Natural Lands

Steve Eisenhauer, our Regional Director Protection and Land Stewardship, recently sent us this photo of a nesting Kestrel from a box he maintains. She looks surprised but I imagine we'd all be caught off guard if someone lifted the roof off our house and took a peek inside.

When your parking lot is this pretty you know you're in for a treat. Dogwood and golden groundsel bringing beauty to the parking lot at Stoneleigh: a natural garden. Photo: David Korbonits

We think about our work as community building, Dan adds. Our work on the preserves focuses on plant and animal communities and their interaction. Our engagement work looks at the impact of the organization on human communities. And, of course, we recognize the interconnectedness of our supporters the value they derive from our conservation work and how they give back to further it."

Want to go the extra mile during trek-a-thon? Get out and give back by fundraising along the way. Collect pledges per mile, or any fixed donation amount, while helping us care for nature and the trails you love.

Here’s the harsh truth: Planting non-native plants like butterfly bush in your yard actually makes it harder for the butterflies and birds in your neighborhood to survive. People who say butterfly bush doesn’t move around are in the denial stage, Tallamy says. Butterfly bush just doesn’t stay where we plant it. https://natlands.org/why-you-should-never-plant-a-butterfl/

Thanks to the incredible volunteers who came out to care for nature at Gwynedd Preserve this spring. Want to join in and do your part to care for a place that cleans our water and gives us fresh air? Come out to our next volunteer day on May 16th: https://natlands.org/event/volunteer-gwynedd-2021-0516/ Photos: Helen MacMahon

The Natural Lands shop is open! More than just cute t-shirts and tumblers, our merch says to the world that you care about conservation. And that you support Natural Lands. https://natural-lands.myshopify.com

A great reminder from our friends at Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources!

It's okay: don't spray! Brood X, the 17 year cicadas, are here and while their numbers might surprise you, there is no need to reach for the pesticide. Brood X won't hurt you but killing them with chemicals can make birds and other wildlife that eat them sick. Check out our blog for more info about how cicadas help wildlife: https://natlands.org/natures-flying-hotdog/ Thanks to Joseph Shenk for the great photos of these gentle creatures at Green Hills Preserve.

Natural Lands invites you to join Outdoor Afro in an outdoor reflection in commemoration of Juneteenth and share your thoughts with them. The question we ask ourselves is: What does freedom mean to me in America? Learn more and register at the link below.

Is it just us or does this fox kit look like they are about to go out there, live their dream, and become a star. We're with you, little kit. You bring the dreams and we'll bring the habitat. Photo: Ed Daily

Natural Lands is pleased to announce the permanent protection of two properties in East Coventry Township, Chester County, totaling 39 acres. In addition to preserving the rural viewshed, conservation of these properties protects the water quality of Pigeon Creek and, by extension, the Delaware River Watershed that provides drinking water to 15 million people.

This moment of nature is brought to you by the sky of scales above Crow's Nest Preserve. Photo: Dan Barringer

Today's moment of nature comes from the January sunrise from the hill at ChesLen Preserve in Chester County. Thank you to Don Baldo for sharing this winter beauty with us!

A red fox pounces in the snow at Willisbrook Preserve. Video by Emma Schad.

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.

Today's moment of nature comes from the sunrise at the top of the hill at Bryn Coed Preserve . Thanks to visitor Jen Lavin for sharing a light in the darkness with us.

Congratulations to Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Brandywine Conservancy, and the Oxford Area Foundation on this fantastic open space achievement!

In some ways, crown shyness is the arboreal version of social distancing, says Meg Lowman, a forest canopy biologist and director of the TREE Foundation. The minute you start keeping plants from physically touching each other, you can increase productivity, she says. That’s the beauty of isolation The tree is really safeguarding its own health.

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!

Chestnut blight kills the above-ground portion of the tree, but the root system can survive to form new shoots that reach about 15 feet tall before being killed by the fungus. Some trees are able to produce nuts before they die, offering hope to scientists and chestnut enthusiasts who are determined to restore the sequoia of the East.

To get the computers to really understand the egg masses and recognize them, we’re looking for help from citizens to send us pictures from egg masses before they are destroyed, Verderame said.

It takes just a few minutes outside to unwind, feel connected and renewed. And it only takes a moment to pitch in for the open space upon which we depend. Please donate now to support your local preserve and all it gives to you. natlands.org/givetotrails

Right now at Crow’s Nest!

Ever marvel at a giant leaf, like this Tulip Poplar leaf at Green Hills Preserve? You may be looking at a shade leaf! Shade leaves are leaves that grow in darker places on the tree and are generally larger than other leaves with thinner skin. Sun leaves tend to be smaller and thicker. Large and thin or small and thick, both types grow to absorb the most sunlight that they can.

Interested in receiving a steady stream of retirement income while making a charitable donation at the same time? A Charitable Gift Annuity may be the answerlearn more on our website: http://ow.ly/IoJZ50CC4vO Photo: Eric Loken

Steps we can take together? Hiking for the natural lands of tomorrow. Venture out to a Natural Lands property and donate by November 1. Every gift helps care for all of your natural lands. natlands.org/givetotrails P.S. Take a selfie when you hit the trail to lend a helping hand. Share with us at #givetotrails.

Hike to give. Donate now during Giving Trails Week. natlands.org/givetotrails

"Artist Phoenixville resident Alexander Jensen transformed a borough utility box, at the corner of Jackson and Hall streets. He painted a Southern Chester County meadow, inspired by the preserves of Binky Lee, Bryn Coed, Willisbrook and Sharp’s Woods preserves."

Care adds up. We’re inviting all who visit a Natural Lands property to donate by November 1. Together, let's ensure these beloved places remain healthy and accessible year after year. natlands.org/givetotrails

In need of some inspiration to lace up your boots and go the extra mile during Giving Trails Week? Check out these Crow's Nest hikes, curated by Natural Lands staff. http://ow.ly/wlvF50BYIPo

"The members of the Church of the Loving Shepherd recognize that their property has important value to the community. The property is also a critical historical resource, providing safe public access to Osborne Hill, where General Howe directed the final British assault during the Battle of Brandywine." (Thanks, The Daily Local News!) http://ow.ly/Fp3z50C516u

It’s amazing how much adventure is literally right out your front door.

Access to nature is more meaningful than ever. It might be easy to forget that our preserves come with a cost to maintain. They depend on people like you for care and protection. Donate now to take part in our special week of giving. natlands.org/givetotrails

Thank you to Karen (karendelraso on Insta) for sharing this cute Eastern Box Turtle creeping along the trail at Willisbrook Preserve. While these turtles may be cute, it's important not to handle them or take them home if you find them on the trail. Wild turtles don’t adjust well to captivity, and many of these captured critters die from the stress. If you love these cute critters, do them a favor and leave them on our nature preserve where they can live their best lives in the wild. Help us give wildlife a habitat when you become a member of Natural Lands. https://natlands.org/join

What does it look like when the region's oldest and largest land conservation organization and Philadelphia’s Premier Contemporary Ballet Company collaborate?

Natural Lands announced today the permanent protection of nearly 10 acres of land along the fast-developing Route 202 corridor in Westtown Township, Chester County. Owned by the Church of the Loving Shepherd, the property was once the site of the 1777 Battle of Brandywine. Now preserved by a conservation easement held by Natural Lands, the land will never be developed.

With people visiting our properties like never before, our need to offset unanticipated costs grows daily. Will you go the extra mile with a donation during Giving Trails Week? These beloved properties depend on you. natlands.org/givetotrails

Go the extra mile during Giving Trails Week. Donate now. natlands.org/givetotrails