Visit our Preserves
Hart’s Woods Nature Preserve
Located in Doylestown, Hart’s Woods Nature Preserve is Heritage Conservancy’s oldest preserved property.
About Hart’s Woods Nature Preserve
This 20-acre preserve was designated by the Old Growth Forest Network as one of the oldest forests in Bucks County, and it still exists today. The loop trail on this property takes you past towering beech trees, vibrant wetlands, and a small stream. Though small, Hart’s Woods Preserve supports an abundant array of plant and animal life.
Visitor Info
Parking: Doylestown Township has added guardrails for a new biking path along New Britain Road, which fronts Hart‘s Woods. Hart’s Woods visitors should use the parking lot for Central Park, New Britain, and walk the .26 miles along the bike trail to get to the trailhead.
The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.
Important to Know
- Hart’s Woods Nature Preserve is closed to all motorized vehicles.
- ATV use is strictly prohibited. (They are a safety hazard for people, animals, and plants.)
- Pets are welcome but must remain on leash at all times.
- There are no public bathrooms or water fountains at the preserve. Be sure to pack a water bottle!
- There are no trash cans at the preserve. Please do not litter.
- Our deer management program is in effect for tightly restricted bow hunting, mid-September through January. For your safety: Stay on marked trails. Pets must be leashed at all times. Wear brightly colored clothing.
Amenities and Special Features
There is a sign along the trail that mentions the native plants and wildlife found at the preserve as well as the history of how it was protected.
There are two benches along the trail as well as a small stream crossing with stepping logs.
Exploring Hart’s Woods Nature Preserve
Hart’s Woods Trail (Blue) - 0.4 miles
This loop trail is about 0.4 miles and winds through the mature forest out to the creek and back to the parking area. The path is dirt with lots of protruding roots and is well shaded throughout. There are inclines throughout, the steepest being 15° as well as a 13° brief dip at the very beginning of the trail from the parking area.
The Story of Hart’s Woods
Hart’s Woods Preserve was named in honor of George M. Hart, who gifted the land to Heritage Conservancy in 1958. The parcel was originally purchased in 1906 by Mr. Hart’s grandfather, who recognized the need to preserve our natural resources. His intent in purchasing the property was to protect the mature woodland from being logged. The land was safe for decades until plans to construct the Route 611 and Route 202 interchange would have repositioned New Britain Road, with the road cutting directly into the parcel.
Had it not been for the forward-looking support of Mr. Hart, local residents, and environmental advocates, the original proposed route would have destroyed approximately 6 acres of woodlands. Because a group of concerned citizens joined together to protect this special place, we all continue to enjoy it today.
Some of the trees in this forest are believed to be 300 years old! In 2019, Hart’s Woods was identified and included in the Old Growth Forest Network, the national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests.
Wildlife in Hart’s Woods
As an old-growth forest, Hart’s Woods has been growing for a long time and been protected as the area around it developed.
The forest floor is uneven due to years and years of trees falling and decomposing, creating acres of mounds and pits. Old growth forests normally have a wider range of tree age, size, and species, enabling a vast network of species to develop and thrive, creating an area rich in biodiversity.
Hart’s Woods’ old growth forest is severely degraded by white tailed deer. There is a lack of regeneration in the oldest sections, so we have planted and protected seedlings along with deer management to ensure this forest continues into the future.
Animals
Common animals you may see here include foxes, squirrels, and deer. There are many different bird species that like the area, including different woodpecker species, warblers, cardinals and bluejays. If you’re lucky, you may even see a Great Horned Owl known to nest on the property.
There are many insect populations in Hart’s Woods, important for breaking down leaf litter, providing food for animals, and pollinating flowering plants. Always remember to check for ticks after a walk in nature.
Plant Life
As a mature Eastern hardwood forest, you will mostly find massive oak and American beech trees in Hart’s woods with younger red maples and tulip poplars. A small stream runs through the preserve, so you will find some wetland plants along portions of the trail such as skunk cabbage. Beech drops, a unique parasitic flower, can be found in abundance under the mature beech trees throughout the preserve.
Although they are not plants, you can also find an abundance of fungi in Hart’s Woods growing on trees and out of the ground.
Community Engagement at Hart’s Woods
With support from local community members, Heritage Conservancy continues to monitor and maintain this natural treasure. The public trail on the preserve was cleared with volunteer assistance to encourage our community to connect with nature on a preserved property.
Since 2019, Heritage Conservancy has worked with volunteers to plant hundreds of native trees and shrubs along the creek side to support a healthy riparian buffer which stabilizes eroding streambanks, absorbs excess water runoff, and cools the water, making it a healthier stream that is more hospitable to aquatic organisms. Heritage Conservancy runs periodic events on the property to engage and educate the community.
