Open Land Conservancy has nine nature preserves, totaling 391 acres. Seven are in the Great Valley area in western Tredyffrin Township. Another 91 acres in conservation easements are also protected, bringing the total land preserved to 482 acres.

The preserves are open to the public, subject to posted guidelines. Dogs must be leashed and picked up after. Well maintained trail systems provide hiking, birding, cross-country skiing and fishing along Valley Creek. Guided walks and educational programs are offered to members, school groups and scouts.

Report a safety, repair or dog off leash issue in a preserve.

Featured

George Lorimer Preserve

88 acres of meadows, woods, ponds, stream, and extensive trail system are managed to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife in a beautiful rural setting

Local neighbors have convenient access to over three miles of trails from Minden Lane, Hawkweed Way (Summerhill) and Le Boutillier Road

Memorial rock, and a sweet gum grove donated by Mr. Lorimer's grandchildren in his memory

Park in lot off North Valley Road

Read more and get a trail map

Airdrie Forest Preserve

75+ acres of a mature forest, with 100 foot tulip poplars, red and chestnut oaks, groves of beech

Many bird species including the pileated woodpecker and great horned owl

Three small streams

Trail system east of North Valley Road is a neighborhood favorite, especially when wildflowers abound in the spring

Airdrie East - Main Entrance at the foot of Fennerton Road

Airdrie West - Main Entrance at the foot of Hollow Road

Read more and get a trail map

Cedar Hollow Preserve

67 acres of meadows, woods, rock formations, large sycamore, ruins, Cedar Hollow Run, and extensive trail system

Flood plain and wetlands along Valley Creek

Park in lots off Church Road, St. Peter’s Road and Bull's Corner Road. Access via St. Peter's Road

Read more and get a trail map

Valley Creek Preserve

46 acres of meadows, woods, stream, extensive trail system with access for trout fishing (no harvesting - catch & release only)

Floodplain and wetlands are critical resources protected along the Valley Creek corridor

Haven for wildlife, including the great blue heron

Enter from Hayfield or Tree Line Drive

Read more and get a trail map

Cool Valley Preserve

33.2 acres of meadows, woods, extensive trail system through fields and along Valley Creek

X-C skiing

Hike through the trails to see red-tailed hawk, bluebird, fox, deer, and other wildlife

Park on Cool Valley Road

Read more and get a trail map

Diamond Rock Preserve

66.6 acres on Diamond Rock Hill, marking the northern border of the Great Valley

110 foot oaks, mountain laurel, rock formations, steep slopes, abutting old quarry

Access via trail easement, shared with Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy, from Howell Road in Charlestown Township, and via Chautauqua Trail

Read more and get a trail map

Abernethy Forest Preserve

1.7 acres of small mature woodland, north of West Chester

Park along Copeland School Road

MILLER PRESERVE

2.3 acres of wooded flood plain along Valley Creek with fishing

Remnants of mill dam 100 feet west of Church Road Bridge

Reforestation project of native trees

Adjacent to Cedar Hollow Preserve

Read more and get a trail map

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