 |
| autumn leaves in a woodland stream |
When to visit Philly.
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Nature Preserve, New Hope, PA
http://www.bhwp.org/
This 134-acre wildflower preserve is a true treasure. Walking the trails in any season, yields discoveries of blooming native plants. There are over 800 species of native plants in the woodlands, meadows and watercourses.
Conowingo Dam, Maryland (Cecil and Harford counties, 5 miles south of Pennsylvania border)
(to observe wintering Bald Eagles)
* Follow Rt. 1 South into Maryland (from the Blue Route, Rt 476, take exit 5 to US 1 South)
* Rt. 1 will cross over the Conowingo Dam which crosses the Susquehanna River
* Take the 1st left hand turn (Shufield Rd.)
* Watch for the next left turn, which is a sharp left, this road will take you down to the River
There are parking spaces, port-a-potties, and plenty of viewing spaces. A forested trail is to the right of the entrance where many species of birds can be found. Arrive in the morining to see the Bald Eagles fishing.
Trip time, about 1.5 hours
Crosswicks Audubon Sanctuary, Jenkintown, PA
http://www.wyncoteaudubon.org/crswicks.htm
These 13 wooded acres are crisscrossed by meandering streams. It is a haven for birds. The sanctuary is managed by the Wyncote Audubon Chapter.
Houston Meadow (sometimes called Andorra Meadow)
http://www.fairmountpark.org/WissahickonValleyPark.asp
Part of the Wissahickon Valley Park of the Fairmount Park system. This part of the park is the most easily reachable from Ridge Ave. It is located down the street form the Andorra Shopping Center and behind Houston Playground. Cool natural meadow habitat with butterflies, raptors, and native plants.
Follow the paths down to the 150 year old forest.
John Heinz National Wildlife Refugee at Tinicum
http://www.fws.gov/heinz/index.html
The last remaining freshwater tidal marsh in Philadelphia. Over 300 species of birds visit the refugee and over 80 species nest there. The refugee will consist of over 1200 acres when land acquisition is completed.
Fort Washington State Park
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/fortwashington.aspx
From September 1st through October 31, a hawk watch takes place here. Over 31 raptor species migrate past the hawk watch deck at the Militia Hill entrance of the park.
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education
www.schuylkillcenter.org
The center is one of the first urban environmental centers in the US. The 340 acres and three miles of trails include meadows, ponds, wetlands, and forest. The Center provides workshops and classes for the public and for teachers (including ACT 48 credits). A wildlife rehabilitation clinic is located on the grounds.
8480 Hagy's Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128, 215.482.7300
Wissahickon Valley Park, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, PA
http://www.fairmountpark.org/WissahickonValleyPark.asp
An one billion year old valley in the northwest section of Philadelphia.
Wissahickon Environmental Center at the Andorra Natural Area
Tree House, 300 Northwestern Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
