XX EXPLORE: Places to see by county…

Enjoy EXPLORE-ing these wonderful places. Check them out by county or location.

PENNSYLVANIA:

BERKS County:

BUCKS County:

  • Neshaminy State Park : Bensalem, PA
    “…borders the Delaware River, measuring 339 acres in size…Within the Park, visitors can view the Delaware Estuary, observing the rise and fall of the river over the course of the day. As an estuary, the Park contains an interesting mix of freshwater and saltwater flora and fauna species. Within the Park lies the 71-acre tidal marsh natural area…”  (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 137).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Water in the Landscape (Unit 5) ; WATER ECOLOGY.
  • Nockamixon Cliffs Natural Area : Nockamixon Township, PA
    “…forms sheer north-facing cliffs that tower over 300 feet above the [Delaware] River. The shale cliffs are situated at a curve in the river, between Kintersville and Narrowsville…Due to their north-facing aspect, Nockamixon Cliffs receive little direct sunlight. This cool habitat supports an alpine-arctic plant community that is unusual to find this far south…Directly across the Delaware River, an opposite set of circumstances occurs, creating habitat for unusually arid plants.” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 44).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Rocks, Ice, and Dirt (Unit 2) ; GEOLOGY ; BOTANY.
  • Ringing Rocks State Park : Upper Black Eddy, PA
    “The 128 acre park is mostly wooded, but contains a 7-8 acre boulder field that in appearance looks like a dried up river bed. The boulders are made of diabase, with a very high concentration of iron and aluminium…they offer a unique quality when struck with a hammer or another rock. Many of the rocks…sound hollow when struck, making a ringing sound. Finally the park offers the largest waterfall in Bucks County”  (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 44).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Rocks, Ice, and Dirt (Unit 2) ; GEOLOGY.
  • River Islands, Delaware Canal State Park : Upper Black Eddy, PA
    “The River Islands are one of the two designated natural areas within Delaware Canal State Parks. The Islands lie within the Delaware River and are used as a safe stopover for birds migrating down this corridor…The Islands are composed of 4 islands and 2 island groups…these natural areas provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife and are extremely sensitive…”  (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 102).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Creatures of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Unit 4) ; ORNITHOLOGY ; ZOOLOGY ; WATER ECOLOGY.
  • Silver Lake Nature Center : Bristol, PA
    “…has 235 acres of natural lands with 4.5 miles of trails. Community types on the site include Coastal Plain woodlands, a lake, marshes, field, wet meadow, and in unglaciated bog…Protected within the park are several Pennsylvania species of special concern, including the Red-bullied Turtle, the Coastal Plain Leopard Frog, Maryland Meadow Beauties, Atlantic Blue-eyed Grass, Umbrella Magnolia, Sweetbay Magnolia and American Holly.”  (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 174).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Forests, Fields, and Meadows: Upland Communities (Unit 6) ; BOTANY ; HERPETOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.

CHESTER County:

  • Bucktoe Creek Preserve : Kennett Square, PA
    “…is a 297 acre privately owned natural area…The preserve is managed to enhance biodiversity and promote sound ecological stewardship through forest, meadow, and wetland restoration…to provide a stable location for long term environmental monitoring and ecological research, a refuge for threatened flora and fauna… The preserve is composed of a variety of habitats, each with its own set of flora and fauna.”  (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 77).
    Visitation to Bucktoe Creek Preserve is by appointment or enrollment in one of their programs.
    UNIT/SUBJECT: We’re All Connected: Ecology and the Circle of Life (Unit 3) ; BOTANY ; ECOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS
  • Hopewell Big Woods : Southeast of Pottstown, PA.
    The Hopewell Woods are the last large, unbroken forest left in southeastern Pennsylvania. Encircles French Creek State Park and the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. 73,000 acres (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 9).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Introduction (Unit 1) ; FOREST ECOLOGY.
  • Longwood Gardens : Kennett Square, PA
    “Started in 1906, Longwood Gardens is a horticultural showplace. The gardens cover 1,077 acres of land, including gardens, woodlands, and natural meadows. Longwoods offers twenty outdoor gardens, including an Idea Garden…” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 175).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Forests, Fields, and Meadows: Upland Communities (Unit 6) ; BOTANY ; DENDROLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.
  • Marsh Creek State Park : Downingtown, PA
    “…the diverse and protective habitats of Marsh Creek State Park provide a retreat for many wildlife species. The 1,727-acre park includes Marsh Creek and 525-acre Marsh Creek Lake, which is a wonderful resource for migrating waterfowl… Spring and fall migrations are a great time to visit the park and see a variety of waterfowl species including snow geese that stop over…” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 101).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Creatures of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Unit 4) ; ORNITHOLOGY.

