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Get the latest buzz on Natural Lands' work to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors and each other.

a garden with yellow, orange, and purple flowers
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Some of the many native plants you can see at Stoneleigh in summer.

Thirteen-Acre Oakwell Property Preserved

June 15, 2026

Natural Lands Expands Stoneleigh: a natural garden in Villanova, PA MEDIA, Pa., June 15, 2026 – Natural Lands today announced the acquisition of 10 acres […]

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a garden with yellow, orange, and purple flowers
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Photo: David Korbonits

Reuniting Stoneleigh And Oakwell

June 1, 2026

In August 2024, Natural Lands and LMSD entered into an agreement allowing Natural Lands to acquire 10 acres of the site—known as Oakwell—to expand Stoneleigh and reunite these properties that were once one. The remaining three acres will be sold to a separate non-profit organization that intends to conserve those acres and restore the historical buildings they contain.

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a garden with yellow, orange, and purple flowers
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Photo: David Korbonits

Stoneleigh is growing.

May 24, 2026

Oakwell is saved, and Stoneleigh is growing.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to preserve Oakwell as part of Stoneleigh. We are immensely grateful to the current leadership of the Lower Merion School District and to the community for its support,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands.

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an orange and black butterfly on yellow flowers
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A monarch butterfly sipping nectar from yellow goldenrod flowers in late summer.

measuring Monarchs.

December 29, 2025

Every fall, Monarch butterflies across eastern North America travel thousands of miles to spend the winter in the mountaintop forests of central Mexico. They cluster […]

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American sweetgum leaves turning red and yellow
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American sweetgum at Stoneleigh

fall color guaranteed

October 3, 2025

By Kit Werner Before we talk about autumn’s arboreal display, let’s have a mini science lesson. There are several types of pigment in leaves: Chlorophyll […]

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A firefly on a green leaf
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A lightening bug (or firefly) perched on a green leaf.

firefly funfacts

June 5, 2025

Fireflies are amazing insects! Did you know…? Fireflies and lightning bugs are the same thing! It’s just a different dialect and depends on where you […]

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A group of four women in aprons gathered around a table outside working on planting seedlings
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Stoneleigh potstickers volunteers

tending tomorrow’s transplants.

May 10, 2025

One seed at a time, these volunteers are growing plants to increase the biodiversity both at Stoneleigh and yards, gardens, and patio planters across the region.

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long branches with patches of green leaves and afternoon light hitting it
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Late afternoon light on a bur oak tree (Quercus macrocarpa) at Stoneleigh in early fall.

Natural Lands And Lower Merion School District Reach Agreement For Sale Of Oakwell

August 20, 2024

Natural Lands and LMSD have authorized the sale of 13-acre site in Villanova, PA, known as Oakwell, adjacent to Stoneleigh: a natural garden.

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