Heritage Conservancy's Senior Conservation Biologist Tyler Kovacs shows guests around the Russell-Mandel Preserve. (Photo by Barry Rauhauser.)

On a sunny Saturday earlier this month, almost 90 people joined us for our first-ever Pawpaw Festival, held at Russell-Mandel Preserve.

“I was inspired to start a pawpaw festival to share my passions for conservation, science, native plants, and work I do here at Heritage Conservancy,” says Senior Conservation Biologist Tyler Kovacs. "The festival was a great way to get the public excited about native plants, especially an edible native plant with the largest fruit in North America!"

Guests got to sample the fruit in various dishes, tour the preserve's new pollinator meadow, and shop for native plants and trees. Many guests took home their own pawpaw saplings.

Read more and see the photos.

At our Live Stream Station at the Bristol Fall Festival, visitors learned about the tiny insects that live in water.

Fall is the season for community festivals, and a perfect time for Heritage Conservancy to connect with locals and educate them about our mission and about the natural world that surrounds them. The outreach team will attend 7 community festivals and parent/school events before the end of fall.

"Bristol Fall Fest was nonstop," says Whittier Henke, Senior Community Engagement Associate. Participants from pre-K to retirees visited the Heritage Conservancy table to hunt for aquatic macroinvertebrates — the tiny bugs found in healthy ponds and creeks. They were able to name any bugs they captured, while learning about their importance.

"We had people squirm away at first, but you need to name it to tame it, and that's exactly what happened!"

The team introduced "Treevial Pursuit" at the Groovin' at the Gates event in Middletown Township, a game that tests people's knowledge of 14 local trees, helping them to better understand and appreciate their local natural surroundings.

Guests gathered indoors and outside to sip and mingle. (Photo by Taylor Cotilla.)

People and businesses throughout our region are making an impact, and we gathered recently to celebrate and thank our supporters. They fuel our triple mission of land conservation, historic preservation, and community outreach. And with their financial support and volunteer hours, they help move our work forward.

We had a great turnout and were able to celebrate the impact we make together.

Check out the event program.

Mountain balm is among the native plants that can support pollination in a home garden.

We can make a difference to the health of the ecosystem even by small choices in our own backyards. Native plants can quickly create an abundance of food and shelter for native wildlife like birds and butterflies.

Whether you are starting a new garden, expanding an existing one, or filling in a bald spot, look to native plants. By choosing some of these fast-growing options, you can quickly create an abundance of food and shelter for native wildlife like birds and butterflies.

Here is our rundown of some of our favorite native fillers.

"It is so satisfying to partner with others in the community to protect natural landscapes and educate the community on environmental respect and nurture – especially the children, tomorrow’s stewards. We challenge you to join us!"

– Jay and Barbara Belding

The Beldings will match your donation up to $100,000. Your gift now goes further!

Thank you to the following Platinum Business Leaders for supporting Heritage Conservancy's mission and making accomplishments possible through their generosity:

And to the following Business Partners for their new and renewed support:

Coles Nurseries, Inc.

Eastburn and Gray, P.C.

Gallagher Greens

Malone Mechanical, LLC

McCaffrey's Food Markets

Penn Color, Inc.

Piper Group, Inc.

Silverman Gallery

Aldie Mansion and Tree Tour 2024

Thursday, October 17th from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Heritage Conservancy is throwing open Aldie Mansion’s doors and garden gates!

Enjoy this rare opportunity to tour one of Doylestown’s hidden historic gems and learn about the conservation work underway on the grounds. Learn more...

Flora and Folklore

Saturday, November 16th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Enjoy storytelling and insights into Lenape traditions on this guided walk through Croydon Woods. Register now.

You’ll learn about the local ecology and native plants that were essential to the Lenape way of life. Learn more...

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