LANCASTER County:

  • Lancaster County Conservancy
    The Conservancy protects over 45 natural land preserves throughout Lancaster County and a few in nearby counties with more land added each year. (From: Lancaster County Conservancy’s Home Page)
    Click here for a list and map of theConservancy’s preserves.
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Forests, Fields, and Meadows: Upland Communities (Unit 6) ; BOTANY ; DENDROLOGY ; WATER ECOLOGY ; ORNITHOLOGY ; ZOOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.
  • Lower Susquehanna River Valley —  Susquehannock State Park
    “In Pennsylvania, the river is bordered by steep, wooded hillsides with rich glens and surrounding landscape of farmland. Geese, ducks, and swans can be seen on the river…especially during migration in February and March.Late October and November are good times to observe waterfowl as well. The Lower Susquehanna is also a great place to observe a variety of birds…It is also the best place to regularly find Bald Eagles…Herons, egrets, and gulls are very common in the area.” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 100).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Creatures of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Unit 4) ; ORNITHOLOGY.

MONTGOMERY County:

  • John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove : Audubon, PA
    “From 1803-1806 Mill Grove, a National Historic Landmark, served as the first home in America of artist and naturalist John James Audubon. Today, the Center exhibits and interprets a large collection of Audubon’s art, including his highly celebrated Birds of America – 435 life-sized images of birds…175-acre estate nestled along the Perkiomen Creek…” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 8).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Introduction (Unit 1) ; ORNITHOLOGY  ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM ; ART.
  • Militia Hill Hawk Watch at Fort Washington State Park : Fort Washington State Park : Fort Washington, PA
    “Each fall, thousands of migrating raptors begin their journey southward. Since 1990, a hawk watch has been held at Militia Hill in Fort Washington State Park to record their passage. All 16 species of eastern raptors have been recorded at this location. Season numbers of raptors vary from 4,000 – 12,000. The annual Militia Hill Hawk Watch runs from September 1st through October 31st….Militia Hill is also a good place to see migrating Monarchs in the fall and migrating Warblers in the spring.” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 101).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Creatures of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Unit 4) ; ORNITHOLOGY ; ENTOMOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.

PHILADELPHIA County and region:

