How do I volunteer for the Trust?
Visit our volunteer page to learn more about volunteer opportunities, or check our events page to sign up for current volunteer events.
Can I bring my dog and let it run off leash?
No. Dogs are not allowed at Rushton Woods Preserve (because Rushton Farm is growing food) or Kirkwood Preserve (because grassland birds such as meadowlarks nest in the grass). Leashed dogs only are allowed at Ashbridge Preserve.
Can I walk off-trail at the Preserves?
No, walking off trails can damage sensitive vegetation.
Can I ride my bike at the Preserves?
No, bikes can damage our trails.
Can I bring a stroller to the Preserves?
Due to uneven terrain, varying trail surfaces, and uncertain conditions, strollers are not recommended.
Can I take and share photos of the Preserves?
Of course! Please tag us @wctrust (Instagram) or Willistown Conservation Trust (Facebook) and use the hashtag #WCTrust and #AshbridgePreserve , #KirkwoodPreserve, or #RushtonWoodsPreserve.
Can I host a gathering at the Preserves?
Our nature preserves are open to the public and we invite you to gather responsibility. For specific event inquiries such as weddings and photo shoots, please contact events@wctrust.org for more information. Remember, you must stay on the trails; there are only a handful of parking spaces at our nature preserve lots; there are no restrooms, electricity, or trash cans; and other visitors to the preserve may not be excluded from the location where you conduct your gathering or celebration. Weddings are not permitted at Rushton Woods Preserve or the Rushton Conservation Center.
Can I set up and paint at the Preserves?
Yes! Since our nature preserves are open to the public, as long as your painting does not impede access or enjoyment of the preserves by other visitors, you are welcome to paint at our preserves. Remember, you must stay on the trails; there are only a handful of parking spaces at our nature preserve lots; there are no restrooms or electricity; and other visitors to the preserve may not be excluded from the location where you conduct your painting.
How do I become a member of the Rushton Farm CSA?
At this time there is a several years-long waiting list. Send an email to rushtonfarm@wctrust.org to get your name on the waiting list.
Special Use Permits
Gatherings like weddings, other special events and photo shoots require a special use permit. The purpose of these permits is to ensure the protection of the Preserves' natural resources by monitoring and limiting the number of gatherings. If you have questions about whether your gathering requires a permit please contact events@wctrust.org.
How do I apply for a permit?
Contact events@wctrust.org to request a permit by email. When requesting a permit, please note your intended date so that we can check if it’s available for your special event. We require a $100 non-refundable donation for each permit, whether it’s approved or not, to offset administrative costs as well as ongoing preserve maintenance.
What can I bring to my wedding ceremony or other gathering?
Our Preserves are home to a wide variety of plants and animals as well as sensitive riparian habitat. All gatherings must remain on trails. There are no trash receptacles on site, please carry in and carry out any waste. Please do not bring decorations that are difficult to clean up or pose a threat to our local wildlife such as petals, sparklers, rice, balloons, bubbles or arbors. Alcohol is not permitted at any of the Preserves.
Can I play music?
Music is allowed without amplification. There is no electricity at the Preserves and we border many neighbors. Please be respectful with levels of volume.
What time can I hold my gathering?
The Preserves are open from dawn to dusk and visitors are allowed at any time during those hours. Due to capacity constraints we will limit the number of events per day at each preserve.
How many people can attend a gathering?
All gatherings must remain on the trails, and no gathering may exceed 20 people. Remember that our Preserves are open to the public and your gathering may not prohibit other visitors from accessing the Preserves or trails.
What else do I need to know?
Gatherings like wedding ceremonies are only allowed at Kirkwood and Ashbridge Preserves. Events at Rushton Woods Preserve are not allowed due to the farm, Rushton Conservation Center, and ecological research being completed at the Preserve. If you have questions about renting the Rushton Conservation Center, please visit wctrust.org/welcome-to-the-rushton-conservation-center. Please note that due to Township restrictions, weddings are not permitted at the Rushton Conservation Center.
