Gwynedd Preserve

about Gwynedd Preserve

Gwynedd Preserve is an oasis of nature 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 plants including warm-season grasses and wildflowers.

The meadow and forest habitats here are particularly important because they are connected to other preserved lands in the Wissahickon Creek watershed. The entire 26-mile length of the riparian corridor of the Wissahickon Creek greenway is protected by private landowners and conservation organizations, as well as township and state entities.

background

Gwynedd Preserve was once part of Record Farms, established in 1872 by William M. Singerly. In time, the farm—named for Singerly’s newspaper, The Philadelphia Record—grew to more than 700 acres and, in 1912, was sold to Ralph Beaver Strassburger and renamed Normandy Farm. 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 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. A donation and sale of land by Lee and Phoebe Driscoll allowed us to add an additional 45 acres in 2008.

Address

640 South Swedesford Road
North Wales, PA 19454
directions

Visitor Hours

Wednesday-Monday: dawn to dusk Closed Tuesdays
visitor guidelines

Trail Map

Features

Hiking

Restrooms

Seasonal Hunting

what to expect

The 15-car paved parking lot is 0.5 miles northeast of Township Line and South Swedesford Roads.

Parking is free.

Accessible parking: There is one accessible parking spot.

Trail surfaces: Trails are unpaved and range from grassy meadow trails to dirt woodland trails with some rocks and tree roots. The grade ranges from flat to slight incline. Trails can be wet.

Areas with gentle or no slope: The paved driveway from parking lot to management center cuts through meadows and intersects with several trails.

Benches and rest areas: There are benches throughout the preserve with significant distance in between.

Motorized wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices are welcome for visitors with disabilities.

Service animals providing assistance for visitors with disabilities are welcome.

Learn more about accessibility at Natural Lands. accessibility

There is one accessible restroom at the management center. It is open during preserve hours.

Sorry, there are no picnic areas or drinking fountains.

Trails are through sunny meadows and shady woodlands. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Gwynedd on AllTrails

Leashes required. Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times to keep people, other pets, and wildlife safe. No exceptions. Violators may be asked to leave.
Leave no trace. Please leave all plants, flowers, animals, rocks, and artifacts for all visitors to enjoy.
Take your trash. Please pick up all trash, even biodegradable materials like food scraps.
Stick to trails. Please stay on designated trails to protect fragile plants, prevent erosion or wildlife disturbance, and reduce the chance of tick-borne illnesses.
No motorized vehicles or mountain bikes. Motorized wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices are welcome for visitors with disabilities.
No hunting, trapping, or fishing.
No drones or professional photography.
No picnicking or alcohol.