WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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ASHBRIDGE PRESERVE

This 55-acre Preserve hosts a mosaic of early and mid-successional woodlands, old fields, wetlands, and wet meadows.

A segment of Ridley Creek runs through the center of the Preserve. Two stepping-stone stream crossings and numerous wooden bog bridges lead visitors through the Preserve, allowing you to explore these areas and the wildlife that live here.

In the spring, skunk cabbage, mayapples, and ferns make their appearance in the understory of the woodland, while ironweed, Joe Pye weed, and milkweed burst into full bloom during the summer.

These diverse habitats boast nearly 300 different plant species and are home to a wide range of wildlife including many varieties of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals.

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ASHBRIDGE PRESERVE  RULES

  • Preserve hours are from sunrise to sunset.
  • Leashed dogs are permitted. Please clean up after your pet.
  • Bikes, ATVs, and other motorized vehicles are prohibited.
  • No fishing, hunting, or trapping allowed.
  • Please stay on trails. Wandering from trails can disturb wildlife, destroy habitat, and contribute to streambank erosion.
  • Leave no trace. Bring all trash with you when you leave. Please help us keep Ashbridge beautiful.
Ironweed
Beaver

ASHBRIDGE PRESERVE POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Two stepping-stone stream crossings and numerous bog bridges assist visitors in traversing trails in this wet woodland.
  • These woodlands feature beech, tulip poplar, black walnut, shagbark hickory, hawthorn, ash, ironwood, and a variety of oak tree species. Groundcovers such as skunk cabbage, Solomon’s seal, trout lily, mayapple, and over ten species of ferns can be found within the Preserve.
  • Several acres of native wildflowers and grasses are located within the pipeline easement that stretches north to south across the entire Preserve, providing excellent habitat for pollinators.
  • A ¾-mile segment of Ridley Creek, 3,000 feet of tributaries, and associated wetlands can be found here.
  • Two streamside buffer restoration projects have been planted along the northern and southern reaches of Ridley Creek in the Preserve. Thousands of trees and shrubs, comprising 125 different species, have been added. Healthy riparian buffers perform a variety of important functions such as stabilizing streambanks from erosion, providing shade to keep stream waters cool, and providing organic materials as food for insects, fish, and other wildlife.

ASHBRIDGE PRESERVE  |  INFORMATION & MAP

Address: 1691 East Strasburg Road, West Chester, PA
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Map: Click here for a downloadable map of Ashbridge Preserve.

Ashbridge Map and Poster 2023 for website

OUR NATURE PRESERVES

Our nature preserves are open to the public 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, providing natural places that offer peace and respite for all. Willistown Conservation Trust owns and manages three nature preserves in the Willistown area: Ashbridge, Kirkwood and Rushton Woods Preserve. We maintain these lands for the … Learn more about our nature preserves.

Upcoming Events

27 September
Rushton Farm

“Just Show Up” Volunteer Wednesday at Rushton Farm

911 Delchester Rd, Newtown Square, PA

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28 September
Rushton Woods Preserve & Farm

Fall Bird Banding

911 Delchester Rd, Newtown Square, PA

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28 September

Stewardship Volunteer Thursday

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DONATE TODAY!

HELP US SAVE, STUDY, AND SHARE OTHER WAYS TO GIVE If you would like to make a gift of securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares, please contact us at 610-353-2562 for instructions. For more information on ways to give, please contact us at development@wctrust.org. … Donate Today

CONTACT

925 Providence Road
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 353-2562
land@wctrust.org

WHERE WE WORK

The work of the Willistown Conservation Trust is concentrated on 28,000 acres of Willistown Township … read more

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