The sweetbay magnolia's flowers attract pollinators in spring and its fruits feed birds in fall.

Native magnolia species support a large diversity of wildlife with their large flowers that provide resources for pollinators and red fruits that are consumed by birds before they migrate south for the winter.

Heritage Conservancy's Croydon Woods Nature Preserve is home to two of Pennsylvania’s three native magnolia species. The umbrella magnolia and sweetbay magnolia are threatened in the state of Pennsylvania, but Senior Conservation Biologist Tyler Kovacs is at work on a plan to bring them back. 

Read more about this stewardship work.

From historical fiction to an environmental classic, these books will keep you reading.

Happy Women’s History Month! To celebrate the occasion, we have collected reading recommendations from some of Heritage Conservancy’s staff members, who enjoy reading about history and ecology. From historical fiction to outdoor inspiration, here are a few volumes to add to your reading list.

Have you read any of these?

2024 was a year of growing impact for local students and community programs.

Heritage Conservancy's Education and Community Programs team finished 2024 strong, and their impact continues into 2025. In total, their initiatives reached almost 6,000 people in our community this year. This includes nature-based programs and events, community festival participation, outreach with partner organizations, and education programs that reached into the classrooms of multiple schools throughout Bucks County.

Read all about it.

The Obedient Plant, part of the mint family, is a stunner in the garden.

Are you hoping to attract more pollinators to your land? When it comes to supporting pollination, there are three plant families that you should check out.

Asters, mints, and legumes are similar in many ways, but they differ considerably in how they support pollinators. It’s important to understand each family’s nutritional offerings and plan for a mix of pollinators in your garden.

Here are a few popular species from each family that work well in gardens. 

Jeff Nicholas (right) has many plans and ideas for his tenure as Heritage Conservancy's Board Chair.

At the beginning of 2025, Jeff Nicholas became the new Chair of Heritage Conservancy's Board of Directors. "I want to empower the staff to ramp up and accelerate our land preservation efforts," he says.

"I hope to expand our education programs with the goal of developing young people’s appreciation for our natural world." He would also like to expand partnerships with the state, county, and townships, along with other local land preservation groups and institutions like Delaware Valley University.

Read more about Jeff and his vision.

“Fridays in the Forest” with Heritage Conservancy has been a retirement dream come true. Working to help the environment, spending time in the woods, learning from experts like Tyler and Jim, and developing friendships with fellow conservationists — what more could I want? Opportunities to participate in community science projects, whether counting bats or searching for macro-invertebrates, are a welcome bonus. I’m delighted to have Heritage as part of my life." – Kathleen Davis, volunteer

See the events below for opportunities to learn more about volunteering.

Thank you to the following Platinum Business Leaders for supporting Heritage Conservancy's mission and making accomplishments possible through their generosity:

And to the following Business Partners for their new and renewed support:

Begley, Carlin & Mandio, LLP

Kenderdine's Heating Oil & HVAC

PEC and Aqua Pennsylvania

Peddler's Village Association

Penn Color, Inc.

Warren Weiss Insurance Agency, Inc.

Volunteer Information Session

Thursday, March 27, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Want to learn about volunteer opportunities that Heritage Conservancy has to offer? Volunteers support our conservation mission with hands-on work — on our nature preserves, at Aldie Mansion, and elsewhere. Join us to learn about the land and places we protect and how you can get involved.

Learn more...

Aldie Spring Garden Cleanup

Tuesday, April 1, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Help prepare the grounds at Aldie Mansion for the upcoming events season. We will work to clear out the gardens and get them ready for mulching. Your work helps maintain this historic property and the event rentals that help fund our mission!

Learn more and sign up...

Kindness Rocks

Friday, April 11, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Transform rocks into vibrant canvases of joy as we paint uplifting messages and whimsical designs! Your creations will adorn Croydon Woods, providing a pleasant experience for all to enjoy. This event is perfect for all ages.

Learn more and sign up...

Mulch Madness

Tuesday, April 15, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Grab your work gloves and join us at Aldie Mansion. With your help, we will spread over 50 yards of mulch throughout Aldie’s beautiful gardens.

Mulching the gardens prepares us for the busy spring and summer season.

Learn more and sign up...

Business Partners Reception

Thursday, April 17, 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Business Partners of Heritage Conservancy are invited to a special gathering to celebrate their vital support in growing our land conservation efforts throughout the region. Wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be served.



Register now.

Spring Ephemeral Hike

Satuday, April 19, 9:00 – 10:30 AM

Every spring, a miniature world blooms on the forest floor in the window of sunlight before the woody giants put out their leaves. You don’t want to miss them! Join our hike through Hart’s Woods in Doylestown to identify spring ephemerals.



Register now.

EITC Webinar for Your Business

Tuesday, May 6, 9:30 - 10:30 AM

Learn about EITC, the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, a tax-savvy way for qualifying businesses to support education programs in community schools. An expert will answer all of your questions.



Register now.

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