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 […]
We are so grateful to everyone that could join us at Garden Party this year! It was an absolute pleasure to see attendees’ smiling faces back at Aldie Mansion and to celebrate a united commitment to preservation efforts. Garden Party is Heritage Conservancy’s annual opportunity to thank donors for their support throughout the year and for all […]
On Saturday, June 4, 2022, four scouts plus two little siblings from the Cub Scout Pack 133 Bear Den in Chalfont, PA conducted a stream survey at Hart’s Woods Nature Preserve. The group found giant water scavenger beetles, which are predaceous on aquatic species, including mosquito larvae. They also found a variety of aquatic species including water striders, a northern two-lined […]
Garlic mustard plants can grow up to three feet tall and be identified by their heart-shaped leaves with scalloped edges and clusters of small, four-petal white flowers. INTRO Springtime on the East Coast brings an abundance of garlic mustard plants. Whether on the side of the road, on the edge of a crop field, or […]
Monday, April 11th, was an exciting day at our Quakertown Swamp Preserve! 25 second and third grade students from Quakertown United Friends School, along with 10 parents and 2 teachers, joined staff and volunteers on a habitat exploration. Laughter and smiles were abundant as students and parents trekked through the mud and splashed through the […]
The next edition of our “Why Heritage Conservancy?” series features President Bill Kunze. When asked what prompted Bill to apply for a position at Heritage Conservancy, he recalled his early memories of falling in love with nature through birds as a child. Later, in college and graduate school, Bill studied history. To this day, he […]
Shown: Little brown bat (endangered species). One helpful action that can be taken to support this species is adding a bat box to your property, which encourages them to return for years to come! INTRO Our region is home to many threatened and endangered species, which means that we all have a responsibility to help […]
It’s that time of year again – the days are getting longer, and the ground is thawing, meaning it is time for hibernating amphibians to wake up from their slumber and begin migrating to their breeding sites. On warm, rainy evenings in early spring, a mass migration of frogs, toads, and salamanders can be observed […]
In February, Heritage Conservancy staff guided groups of second, fourth, and fifth grade students from Keystone Elementary School into our Croydon Woods Nature Preserve for a mindfulness walk as a part of our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Program. Students learned that mindfulness can help one be present in the moment and calm our busy […]
INTRO Eastern Milksnakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) are among the most misunderstood snake species we have in Pennsylvania. Because they bear a slight resemblance to the venomous (but also misunderstood) Northern Copperhead, they’re often senselessly persecuted by people. The truth is, not only are Eastern Milksnakes completely harmless, they actually make pretty decent neighbors. Let’s take […]
