During the time of Covid pandemic, it was not possible to travel to field sites in Arizona and New Mexico, but the time back east provided an opportunity to explore some exceptional natural lands close to home in SE Pennsylvania alongside an August visit to north central Vermont.
Pennsylvania’s rich natural resources are studied and documented by many organizations and agencies, including the coordinated efforts of the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program.
Here are some reviews and images of
Of particular relevance to the field observations made this spring and summer, I want to hold up a few habitats, preserves and natural lands of special value and significance including:
Hildacy Preserve (Natural Lands)
Okehocking Preserve (Willistown Parks and Recreation)
Bryn Coed Preserve (Natural Lands)
Thomas P. Bentley Preserve (French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust)
Crow’s Nest Preserve (Natural Lands)
as well as Valley Forge National Park (US Nat’l Park Service)
Ridley Creek State Park (Pennsylvania DCNR)
White Clay Creek Preserve (Pennsylvania DCNR)
Some small places very close to Friends’ Central Campus
FCS Nature Study area west of the track (trail entrance next to bleachers)
The Grange Estate and adjacent woodland
West Branch Indian Creek in Morris Park
Flat Rock Park Dam and Fish Ladder