Willisbrook Preserve
Willisbrook is home to a rare and remarkable habitat known as a serpentine barren, which Natural Lands is working to protect.
about Willisbrook Preserve
Willisbrook Preserve is a 126 acre mix of woods and grassland meadows, including just over 20 acres of a rare ecosystem known as the Sugartown Serpentine Barrens. These barrens support a variety of plant species, many of which are threatened or endangered. In 2010, the barrens were designated as a Wild Plant Sanctuary by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
background
Willisbrook Preserve was gifted to Natural Lands in 1963 by Jane Gordon Coxe Fletcher, whose family is best known for breeding champion Hackney and American Saddlebred horses. Additional acquisitions in 1968 and 2004 expanded the preserve to its present size.
Address
Line Road
Malvern, PA 19355
directions
Visitor Hours
Daily: dawn to dusk visitor guidelines
Features
Hiking
Seasonal Hunting
what to expect
Please park at the paved parking lot located at the Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association fields on Line Road, 7/10 mile northwest of Boot Road. If that parking lot is closed, there is a gravel parking lot at Willistown Township’s Serpentine Preserve, 143 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355.
Accessible parking: Sorry, there are no accessible parking spaces.
Trail surfaces: Trails are unpaved and range from grassy/gravelly meadow trails to dirt woodland trails with some rocks and tree roots. Trails may include bridges or boardwalks. The grade ranges from flat to rolling hills.
Areas with gentle to no slope: From the Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association parking lot, the Red Trail is on a flat grade with grassy/gravelly exposed serpentine bedrock trail surfaces. This is an out-and-back experience.
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
Sorry, there are no restrooms or drinking fountains.
Trails are through shady woodlands and sunny meadows and serpentine barrens. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Willisbrook 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.
- Spring ephemeral wildflowers
- Serpentine barrens
- Vibrant wetlands
photo gallery
Willisbrook Preserve is a mix of woods and grassland meadows, including over 20 acres of a rare ecosystem, the Sugartown Serpentine Barrens.
Partnering With Kennett Trails Alliance
September 3, 2024
This summer, Natural Lands had the opportunity to collaborate on a program that introduced interns from Kennett Trails Alliance (KTA) to our preserve network, land […]
