Pennsylvania is home to an amazing array of bird diversity. As of 2024, over 430 species of birds have been reported from the Keystone state – a fair portion of which are consistently encountered. Of those species, there are a handful who elicit a great deal of appreciation from outdoor enthusiasts. Some, like the Long-eared […]
Meet our CEO: Bill Kunze, an Environmental Leader in Pennsylvania
“We are nurturing the past, present, and future of our community,” says William (Bill) Kunze, CEO at Heritage Conservancy. “When we imagine what kind of world we want to live in, many of the features people would identify as being important in their communities are things the work of Heritage Conservancy will help ensure.” Bill […]
Nature in 100 Words or Less: Our Micro-Writing Contest Winners
The Community Outreach team at Heritage Conservancy recently challenged writers of all ages from Lower Bucks County to capture nature in 100 words or less. We received over 70 entries, compelling narratives, evocative poems, and thought-provoking prose that impressed our judges. We had so many entries, it was hard to choose just one from each […]
A Very Brief History of Southeastern PA’s Geology
4.6 billion years is a long story to tell within a human lifetime, let alone a single article, yet here I am trying to sum up PA’s place – southeastern PA in particular – in Earth’s history in roughly 2,000 words. Why? Because I’ve found that understanding our place in the world of rocks builds […]
The Thomas Ellicott House
Heritage Conservancy has recognized nearly 700 local properties in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, adding them to its Register of Historic Places. Among its newest “inductees” is the Thomas Ellicott House on Aquetong Road in Carversville, Solebury Township. The home is a notable, well-preserved example of vernacular architecture. This historic stone home has also been associated […]
Cheers to 35 Years: Chris Chandor’s Impact on Heritage Conservancy’s Work and Mission
From procedural improvements for the Board to his critical assistance in the saving of Aldie Mansion, Chris Chandor has contributed much to Heritage Conservancy in the last three and a half decades. He just celebrated his 35th year serving on our Board of Directors, and his skills, energy, and time have helped shape the organization […]
Pawpaw: A Big Fruit in Need of Bigger Love
If you’ve never heard of the fruit and tree known as Pawpaw, you’re not alone, and if you have heard of it, chances are you’re a big fan. As the largest edible fruit native to North America, the Pawpaw has a lot to offer, but it has largely gone under-appreciated in recent years. Small Tree, […]
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
We gathered together at Aldie Mansion to celebrate our volunteers during our September 13th Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. “Our volunteers are the backbone of our work and help us provide for the community,” says Development Associate Melissa Lee. “We wanted to celebrate them and all they do for us!” We enjoyed delicious local food, drinks, and […]
Autumn’s Very Own: Meet the Witch Hazel
The basic strategy for plant life in temperate climates is to maximize above-ground activity during the spring and summer months when warmth, water, and light are plentiful. Yet there is one species of shrub common in Pennsylvania that deviates from that strategy in a major way. Now that it’s October, it feels appropriate to highlight […]
A wonderful ‘full circle’ feeling: A new land conservation easement preserves over 55 acres in Upper Bucks County
This month Heritage Conservancy has completed the preservation of a 55.6 acre property in Richland Township in Upper Bucks County. The Corn Property is adjacent to Heritage Conservancy’s 70-acre Quakertown Swamp Preserve, which is a DCNR-designated Native Plant Sanctuary. With its rare and endangered plant species, this property adds to the sanctuary. It also provides […]