Our Crow’s Nest Preserve is made up of 612 acres of protected lands along French Creek. Its woods are representative of Piedmont flora, full of oak, hickory, tuliptree, beech, maple, and spicebush. Its meadows display native grasses and wildflowers, and on its crop fields the tradition of Chester County farming continues. Crow’s Nest is the gateway to Hopewell Big Woods, a 73,000-acre expanse of forest that reaches north into Berks County. Just next door, you'll find French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, making Crow's Nest part of one of the largest areas of protected land in the region.

History
Crow’s Nest Preserve is composed of four 19th century farms assembled into one farm in the 1950s. The first parcels of the preserve were donated to Natural Lands Trust in 1991. The Trust manages the land for native habitat as well as for agricultural and passive public use. The preserve provides environmental education and research opportunities, including a summer day camp and after-school programs. The visitor center is located in a restored barn; farmhouses on the property are being restored for staff housing and program uses.

Highlights

	Over 7 miles of unpaved trails ranging from moderate to difficult; connection to the Horseshoe Trail, a 140-mile hiking and equestrian trail that runs from Valley Forge to the Appalachian Trail
	Birds include Wood Duck, Wood Thrush, Vireo, and Warblers; part of the Hay Creek/French Creek Forest Block "Important Bird Area"
	Animals include red fox, raccoon, and beaver
	Native grass and wildflower meadows with Indian-grass, big bluestem, and blazing-star
	Mature woodlands dominated by oak, hickory, tuliptree, beech, maple, and spicebush; nearly extinct American chestnuts sprout from decaying stumps
	French Creek, designated as an "Exceptional Value" stream, flows through the preserve
	Agricultural fields of corn, wheat, soybeans, and hay
	Located in the North Warwick Historic and Archeological District; features historic farmhouses and barns restored by Natural Lands Trust

The Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset

• Trails
• Parking
• Information Kiosk (by the parking lot)
• Preserve Guide (available at the kiosk)
• Interpretive Signs
• Preserve Center with library, meeting space, and restrooms (open by chance or appointment)