Resources
Caring for Your Land
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The Willistown area is an oasis of open space amidst an area of burgeoning suburban development. With over 6,000 acres permanently protected, we have a unique opportunity to manage and care for the land in a way that will make it an even more special place for plants and living creatures. Our meadows, woodlands, creeks, farmlands, pristine wetlands, and other wildlife habitats need protection and nurturing. As you own land with some of these qualities, you may appreciate guidance in managing your land’s special natural characteristics.
As indicators of biodiversity and environmental health, birds have much to teach us about the opportunity before us. In 2006, Audubon Pennsylvania designated the Willistown area as an Important Bird Area (IBA), identifying it as a site that provides essential habitat for one or more species of bird. A global effort to maintain bird populations, the IBA designation reminds us of what a truly special place Willistown is and that responsibly caring for our land has an impact that reaches even beyond our own geographic area.
The impact of doing nothing compared to actively managing your land may be surprising. Did you know that invasive plants can transform a meadow into a virtual desert for wildlife? That overpopulation of deer dramatically reduces bird species? That plant life on stream banks impacts water quality and the health of fish populations?
We have created a landowner's management guide, Your Land, Your Legacy, is to provide landowners with specific steps to responsibly enhance and nurture your property for both wildlife and plant life.
Willistown Wildscapes is a program that recognizes backyard wildlife sanctuaries certified by Audubon Pennsylvania or National Wildlife Federation.
The Wildflower Meadow project at the Trust's offices can be followed at home on either a small scale or a large scale.