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 […]
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 Warminster 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 […]