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 […]
In one of this summer’s most ambitious and rewarding projects, our Stewardship Department and summer interns transformed a 15-acre former cornfield at our Lindsay Farm Preserve in Warwick into a native pollinator meadow, our largest and most diverse seeding to date. A Legacy Landscape Lindsay Farm Preserve, owned and protected by Heritage Conservancy since 1987, […]
The monarchs need our help, and you can help by planting milkweed and other wildflowers that provide the necessary food and nectar for these species. Monarchs Are Under Threat The monarch butterfly population has decreased by 90% in the past 20 years! This beautiful pollinator is now at risk of endangered status under the Endangered […]
On a perfect summer evening beneath a blue June sky, guests gathered at the picturesque Russell-Mandel Preserve to celebrate and support Heritage Conservancy’s mission. Our annual Farm to Table fundraiser offered not just a beautiful view, but an opportunity to experience the impact of preservation that their generosity makes possible. Thanks to our supporters, this […]
Tree identification can be an intimidating pursuit. The path of least resistance involves keeping vague that blanket of green that provides us with shade in the summer. I took that path for longer than I wish I had. What I’ve come to realize is that tree ID is a lifelong pursuit, and the sooner you […]
With spring, we’re welcoming back a whole suite of birds that haven’t been around since early fall. While you’re out and about, keep an eye (and ear) out for the return of some of our most charismatic birds. Cuckoos Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus): You’ll find two species of cuckoo here in Pennsylvania, the yellow-billed cuckoo […]
Thanks to the work of Dr. Doug Tallamy and his lab of ecologists, oaks have become all the rage. Before the publication of his book, The Nature of Oaks, I knew I most enjoyed wandering through oak-dominated forests, but after I read his research, I understood why. When it comes to attracting and supporting biodiversity […]
Happy Women’s History Month! To celebrate the occasion, we have collected reading recommendations from some of Heritage Conservancy’s staff members, who enjoy reading about history and ecology. From historical fiction to outdoor inspiration, here are a few volumes to add to your reading list. Wild Girls: How the Outdoors Shaped the Women Who Challenged a […]