Heritage Conservancy's New MOTUS Tower Informs Global Migratory Science | |
Heritage Conservancy's Tyler Kovacs (top left), worked with Aaron Coolman of Asio Motus LLC to install the tracking tower on the roof of Keystone Elementary School in Bristol. | |
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At the very end of August, Heritage Conservancy completed the installation of a new MOTUS wildlife tracking station atop Keystone Elementary School, next to Croydon Woods Nature Preserve. The project will provide the global science community with critical information on local wildlife migration.
“We are feeding data to scientists around the world,” says Shannon Fredebaugh-Siller, Community Engagement Programs Manager at Heritage Conservancy.
The MOTUS wildlife tracking system is an international collaboration of researchers and organizations who tag wildlife and use radio telemetry to track many species of migratory wildlife. This community science network allows researchers to share and collaborate on projects that aid in knowledge about migratory wildlife including birds, dragonflies, and bats, and collects data to help in conservation efforts.
In just a few weeks, our tower has tracked multiple species. Read more...
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BioBlitz Results Released in New Video | |
Scenes from spring's BioBlitz. Credit: Kara Foran | |
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This past spring, Heritage Conservancy hosted a BioBlitz event at our Croydon Woods Nature Preserve. This 24-hour biological survey was a huge success as staff, biologists, and community scientists identified hundreds of species that utilize the preserve.
To conduct the surveys, professionals and community scientists used multiple traps and visual encounter observations to identify each species.
Together with Kara Foran and our Conservation Steward Tyler Kovacs, we’re thrilled to release our newest educational documentary about our BioBlitz survey.
Take a look at our findings...
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Meet Heritage Conservancy’s New Team of Part-Time Environmental Educators | |
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Back row from left: Katie Lutzker, Ray Hoskinson, Rick Anderson, Aaron Schoen, Carol Miller, Patty DeMaria, and Jason Gleaton.
Front row from left: Bridget Mulcahy, Kaylyn Brindisi (who is our full-time Community Programs Associate and will work with this team), Bernie delPrado, and Mia Hibbs.
Not pictured: Beth Clark and Clarissa Beck
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A key part of Heritage Conservancy’s mission is to connect our community to the natural world and foster respect for and understanding of the ecosystems that support us.
To galvanize this effort, we recently hired 12 passionate and energetic new part-time Environmental Educators who bring a wide range of experience to our growing team.
Click here to read more about our new team and how they will grow the impact of Heritage Conservancy in the community.
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Conservation Easement Preserves 55.6 Acres | |
The 55.6-acre property in Richland Township. | |
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This month, Heritage Conservancy has completed the preservation of a 55.6-acre property in Richland Township in Upper Bucks County. The property includes forested areas, springs, and habitat for several species of amphibians and reptiles, which are dependent on wetlands.
It is part of a habitat corridor that will link Pennsylvania State Game Lands, Great Blue Heron Rookery, critical salamander vernal pools and migration routes, and breeding grounds for various species of turtles.
“I've been a big fan of Heritage Conservancy since first becoming acquainted via my work in the environmental education field many years ago, but I never thought I'd be in a position to actually partner in this way,” says property owner Marlin Corn. “It's a wonderful 'full circle' kind of feeling.”
Read more about the property and its impact.
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William and Martha Mercer enjoyed reading in the living room. | |
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Aldie Mansion was a marvelous place to entertain. Commissioned by William and Martha Mercer as an ode to the English Tudor manor, this stately 1927 mansion evokes a time in America when craftsmanship reached an art form.
But the Mercers also enjoyed relaxing and reading at home.
Though the living room was the largest room in the house, it was comfortable, with overstuffed floral furniture. The fireplace and ceiling are William's work, and the Mercers used the space for informal entertaining and relaxing.
To read more about Historic Aldie Mansion, click here.
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"Our family supports Heritage Conservancy as it is an organization that is dedicated to the stewardship and protection of the beauty and character of the community we love. Because they are devoted to preserving vistas in perpetuity, our contributions are a tangible way for us to exercise our faith and thankfully honor the architect and creator of this beauty; our God. This care of God’s creation is a privilege and an honor.
Heritage Conservancy is a jewel in the community, keeping us mindful of our need to exercise our time and resources to ensure all the opportunity to live in a landscape that is well taken care of and respected.”
- Jay and Barbara Belding
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Thank you to the following Platinum Business Leaders for supporting Heritage Conservancy's mission and making accomplishments possible through their generosity: | |
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And to the following new and renewed business members:
Bucks Country Gardens
Bucks County Magazine
Bucks County Women's Journal
Bustamante Engineers Inc.
DunlapSLK CPAs
Harris & Harris
Penn Community Bank
Pulse Technologies, Inc.
Renninger's Cabinetworks Inc.
Silverman Gallery
The Norwood Company
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Click HERE for a full list of Heritage Conservancy's business members. | |
Want to join next month's ranks? Click HERE to become a Business Member today! | | |
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River Days Cleanup at Bristol Marsh Preserve
Saturday, September 23rd from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Join Heritage Conservancy and partners TNC and DCNR to keep this important freshwater tidal marsh clean in honor of National Public Lands Day. Register now.
The more trash we collect, the less will get washed into our waterways! Learn more...
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Mushroom and Salamander Hike
Saturday, October 15th at 10:00 AM
What do mushrooms and salamanders have in common? Join Luke Smithson, a head chef and field mycologist, and Sebastian Harris, a herpetologist and conservation easement steward, for a members-exclusive mid-morning hike through Heritage Conservancy Hart’s Woods Nature Trail.
This is a members-exclusive event. Learn more...
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Glow Hike
Friday, October 20th from 6:45 to 7:45 PM
Step into a magical world only revealed through the illumination of blacklights and the waxing crescent moon!
Safely explore the trail with our experienced guides as you see Croydon Woods Nature Preserve in an all-new light during this after-hours park event.
Click here to register.
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Flora and Folklore
Saturday, November 11th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Engage in immersive storytelling as the Lenape share their ancestral tales, offering insights into their traditions and the significance of native plants in their culture. Click here to register.
This event offers a unique opportunity to discover history, deepen your connection with nature, and honor the heritage of the Lenape people. Learn more...
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Fall Frenzy
November 14th to November 15th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and/or 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM each day
Come to Aldie Mansion and help prepare the grounds for the winter ahead. We will work to trim back bushes, rake leaves, and complete other projects in the gardens. Your work will aid in the preservation and protection of this historic property and its grounds.
Join us in helping to get Aldie buttoned up for winter! Learn more...
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Autumn Birding at Columcille Megalith Park
Saturday, November 18th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Join us at Columcille Megalith Park for an introduction to the wonders of birding through the fall and winter months.
As you take in the aesthetics of giant megaliths, Sebastian Harris will provide a guided hike through the park. This is a members-exclusive event. Learn more...
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