Green Hills Preserve

"Oaks support more life-forms than any other North American tree genus, providing food, protection or both for birds to bears, as well as countless insects and spiders, among the enormous diversity of species."

Seidel Hill is a powerful, visible reminder of how important open spaces are to us all, Oliver Bass, Natural Lands president, said in a news release. Under the Bureau of Forestry’s care, generations of Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to explore its woods and enjoy the countless benefits of time spent in nature.

Green Hills Preserve. Photo: Jim Moffett

If you're hiking through one of our preserves in the next few weeks, you may see a burned field that seems to end precisely at the trail. That is the result of a prescribed burn, a technique we use to manage the landscape that mimics the process for creating and maintaining meadows. We've been using this process for about 27 years to care for nature and the results are seen in summer blooms, butterflies, and the ground nesting birds who make their homes at our preserves. This post from 2016 takes you inside a prescribed burn at Crow's Nest Preserve.

As you cross the Schuylkill River traveling west on route 422 from Reading toward Pottstown, PA, two stunning landmarks rise above the horizon to the south: Gibraltar Hill and Seidel Hill. The first of these was conserved by Natural Lands in 2014. The second mountain, the 103-acre Seidel Hill, was just preserved at the end of February. Natural Lands purchased the land and transferred it to the PA Bureau of Forestry. Learn more about this conservation success story on the Natural Lands website.

Due to the snowy weather, the preserve is closed today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday) to allow our staff to clear parking lots. Thank you for your understanding.

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!

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. Thank you.

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.

This past summer, our land stewardship staff completed the largest restoration project in Crow's Nest Preserve's history. It started with a nudge from Mother Nature.

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."

We'll take a cup of kindness yet with all our trusty friends, new and old. Photo: Adam Hribar

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.

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

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.

We’re not in the business of acquiring land to save the buildings, but we can save buildings to service the land, said Longenecker. I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to work on this exciting project which restores and adapts a significant historical structure, preserves a piece of Chester County’s past, and serves the Natural Lands mission.