Some foes in the plant world are well known and side-eyed by the masses. Multiflora Rose, Japanese Barberry, and Mile-a-minute are a few that come to mind. Yet, there are a handful of invasive and/or non-native species that you should avoid. Not only do they evade negative press, but they also remain popular amongst plant […]
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 […]
Are you hoping to attract more pollinators to your land? When it comes to supporting pollinators, there are three plant families that deserve a shout out. Asters, Mints, and Legumes are similar in many ways, but they differ considerably in how they support pollinators. It’s important to understand family’s nutritional offerings. Here are a few […]
Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to three native magnolia species? These ancient flowering plants are known for their large flowers that originally evolved before most of the pollinating insects we see today. Umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala) starting to flower at Croydon Woods Nature Preserve Heritage Conservancy owns and manages Croydon Woods Nature Preserve, […]