What’s in a Sign?

If you’ve recently visited one of our preserves—specifically Glades, Gwynedd, Hildacy Farm, Stroud, or Willisbrook—you may have noticed our new signs. Over the past year, we’ve been installing new welcome kiosks, interpretive and directional signs along the trails, and even doggie “poop bag” and loaner leash stations.

The goal of the new signage is to improve your experience at the preserves by making the trails easier to navigate and by pointing out interesting features—such as our habitat restoration efforts, wildlife species to look for, and historical elements. And, yes, we hoped the doggie stations would encourage all visitors to leash and clean up after their pets! What’s more, the new signs also help to reinforce good visitor behavior by utilizing positive, proven messages from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. This organization, which is based in Colorado, is dedicated to teaching people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and endorses the idea that “education is the best means to protect natural lands from recreational impacts while helping maintain access for recreation and enjoyment.”

The barn red color of the new signs helps them stand out against the natural backdrop of browns and greens—or white, as has been the case these last few winters! The sign posts are made from reclaimed piers, which is extremely rot resistant. As additional grant funding is obtained, we’ll be installing new signs at more of our 17 publically accessible preserves. We hope the cohesive look of the signs helps visitors to recognize that they are at a Natural Lands Trust preserve, and to emphasize the expansiveness of our preserve system.

Old kiosk at Hildacy Farm Preserve

New and improved Hildacy Farm Preserve kiosk!