The Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s new 144-acre Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, Berlin Township, PA is now open to the public.
Generously donated to the Conservancy by the Van Scott family in May 2020, the Van Scott Nature Reserve is the new headquarters of the Conservancy and a welcoming, accessible place for people of all ages to learn about, explore, and enjoy nature.
The Reserve features more than three miles of publicly accessible walking trails through the forest, wildflower meadows, and wetlands and will be home to the Conservancy’s year-round educational programming including nature walks, forestry and land management workshops, demonstration projects, and winter Eagle Watch. The property features scenic views to the southern Catskill Mountains in New York State and to High Point State Park in New Jersey.
Centrally located within the Upper Delaware River region, the Van Scott Nature Reserve is a destination for residents and visitors that reflects our unique rural character and the needs of the local community.
A former dairy farm, the property incorporates diverse habitats with abundant opportunities for conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation on self-guided trails, including large open meadows, forested areas, two ponds, a tributary to Beach Lake Creek, and wetlands.
As the stewards of this historic dairy farm, the Conservancy will honor the land and the families who farmed it for generations while welcoming the public to visit, learn about the natural world and our shared local history, and explore nature.
The Van Scott Nature Reserve is open from sunrise to sunset every day, unless otherwise noted. To help protect sensitive wildlife habitat, dogs are not allowed on the Reserve. More information about the property, including the complete Reserve Rules and a downloadable trail map, is available at www.DelawareHighlands.org/vsnr. Trail maps may also be picked up at the trailhead kiosks.
Learn more about the Conservancy’s work and what you can do to protect nature at www.DelawareHighlands.org.
Bethany Zarnowski is the Communications and Development Manager for the Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Founded in 1994, the Conservancy has protected more than 18,000 acres of working farms and forests, clean waters, and wildlife habitat throughout the Upper Delaware River region and coordinates educational events and community programs throughout the year. For more information, visit www.DelawareHighlands.org, call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010, or email info@delawarehighlands.org.
Photo credits: Bethany Zarnowski