- This event has passed.
Restoring Habitat – Cancelled
May 30, 2024 | 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Event is cancelled. Please connect with us on another event.
You know that old adage “let nature take its course”? We disagree. Natural areas need help to become—and remain—places where people, plants, and wildlife can thrive. That’s why a third of our staff are committed to caring for our properties.
Have you ever wondered what those boxes mounted on posts or why we consider some plants to be invasive but not others? Join Preserve Manager Mike Coll for a stroll around the property to learn about how Natural Lands is growing forests, filtering water, controlling invasives, feeding wildlife, and sowing seeds.
The former farm fields at Hildacy have been converted to meadows dominated by native grasses such as big and little bluestem, Indian-grass, and switchgrass. Native grass meadows provide valuable habitat for many bird species that are in decline across their ranges. Eastern Bluebirds, American Kestrels, Indigo Buntings, and Red-shouldered Hawks have all nested at Hildacy in recent years.
Crum Creek, a tributary to the Delaware River, meanders through the preserve. The creek is the leading drinking water source for Delaware County residents and was designated a “Special Protection Stream” by the PA Department of Environmental Protection. With help from volunteers and Pennsylvania’s TreeVitalize program, we have planted hundreds of trees along the edge of Crum Creek to improve water quality. Trees and other plants in this area filter the nutrients and sediments transported by surface and groundwater flowing into the creek. Native trees also provide shade and food that benefit fish and other aquatic species.
In 2001, we completed a renovation to our headquarters, including a large addition to the original farmhouse. Throughout the design and construction process, we were careful to minimize environmental impacts. A geothermal system takes advantage of the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool the building, while the extensive use of glass and exterior shades allow us to reduce heating costs in the winter and lighting costs year-round.
- Meet at the red Natural Lands kiosk by the back of the parking lot.
- Some trails may be rocky, please plan accordingly.
- Please leave your four-legged friends at home.
- Bathrooms will be available.
Help us all stay safe:
- If you are sick or not feeling well, please stay home.
- Masking is optional. Participants may choose to mask at any time.
Natural Lands is able to host more than 100 events a year thanks to the financial support of our members. If you aren’t yet part of our community of members, join us!
Registration
Event is cancelled. Please connect with us on another event.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Cancellation:
Events may be cancelled due to inclement weather or low registration. In that case, we will make every effort to update our website and contact registrants. Note that we cannot offer refunds of paid registrations or ticket purchases, but rest assured that your donation will help us in our work to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors.
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Photography policy:
Attendance at Natural Lands programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Natural Lands staff if you would prefer that your photo not be used.
Participant Waiver:
By registering for this event, I, as the participant, and/or parent or legal guardian of a minor participant, do hereby understand and acknowledge that by participating, in this, or any, Natural Lands’ event or activity, I am agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless Natural Lands, their respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers, employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises on which the Activity takes place, (each considered one of the “RELEASEES” herein).
I further acknowledge, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of the Program and related Activities and my and/or the Minor’s experience and capabilities, and believe that I and/or the minor are qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions of participation.
I fully understand that: (a) the Program and related Activities involve risks and dangers of damage to personal property and serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death (“risks”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my and/or the Minor’s own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or the negligence of the “releasees” as aforementioned; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I and/or the minor incur as a result of my participation or that of the Minor in the Activity.
I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Natural Lands or any of their “releasees” from all liability, claims, demands, losses, injuries, damage to property, or other damages on my and/or the minor’s account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement I, the Minor, or anyone on the Minor’s behalf makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such claim.
I have read this Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by registering for this event, and have done so freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid, the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
