News & Events

Name That Tree: Five PA Trees to Identify by Bark Alone

honey locust tree trunk to identify by spiney bark alone

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 […]

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New Historic Preservation Easement: Bristol Train Station

In May, Heritage Conservancy finalized a Historic Preservation Easement on the Historic Bristol Train Station. Our staff worked closely with a local community organization, Bristol Historic Preservation, Inc. (BHP), to protect this local landmark.  Bristol Borough assumed ownership of the historic structure and will be responsible for its upkeep. “It is a great example to […]

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Newly Preserved: The 55-Acre Staff Property in Bucks County

In May, Heritage Conservancy completed a conservation easement to protect the 55-acre Staff property in Springfield Township, Bucks County. This land is part of a larger 175-acre farm, Kirkland Farm, where 120 acres were preserved last year with a Bucks County agricultural easement. This newly protected plot is located within the Cooks Creek Conservation Landscape […]

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Remembering the Historic Aldie Mansion Bur Oak, circa 1750 – 2025

Long before Heritage Conservancy existed, and well before the Mercers crafted their legendary landmark homes in Doylestown, a special tree took root.  For close to 300 years, this Bur Oak grew on a plot of land in Doylestown that went on to host William and Martha Mercer and the Aldie Mansion home and gardens they […]

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Meet Beth Beans Gilbert, Local Business Leader and Supporter

“We are committed to giving back to local organizations, such as the Heritage Conservancy, with the understanding that any investment in our community has ongoing returns, whether through increased economic stability, environmental preservation, cultural vibrancy or empowered community members,” say Beth Beans Gilbert, Vice President of the Fred Beans Automotive Group. Heritage Conservancy is once […]

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A Guide to Spring Birds in Pennsylvania

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 […]

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Business Partners Reception: Celebrating Partnership and Impact

On April 17, Heritage Conservancy hosted business leaders from across the region for a special evening of connection, awards, and celebration at our annual Business Partners Reception at Aldie Mansion. Attendees enjoyed a festive happy hour featuring drinks and hors d’oeuvres by Jeffrey A. Miller Catering while celebrating the community impact their support makes possible.  […]

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Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy Fawley is Preserving Bucks County History, One Scan at a Time

Heritage Conservancy Volunteer Nancy Fawley

For the past three years, volunteer Nancy Fawley has played a vital role at Heritage Conservancy by preserving and digitizing Historic Resource Surveys — documents mostly from the 1980s and 1990s that include photos and descriptions of historic properties in Bucks County. Preserving Bucks County’s Historic Properties These records provide insights into the architectural and […]

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An Oak for Any Scenario: A Guide to Native Oak Trees in Pennsylvania

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 […]

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