Schuylkill Center Preserved

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education is an oasis of nature in the city of Philadelphia. The Center’s property boasts nesting populations of rare bird species like the Blue-winged Warbler, trees believed to be more than 250 years old, and two of the last naturally occurring headwater streams in the city. And now, thanks to a conservation easement with Natural Lands Trust, this oasis is protected in perpetuity.

Founded in 1965, The Schuylkill Center was one of the first urban environmental education centers in the country. Located in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia on agricultural land that was farmed until the mid-1960’s, the Center has grown from the 11 acres originally gifted by its founders: Lawrence M. C. Smith, Mrs. Lawrence M. C. Smith, Mrs. Robert R. Meigs, and Henry H. H. Meigs. The property contains diverse habitats including woodlands, meadows, five ponds, and wetlands. Four miles of hiking trails, public programs for all ages, school programs, and teacher workshops attract a multitude of visitors to the Center.

“It would be difficult to overstate the significance of preserving 325 acres of open space in Philadelphia,” notes Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. “This really is a historic moment for the city. We are grateful to The Schuylkill Center’s Board of Trustees for having the foresight to ensure that this wonderful resource is preserved for future generations.”