Natural Lands' Hildacy Preserve — Attraction in Marple Township

This is a small preserve right off of route 252 in Media. It has an old stone farmhouse that was built in 1806. Natural Lands built an addition onto the farmhouse and use it as their headquarters. The property also has a frame bank barn and a springhouse. Most of the property is open wild grassland. I saw several Eastern Meadowlark take flight on the mowed grass trail on the eastern edge of Hilda's Meadow. In addition to the numerous birds you can see in the meadow there are many other birds by Crum Creek and in the wetland behind the Office. As for deer, I had not even parked before I saw three deer and saw a total of 11 during my time in the Preserve.

Area to improve: The Preserve should increase its trail signs. Some trails are unmarked but clearly within the Preserve and at others it is unclear if they are withing the Preserve, private property or part of the Greenbank Farm Park.

Unfortunately this park also has a dog owners who just dumped their dog poop filled bag right...

A wonderful protected wildlife area. Well maintained trails with a good mix of wildlife zones. There are a few surprises if you take the time to look around and enjoy.

This area includes trails for humans and dogs, a picnic area, good signage with interesting wildlife to see markers, a creek with decent access, and a well paved parking area.

Starting off straight ahead from the parking area will lead you down a winding trail to the creek...follow the creek to a nifty water feature crated by Springton Reservoir above...

It's small, but Hildacy has variety, with wooded paths, a stream, and a REALLY nice big open field that feels right out of a movie. It's not a popular spot so you can expect some privacy even in summer. Free entrance and parking. The only downside is that at some points, on some days in the summer, it smells of sulfur so intensely that you'd think someone poured a dozen eggs down...