, there are some goods that I […]
This summer and fall, Heritage Conservancy planted more than 2,000 native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers across our preserves, and it took an entire community to make it happen. From restoration work to all-hands-on-deck staff days to dedicated volunteers and corporate partners, the past few months have been a testament to what we can accomplish together. […]
Above: Scouts of Troop 71 construct boardwalk at Jackson Pond Preserve. Troop 71 of Doylestown was busy this past summer! The local Boy Scout troop took on two major projects to serve its community: a new boardwalk at Heritage Conservancy’s Jackson Pond Preserve, and an information kiosk at Russell-Mandel Preserve. In completing these, the troop […]
As we embark on the season of turkey consumption, it’s a fun time to highlight what it is that wild turkeys are out there eating this time of year. Spoiler alert: it isn’t stuffing, casseroles, or morsels of their brethren. Rather, a wild turkey feast involves the fruits and seeds that native plants cook up. […]
In September, Heritage Conservancy welcomed members, sponsors, and supporters to our Russell-Mandel Preserve for a Pollinator Picnic Garden Party. This special event was to celebrate the impact of our community’s generosity and offered a unique opportunity to experience, firsthand, the preservation, stewardship, and education efforts that define our mission. As a living example of the […]
When hiking, I usually don’t set out to find a cool spider, but when I stumble upon them, it sure is a treat! Arachnids are a vital component of our local ecosystems and some of them are pretty neat to look at, too. Here are five such species I’ve come across in Southeastern Pennsylvania. A […]
Not all gardens have to have a cheery, bright aesthetic. If you prefer the macabre to the mainstream, here are five combinations of native plants to give your backyard a witchy, goth look. The Vision To achieve this look, I’m pulling plants for a few different reasons: Rich reds and purples – to darken your […]
The Story of the Russell-Mandel Preserve Nestled in the heart of Bucks County, the Russell-Mandel Preserve stands as a shining example of land conservation and preservation. This 55-acre preserve is a testament to the generosity of two longtime Heritage Conservancy supporters, Robert L. Russell and William Mandel. Their shared philanthropic vision has left a lasting […]
This summer, Heritage Conservancy welcomed five enthusiastic and dedicated interns to our organization: Caitlyn, Clara, Luca, Sophia, and Tatiana. Since May, they’ve been out in the field supporting our land management efforts like restoring habitats, managing invasive species, planting trees, and collecting data, all while deepening their understanding of what it takes to steward protected […]
Many invasive or non-native plants are widely recognized and avoided by landowners; Multiflora Rose, Japanese Barberry, and Mile-a-minute are common examples. Interestingly, there are still several other species that remain popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Some of that can be attributed to their beauty, but I’d argue that some of it simply stems from […]