Two native species of the turtle variety that are often found around or within wetlands. Wetlands come in a variety of types. Some are found along the coast, such as tidal marshes, while others can be found isolated along mountain ranges, such as vernal pools. Pennsylvania is rich with a variety of wetland types, along […]
A sleepy Great Horned Owl, normally hidden, stands out quite easily on a leafless branch. Winter has arrived, and for many, this means that time spent outside will more or less cease to exist. Frigid conditions don’t compare well to the warmth and comfort of the indoors. Yet, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss […]
Monarch butterflies were added to the endangered species list this year due to their rapidly declining populations. MONARCH BUTTERFLIES One of the most famous butterfly species, the Monarch butterfly, is not just known for its iconic orange and black coloration but also their unique life history. These butterflies make some of the most spectacular migrations […]
Your support is key to ensuring the completion of the 22 active land conservation projects, totaling 1,200 acres (that’s the size of Central Park in NYC)! CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THIS EFFORT Since 1958, Heritage Conservancy has worked to protect more than 16,000 acres of the most beautiful and important lands in our region. […]
Pollinator meadows are great, but what other horticultural options are available for saving the bees? THE PROMPTING QUESTION Earlier this spring, the owner of some forestland with an emerald ash borer problem asked me, “I really care about saving the bees, so how can I manage my forest for bees and other pollinators?” That question […]
Croydon Woods Preserve is just a short walk from Keystone Elementary, and nature is an incredible resource for learning and wellness. Our event aimed to collaborate with the teachers and show them how to utilize the woods as a resource to supplement their in-class learning and engage students. Since we can’t be there every day […]
Heritage Conservancy and Fairmount WaterWorks are excited to launch their Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Nature Guide for teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, and peers interested in providing nature-related activities. The guide consists of thirteen activities, handouts, tools, and resources designed to use children’s experiences in nature as a doorway to encourage and support SEL in and […]
Have you ever wondered about the mushrooms you come across locally? Are they poisonous? What value do they provide to us? To our environment? Which mushrooms can you eat? On Sunday, October 9th, Heritage Conservancy hosted its Fall Mushroom Hike at Hart’s Woods Nature Preserve––a mature forest that was inducted into the nationwide Old Growth […]
In honor of National Public Lands Day, we gathered together on Saturday, September 24th, to help clean Bristol Marsh: an important freshwater tidal marsh. Volunteers could choose to join crews removing trash from the marsh banks and trails or join DCNR guides with kayaks for a cleanup of the river and marsh. The more waste […]
Marbled Salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) are enigmatic amphibians who belong to the Ambystomatidae family, more commonly known as the “mole salamander” family. INTRO It’s plausible to assume that when most people think of autumn, pumpkins, colorful leaves, and costumes come to mind. But for amphibian enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic, the fall season marks the peak activity […]