Lasting Landscapes
Work continues to protect large swaths of contiguous natural land and habitat.
About Lasting Landscapes®
Under special grant funding, Lasting Landscapes was an initiative that provided a single preservation strategy. The project combined complementary natural and historic resources, established large and contiguous preserved areas, achieved preservation objectives within an area’s cultural heritage and regional context, and involved local communities.
The work continues today in this region, and we all benefit from the natural land and open space that was protected under this initiative. Heritage Conservancy and other organizations and municipalities continue to work in this extended region to protect these watersheds and natural areas.
The majority of the protected properties protected in this project are privately owned. Individually, these properties protect vital resources that benefit all of us; together, they protect the essence of a community. When you drive our area’s beautiful scenic routes, we hope you appreciate these special places and think about all of the compassionate people who helped make these permanent vistas possible.
The areas below continue to benefit from our conservation work:
Atlantic Coastal Plains
The Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve and Heritage Conservancy’s Croydon Woods Nature Preserve help to protect the Atlantic Coastal Plains Lasting Landscape.
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Stewardship of the Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve and Heritage Conservancy’s Croydon Woods Nature Preserve helps to protect the Atlantic Coastal Plains Lasting Landscape. Heritage Conservancy has been working as a local partner with The Nature Conservancy to promote the ecological restoration and stewardship of the Bristol Marsh, located in Bristol Borough in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The marsh lies along the main stem of the Delaware River and is a freshwater tidal marsh, a special type of wetland found in coastal areas but rare in Pennsylvania.
The marsh is a unique and important environmental resource. It’s an asset for this area and helps protect our riverfront from some of the impacts of flooding and stormwater pollution. Freshwater tidal marshes are rare and fragile ecosystems that support a wide variety of plants, birds, and animals. The plants help filter water before it enters the Delaware River and help minimize floodwater and stream erosion. According to The Nature Conservancy, Bristol Marsh is one of the best remaining examples of this natural community in Pennsylvania.
Public access to the marsh is available. The Marsh is next to Bristol Borough Riverfront Park. It is also at the end of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor trail, which follows both watered and filled portions of the Delaware Canal. Northeast of the Marsh is the Bristol Historic District, the Spurline Trail, and the Silver Lake Nature Center. The marsh is definitely worth a visit!
Bushkill Creek Watershed
This watershed spans 80 square miles of Northampton County, stretching from Blue Mountain to the Delaware River in Easton, PA.
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The Bushkill Creek Watershed encompasses 80 square miles of Northampton County, PA, stretching from Blue Mountain to the Delaware River in Easton, PA. Groundwater recharge along the wooded slopes of Blue Mountain provides a critical source of high-quality water for the headwaters of the Bushkill Creek.
Most of the upper half of the basin is located in shale and slate geology, and is dominated by woodlands, agriculture, and low-density residential development. The wooded areas generally follow the streams forming “greenways” from Blue Mountain to Jacobsburg State Park. These riparian corridors absorb rainfall and runoff, keep the streams shaded and cool, and provide important habitat for flora and fauna.
Cooks Creek Watershed
The Cooks Creek Watershed encompasses 30.5 square miles and supports naturally reproducing trout. Heritage Conservancy has facilitated the preservation of nearly 4,000 acres in this watershed.
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The Cooks Creek Watershed encompasses 30.5 square miles and supports naturally reproducing trout. Heritage Conservancy has facilitated the preservation of nearly 4,000 acres in this watershed.
It has been listed as a first priority site in the Bucks County Natural Areas Inventory (NAI) and has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as the only viable coldwater fishery in Bucks County.
The watershed is composed of steep forested ridges and deep spring-fed ravines. Its wide fertile limestone valley contains prime farmland, which is still in production. A vital ecosystem, Cooks Creek is an important agricultural resource in Pennsylvania. Heritage Conservancy’s Fuller-Pursell Nature Preserve (an Ambassador Property) is located in the Cooks Creek Watershed.
Forks of the Neshanimy
This watershed is approximately 5,600 acres and is recognized in the Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County as an area containing significant natural features that are important for protection.
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The Forks of the Neshaminy is named because of the narrow, winding stream valleys formed by the juncture of the Neshaminy and Little Neshaminy Creeks. This watershed is approximately 5,600 acres and was recently recognized in the Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County as an area containing significant natural features, which should receive priority for protection.
This region is also made up of a group of farms united by Neshaminy Creek. Due to topography, they form a visually distinct area that still reflects the region’s agricultural heritage.
Pidcock Creek Watershed
The 8000-acre Pidcock Creek Watershed features steep wooded hillsides, rolling agricultural fields, and streams.
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Pidcock Creek is a small tributary of the Delaware River, which serves as an important source of drinking water for Camden and Philadelphia.
The 8000-acre Pidcock Creek Watershed features steep wooded hillsides, rolling agricultural fields, and streams. Among the many natural treasures located in the Pidcock Creek Watershed is Bownman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, with its native plant nursery and bird observatory. The watershed is also an important Bird Area with 59 recorded species, including 11 rare breeds.
Route 113 Heritage Corridor
Reflecting the historic towns, rolling hills, and green lands of its past, this area is under pressure from advancing suburbanization.
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Spanning more than 30 miles and crossing the counties of Bucks and Montgomery in Pennsylvania, the Route 113 Corridor began as a transportation and cultural link to the Germanic farming communities surrounding Philadelphia from the Delaware River to the Schuylkill River.
Reflecting the historic towns, rolling hills and green lands of its past, this important arterial roadway is increasingly under significant pressure from advancing suburbanization. It is important for preservation.
