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.
Secrets of Saw-whet Owls
Observe Northern Saw-whet Owl banding and experience an autumn evening on the farm! These tiny owls (no bigger than a soda can) travel through Pennsylvania in the fall in search of ideal overwintering habitat. Learn all about their ecology and conservation from our field scientists, and (hopefully) see an owl up-close.
Much remains to be learned about the movements of these secretive boreal birds; you’ll hear how we are using the Motus Wildlife Tracking technology in addition to traditional banding to learn about their unconventional migratory journeys. Sanctuaries such as Rushton are integral to the survival of migratory birds as they journey hundreds of miles from breeding to overwintering grounds. Learn ways you can help make your yard more hospitable to owls and other birds.
ECOcentric Experience is our new environmental education series for adults seeking a deeper understanding of and closer relationship to nature. Through seasonal lectures as well as immersive field experiences, participants study birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watershed protection, and habitat stewardship.
This is an ACCESS-friendly event. If you are a current ACCESS card holder, please use the ACCESS option at checkout when registering.