On the first Sunday of December, in the shadow of our 16-foot-tall Christmas tree, over 150 people joined us for our 35th annual Christmas at Aldie celebration. It was a magical night of carols, cocktails, and convivial company, celebrating and supporting the mission of Heritage Conservancy in high style. Adorned with gilded hallways and sparkling […]
Chimney Swifts: A Species in Decline
A chimney swift darts over a pond in Prospect Park in NYC. Photo by Ryan Mandelbaum. Introduction The US Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) published its State of the Birds 2022 report last fall. Among its key findings is a list of birds whose populations have fallen by half between 1970–2019, […]
BioBlitz Results Released in New Documentary
Photo by Kara Foran. This past spring, Heritage Conservancy hosted a BioBlitz event at our Croydon Woods Nature Preserve. This 24-hour biological survey was a huge success as staff, biologists, and community scientists identified hundreds of species that utilize the preserve. To conduct the surveys, professionals and community scientists used multiple traps and visual encounter […]
Fridays in the Forest Workday: Fuller-Pursell Preserve
Project: Due to the loss of the ash tree as a functional member of the forest, large gaps have been created in the canopy; due to the severe deer pressure and quick spread of invasive species, native seedlings need our protection. Join us at our Fuller-Pursell Preserve as we seek native, naturally-regenerating seedlings to either […]
Heritage Conservancy’s Farm to Table Fundraiser Nets Over $85,000
Our Russell-Mandel Preserve at sunset, as a hot air balloon passes above the celebration. Photo by JP De Guzman. On a perfect July evening, 200 people joined us for our annual Farm to Table fundraiser. This unique celebration included a delicious, locally-sourced menu prepared by Jamie Hollander Catering & Events, beautiful views of our Russell-Mandel […]
Fridays in the Forest Workday: Buckingham Mountain
Project: Invasive species threaten our native plants by crowding them out and outcompeting them for resources. They also have the added benefit of being unencumbered by diseases, parasites, and herbivores. Join us as we work to remove them from around our native plants to give them the space they need to thrive. Work level: Easy […]
Find These Three Mushrooms of Summer
We’ve reached the depths of summer, as evidenced by intense waves of heat and humidity. Solace from our powerful sun awaits beneath the shade of trees, and lucky for us, interesting organisms exist there too. Mushrooms occupy the forest floors throughout the year, but in late summer – and even more so in early fall […]
Fridays in the Forest Workday: Fuller-Pursell Preserve
Project: Due to the loss of the ash tree as a functional member of the forest, large gaps have been created in the canopy; due to the severe deer pressure and quick spread of invasive species, native seedlings need our protection. Join us at our Fuller-Pursell Preserve as we seek native, naturally-regenerating seedlings to either […]
Fridays in the Forest Workday: Russell-Mandel Preserve
Project: With Farm to Table tomorrow, help us to put the final touches on the gardens and landscaping at our Russell-Mandel Preserve. Weeding, pruning, and sprucing up the mulch are the order for the day. Work level: Easy Tools: Garden tools Register: Register with Melissa Lee at mlee@heritageconservancy.org or 215-345-7020 x 120 Special thanks to Marv […]
Fridays in the Forest Workday: Buckingham Mountain
Project: Invasive species threaten our native plants by crowding them out and outcompeting them for resources. They also have the added benefit of being unencumbered by diseases, parasites, and herbivores. Join us as we work to remove them from around our native plants to give them the space they need to thrive. Work level: Easy […]