The Heritage Conservancy’s 80-acre Croydon Woods Nature Preserve in Bristol Township, Bucks County, is one of the last remaining Atlantic coastal plain forests in Pennsylvania. However, prior to being acquired by the Conservancy, it was designated as an EPA Superfund site and viewed by the community as an unsafe eyesore due to illegal dumping and trespassing. With community support and participation, the Conservancy remediated the site into a vibrant asset. The Preserve is home to more than 350 species, some of which are threatened or endangered, and a variety of green infrastructure projects have been implemented to maintain the ecosystem. Integrated into the landscape are six trails providing multiple opportunities for exploring nature. The Preserve’s biodiversity is the foundation for environmental education programs and events. About 1,500 students annually experience the Preserve as an outdoor classroom. The Spring Carnival and Glow Hike are popular events that attract hundreds of local and regional visitors, who also contribute to the local economy.  

Croydon Nature Preserve has proven that environmental recovery can lead to many community benefits.  The Conservancy’s achievement benefited from thousands of hours of volunteer effort from local partner organizations, businesses, and residents who were instrumental in cleaning up the trash and their input has guided improvements. Highlighting the community’s connection to the Preserve is a prominent public art mural that celebrates this successful collaborative effort.