Crow's Nest Preserve

Are you a staff member or volunteer of a conservation group or organization? Attend the We Conserve PA Conference for networking and learning opportunities! Over 25 hours of training in land protection, stewardship, technology, education, outreach, and more. Learn more and register online.

A short update on our progress removing hazard ash trees at Crow's Nest Preserve.

A beautiful essay from preserve manager Dan Barringer about stewardship at Natural Lands. "While we regard ourselves as experts in the field of land management, being expert in a complex field means also knowing that there is a lot we don’t understand, and so we are always striving to learn. Each member of our field staff brings unique interest, experience, and expertise, and so we have a lot to learn from each other. Each one of us is constantly reading, following the latest research, and sharing this information with colleagues both inside and outside our organization."

During this public health crisis, Natural Lands’ nature preserves remain open to the public. Wear a mask if you are unable to maintain a distance of six feet from individuals who are not members of your household. If the parking lot is full please visit at another time. All public facilities, including restrooms, are closed to the public until further notice. Thank you for your understanding.

Before you take to the trails this winter, here are some tips on what to wear, how to stay warm and how to thoroughly enjoy yourself hiking this winter.

This series of photos taken by staff member Steve Eisenhauer document the two-month period during which female owls lay and incubate eggs and rear the young until they fledge.

Last month the conservation world lost Dr. James Thorne, a gentleman and scientist who greatly aided the stewardship mission at Natural Lands and many other organizations.

Here's a great challenge for the year ahead: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

Things got really bad. Everyone was stressed and trapped indoors, said Sandy. But I looked online and saw the preserves were still open. What started out as just a fun way to get some exercise and see new places became a lifeline for the couple. It was an adventure that kept us busyand saneduring a scary time, she shared. Planning our next preserve visit was something to look forward to and something safe to do together."

The rescue and restoration of American chestnut stands as one of the most difficult, prolonged, and complex single-species conservation tasks ever attempted, said Kim Steiner, professor of forest biology at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and director of the University’s arboretum."

It is with considerable sadness that we are saying goodbye to Assistant Manager Aubrey Smith as she leaves Crow’s Nest to focus on family. Thank you for everything you've done for us!

We are now accepting applications for the Force of Nature class of 2021! This program teaches land stewardship techniques that are put into practice across Natural Lands nature preserves. Learn more about becoming a Force of Nature on our website.

Like Bryn Coed’s eagles and songbirds? You can help improve habitat! Complete the Wilson Challenge for Bryn Coed Preserve. Double your gift. Before December 31st. Do it for the preserve. natlands.org/bryncoedchallenge... Photo: Greg Grimshaw

Which species of feathered friends can you draw to a bird feeding during winter? Join Natural Lands’ staff member Debbie Beer for this online event to find out, and participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count!

Tykee James, one of the organizers of Black Birders Week and government affairs coordinator for National Audubon societyand Philadelphia nativewill share how and why this movement came about, lessons learned in 2020, and what he sees for the future.

Looking forward to a year of birding, hiking, exploring, and caring for nature. Photo: Jim Moffett

A birds eye view of winter from Crow's Nest Preserve. https://natlands.org/crows-nest-snow-scenes/

On the shortest day and through the longest night, we wish all of you a happy winter solstice. Photo: Adam Hribar

We're cleaning up around the play area here at Crow's Nest Preserve. Thank you to Octoraro Native Plant Nursery for their generous donation of plants so that we can beautify the area where our youngest visitors play!