Winter is the perfect time to cozy up and learn more about nature. Whether you are looking for gift ideas for the nature lover in your life, a downtime-friendly book for this winter, or have a specific nature-related research question, you’ll want to read this list of book recommendations from our Heritage Conservancy staff! These […]
Warblers are a celebrated group of birds, and for good reason. They’re beautiful, they’re very diverse, and they’re temporary – warblers are among the many types of birds that only hang around temperate regions for short periods of time. Here in the northeast, warblers show up in spring, around the same time that insects become […]
These swamp rose mallows were photographed in bloom at Heritage Conservancy’s Aldie Mansion. Whether you are starting a new garden, expanding an existing one, or filling in a bald spot, many gardeners find themselves in need of beautiful plants that will fill a large area quickly. When selecting aggressive, fast-growing plants, going native is crucial. […]
Aldie Mansion, Heritage Conservancy’s headquarters, bathed in autumn leaves. Some of us welcome the fall season with open arms, while others dread the onset of shorter days and frigid weather. However, I believe that both camps can appreciate just how beautiful our landscapes become each autumn. A seemingly uniform blanket of green transforms into a […]
Heritage Conservancy worked with Williams Township and the Oleksa family to protect critical forested wetland habitat in the township’s scenic Stouts Valley. A new conservation easement, held by Heritage Conservancy and co-held by Williams Township, permanently protects this 22-acre property, situated in the forested headwaters of Fry’s Run, a PA DEP-designated High Quality-Cold Water Fishery […]
Appreciating the Familiar In the spring of 2019, I studied abroad in Madagascar, an island where people live with some of the world’s most unique species. One of those incredible animals is the Panther Chameleon. This chameleon is endemic to northern/northeastern Madagascar and they absolutely thrive there. Seeing one of these large reptiles in the […]
Heritage Conservancy recently placed a conservation easement on a 24.59-acre property located along Cabin Run Creek in Plumstead Township, Bucks County. The property features lowland forest, meadow, and approximately 1,000 feet of Cabin Run Creek that provide food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and […]
Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus). Moths are one of the many forgotten but ever-important insect groups that we have. Their more apparent and charismatic kin, the butterflies, seem to garner somewhat lopsided attention and appreciation, as do bees, ladybugs, lightning bugs, and praying mantises. Many of our moths aren’t particularly eye-catching, and most are active at […]
Right now, if you look out the nearest window, I bet you can see a lawn. Or at the very least, you can walk a short distance to find one. As of 2005, NASA Earth Observatory estimated that the US has about 31.6 million acres of lawn across the country’s vastly different climate and soil […]
As spring fades into summer, many of us are busy in our gardens. While you are tending yours, why not consider using native plants? Most are resilient and easy to care for, and they are uniquely qualified to support local wildlife and host pollinators while adding beauty to your landscape. Here is a list of […]