Warm and cool season grasses comprise the majority of this 95-acre Preserve, providing important nesting and foraging habitat for grassland birds. The Preserve features over 4 miles of pedestrian and equestrian trails, a half-mile stretch of Crum Creek, and 8 acres of upland and riparian woodland.
Kirkwood Preserve is part of an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area (IBA), a global network of sites recognized for their outstanding value to bird conservation. Through permanent protection and ecologically responsible management, Kirkwood Preserve provides excellent wildlife habitat and an opportunity for visitors to enjoy this natural landscape.
KIRKWOOD PRESERVE RULES
- Preserve hours are from sunrise to sunset.
- Leashed dogs are only permitted on the designated trail and northern section of the Preserve from August to April. Dogs can disrupt grassland birds, most of which are ground-nesters. Birds perceive dogs as predators, and this stress response affects their ability to reproduce and successfully raise their young.
- No fishing, hunting, or trapping allowed.
- Bikes, ATVs, and other motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- Please stay on trails. Wandering from trails can disturb wildlife, destroy habitat, and contribute to streambank erosion.
- Leave no trace. Bring all trash and dog waste with you when you leave.
- Please help us keep Kirkwood beautiful.
KIRKWOOD PRESERVE POINTS OF INTEREST
- Equestrian and pedestrian trails weave visitors through Kirkwood’s native grassland, down to the waters of the Crum Creek, and past Kestrel nest boxes and a Chimney Swift tower.
- This is a critical habitat and resting area for grassland birds and migratory Neotropical songbirds. Species seen here include Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, Short-eared Owl, Vesper Sparrow, Wilson’s Snipe, Field Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and Northern Harrier.
- Native grasslands provide habitat for many wildlife species including migratory and nesting birds. To show interested visitors the variety among various warm-season grasses, 5 demonstration plots were installed just north of the parking lot. Species include Autumn bentgrass, Big bluestem, Indian grass, Little bluestem, and Eastern gamma grass.
- A 0.5-mile-long segment of Crum Creek and 2,200 feet of the Massey Run tributary flow through the Preserve.
- In addition to the diversity of migrating and breeding birds, a variety of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects can also be found here.
KIRKWOOD PRESERVE | INFORMATION & MAP
Address: 855 Grubbs Mill Road, Newtown Square, PA
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Map: Click here for a downloadable map of Kirkwood Preserve.
