Our Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve is a 279-acre oasis of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands nestled among the highly developed suburbs of Blue Bell and North Wales. After more than a century in agriculture, the preserve’s fields are being carefully restored. A walk along the trails reveals a re-emerging ecosystem of native flora including cool- and warm-season grasses and native wildflowers.

History
The Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve was once part of Record Farms established in 1872 by William M. Singerly. In time, the farm grew to more than 700 acres and, in 1912, was sold to Ralph Beaver Strassburger and renamed Normandy Farm. (Strassburger built the landmark white wall and barn visible from Route 202.) The property remained in agriculture until Jack and Claire Betz, who had purchased the various parcels during the 1970s and early 1980s, donated 110 acres to Natural Lands Trust in 1986 so that the land would be forever maintained as a wildlife preserve. In the following years, the Betz family generously helped add another 124 acres to the preserve.

Highlights

	Over 5 miles of unpaved trails ranging from easy to moderate
	Grassland birds include Eastern Meadowlark, Northern Harrier, Eastern Bluebird, and Woodcock
	Animals include red fox and eastern flying squirrel
	Native grass meadows with big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian-grass as well as native wildflowers such as New York ironweed, purple coneflower, and swamp milkweed
	Woodlands dominated by red oak, red ash, and red maple

The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset.

• Trails
• Parking
• Information Kiosk (by the parking lot)
• Preserve Brochure (available at the kiosk)
• Restrooms (open by chance)
• Meeting facilities (open by appointment)