WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
GIVE
  • About
    • HOW WE WORK
    • WHERE WE WORK
    • DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT
    • OUR STAFF AND TRUSTEES
    • OUR NATURE PRESERVES
    • JOBS & INTERNSHIPS
    • FAQs
  • LATEST
    • BLOG
    • PUBLICATIONS
    • IN THE NEWS
    • PHOTOS
  • PROGRAMS
    • BIRD CONSERVATION
    • COMMUNITY FARM
    • EDUCATION
    • LAND PROTECTION
    • STEWARDSHIP
      • TRAILS
    • WATERSHED PROTECTION
  • EVENTS
    • EVENT CALENDAR
    • BARNS & BBQ
    • RUN-A-MUCK
    • WILDFLOWER WEEK
    • PLASTIC FREE JULY
    • RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS (RNK)
  • Support
    • SPONSOR THE TRUST
      • CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
    • JOIN THE SYCAMORE SOCIETY
    • LEGACY SOCIETY & PLANNED GIVING
    • CAMPAIGN FOR RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE
    • WAYS TO GIVE
    • VOLUNTEER
    • OUR SUPPORTERS
  • Rushton Conservation Center

EDUCATION

birdwithkidsbehind.jpg-nggid044560-ngg0dyn-0x0x100-00f0w010c010r110f110r010t010.jpg

Willistown’s protected lands are unique experiential learning places that make the study of science, ecology and agriculture come alive for students of all ages. We use these conserved open spaces to explore the connections among land, farm, birds, habitat and water. Our work  helps us understand how people and nature can live harmoniously side by side.

People come here to study our practices and model solutions for healthy food systems, bird conservation, habitat restoration, and improved water quality. They are drawn to this special place to learn, become inspired, and leave with a deeper commitment to save land and serve as stewards of our natural world.

These special places and the Trust’s expert staff are in high demand by teachers, students, and scholars from all over the region.  Every year, we welcome people of all ages and interests to come and explore this place and our unique approach to conservation.

Over 1,000 children and adults participate in the Trust’s education programs annually.

DSC06280.JPG

Field Study and Research

Our Habitat Restoration, Farm, and Bird Conservation Programs attract and facilitate higher education field study and research. Recognized as a leader in the science of bird conservation and agroecology, researchers use our programs and conserved lands to advance the science of conservation. Our program area is the official field study site of the Academy of Natural Sciences and our staff members are faculty in the University of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Studies program. Click to see a list of research initiatives facilitated by Willistown Conservation Trust.

IMG_3597.JPG

K-12

Elementary, middle, and high school students from the greater Philadelphia region enrich their in-class and after-school curricula by participating in our myriad programs, including the Rushton Woods Preserve Bird Banding and the Community Farm Program. From seeding, harvesting, pollination, honey making, crop rotation, soil science, importance of hedgerows and native plants to habitat restoration, migration, breeding and nesting, a wide array of topics can be incorporated.

Rushton Nature Keepers

Rushton Nature Keepers (RNK) provides youth (ages 8-11) with unique opportunities to develop a meaningful relationship with nature, which will fuel a lifelong desire to protect the environment. RNK is focused on shaping and empowering these future conservationists while nurturing a spirit of discovery and wonder. We offer monthly programs covering four conservation themes: birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watersheds, and healthy habitat. Learn more.

Boys Latin students learn about scientific data collection.
Boys Latin students learn about scientific data collection.
Collecting fruits and seeds at Rushton - it's bird food!
Collecting fruits and seeds at Rushton - it's bird food!
Examining a gray catbird at the Rushton banding station.
Examining a gray catbird at the Rushton banding station.
Haverford crew team helps out at Rushton Farm.
Haverford crew team helps out at Rushton Farm.

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

02 February

Winter Stewardship Volunteer Days | Contact us to Join!

View Detail
09 February

Winter Stewardship Volunteer Days | Contact us to Join!

View Detail
10 February
Rushton Conservation Center

Rejuvenate at Rushton Wellness Retreat

915 Delchester Road, Newtown Square, PA

View Detail
No event found!
Load More

DONATE TODAY!

Invest in Nature! ENGAGE CONNECT SPONSOR LEAVE A LEGACY   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 … 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

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

FAQs

Copyright © 2023 · WCTRUST.ORG