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 Hartman Meadow, Ashbridge, Kirkwood, Kestrel Hill and Rushton Woods Preserves. We maintain these lands to preserve and enhance … Learn more about our nature preserves.
Public Bird Banding
Banding is the primary tool for studying bird populations today. Since 2009, thousands of birds have been documented by our banding team at Rushton Woods Preserve, revealing a vibrant, thriving population of birds that use our open spaces. During fall migration, you can observe the bird banding process on select Thursdays that are open to the public. You will get a chance to see and learn about the many species that stop over at Rushton Woods Preserve during their migration as well as birds that breed or overwinter here. In addition, our field staff will educate
visitors about the science of bird migration and the importance of land conservation for migratory birds.
Due to popularity and limited space of this experience, we do request that you please only register for 3 dates per season to allow everyone a chance to observe our banders at work.
Please note the following:
– Banding is weather dependent. Banding may be cancelled at any time with limited notice due to any one or more of the following weather factors: heavy rain before a banding date, rain on a banding date, high winds, extreme temperatures. Please check your email leading up to the event.
– The banding station is entirely outdoors and you may have to walk through wet grass or mud to reach the station; please dress appropriately.
– Photography is permitted. Any images shared via social media must include the phrase:
(“All birds were handled and banded for research purposes under state and federal permits.”)
– Video is prohibited
– Please stay within the designated viewing area for the safety of our staff and visitors, and do not attempt to take any bird out of a net.