  • Bel Arbor Community Garden 
    “The Bel Arbor Community Garden, a one-quarter acre reclaimed vacant lot, provides a green mecca in the heart of South Philly. It consists of 25 individual garden plots, a small orchard area, perennial grasses and wildflower meadow, and a woods/thicket area” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 200).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: City Living: Urban Ecology (Unit. 7) ; URBAN ECOLOGY ; BOTANY.
  • City of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
    “In addition to providing opportunities for recreation, activities, and appreciation of history, art, and culture, Philadelphia City Parks provide places an emphasis on environmental restoration, stewardship, and education. “(From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 199).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: City Living: Urban Ecology (Unit 7) ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.
  • Delaware Riverfront Greenway
    “To promote cross-river connections and communication and to preserve and enhance the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the lower Delaware River in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.” (From: Our Mission page).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: City Living: Urban Ecology (Unit 7) ; WATER ECOLOGY.
  • Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center
    ” The mission of the Fairmount Water Works (FWW)  is to foster stewardship of our shared water resources by encouraging informed decisions about the use of land and water. We educate citizens about Philadelphia’s urban watershed – its past, present and future – and collaborate with partners to instil an appreciation for the connections between daily life and the natural environment.” (From: About us page).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Water in the Landscape (Unit 5) ; WATER ECOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.
  • John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum : Near the Philadelphia International Airport
    “John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum is America’s First Urban Refuge and was established in 1972 for the purpose of preserving, restoring, and developing the natural area known as Tinicum Marsh, to promote environmental education, and to afford visitors an opportunity to study wildlife in its natural habitat.” (From: About the Refuge page).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Creatures of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Unit 4) ;  URBAN ECOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.
  • Morris Arboretum
    The mission of  the “Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is a historic public garden and educational institution. It promotes an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through programs that integrate science, art and the humanities.” (From: Mission & Vision page).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Forests, Fields, and Meadows: Upland Communities (Unit 6) ; BOTANY ; DENDROLGOY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.
  • Philadelphia Zoo
    “In 1859, Philadelphia became home to America’s first zoo.  Now celebrating over 150 years of innovation and achievement, Philadelphia Zoo is a key part of our region’s life and culture, a compelling living classroom, and a conservation leader.” (From: Overview page).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Communicating Your Message (Unit 8) ; ZOOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.
  • Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education : Northwest Philadelphia, PA.
    “Founded in 1965, the Schuylkill Center is one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country, with 340 acres of fields, forests, ponds, and streams in northwest Philadelphia.” (From: About The Schuylkill Center page).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: We’re All Connected: Ecology band the Circle of Life (Unit 3) ; URBAN ECOLOGY.
  • Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area 
    “With the 128-mile Schuylkill River as its spine, our Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area is alive with a remarkable diversity of historic, recreational and cultural attractions.” (From Home page).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Water in the Landscape (Unit 5) ; WATER ECOLOGY.
  • Wissahickon Gorge : Northwest Philadelphia, PA.
    “The Wissahickon Gorge rises up from the Atlantic coastal plain…spanning a length of seven miles and an area of 1,400 acres… these rocks are metamorphic, formed from mud and sand deposits.” (From: Friends of the Wissahickon).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Rocks, Ice, and Dirt (Unit 2) ; GEOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.

YORK County:

  • Lower Susquehanna River Valley —  Susquehannock State Park
    “In Pennsylvania, the river is bordered by steep, wooded hillsides with rich glens and surrounding landscape of farmland. Geese, ducks, and swans can be seen on the river…especially during migration in February and March.Late October and November are good times to observe waterfowl as well. The Lower Susquehanna is also a great place to observe a variety of birds…It is also the best place to regularly find Bald Eagles…Herons, egrets, and gulls are very common in the area.” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 100).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Creatures of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Unit 4) ; ORNITHOLOGY.

STATEWIDE:

  • Pennsylvania State Parks (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) : This is the home page for Pennsylvania State Parks. There are about 120 state parks in Pennsylvania covering approximately 300,000 acres to explore and enjoy. (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 225).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Communicating Your Message (Unit 8) ; ORNITHOLOGY ; BOTANY : GEOLOGY  ; DENDROLOGY  ; ZOOLOGY ; WATER ECOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.

OUT-OF-STATE:

DELAWARE:

  • Abbott’s Mill Nature Center : Milford, DE
    “…run by the Delaware Nature Society. It offers a 6-acre Cedar Bog Preserve and other tracts of preserved land totaling over 70 acres of land. It is part of the 313-acre Milford Millponds Nature Preserve…The nature Center houses live native amphibians and reptiles and taxidermy displays of mammals, waterfowl, and raptors. A unique feature is their participation in the annual Slaughter Beach Horseshoe Crab spawning survey.” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 76).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: We’re All Connected: Ecology band the Circle of Life (Unit 3) ; HERPETOLOGY ; ORNITHOLOGY ; ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS.

MARYLAND:

  • Lower Susquehanna River Valley —  Susquehannock State Park
    “In Pennsylvania, the river is bordered by steep, wooded hillsides with rich glens and surrounding landscape of farmland. Geese, ducks, and swans can be seen on the river…especially during migration in February and March.Late October and November are good times to observe waterfowl as well. The Lower Susquehanna is also a great place to observe a variety of birds…It is also the best place to regularly find Bald Eagles…Herons, egrets, and gulls are very common in the area.” (From: PA Master Naturalist Volunteer Handbook, p. 100).
    UNIT/SUBJECT: Creatures of Southeastern Pennsylvania (Unit 4) ; ORNITHOLOGY.

Created: May 2018 (GK) / Updated: May 2018 (GK)

 

 

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