Kirkwood Preserve
Kirkwood Preserve is one of four nature preserves owned and maintained by Willistown Conservation Trust. Explore this map to learn more about public parks and preserves in the area.
Ashbridge Preserve, Rushton Woods Preserve, and Woodpecker Woods Preserve are also managed by Willistown Conservation Trust.
Kirkwood Preserve is a 102-acre preserve open to the public every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Parking is available at 855 Grubbs Mill Road, Newtown Square, PA. Four miles of trails wind through the preserve, offering sweeping views of the protected countryside and quiet moments in the grasslands. Cross Crum Creek using the stepping stones and explore the new trails on the northern end of the preserve.
Sunset at Kirkwood.
Stepping stones across Crum Creek.
Leashed dogs are welcome along the Tails Trail and Northside Loop from August 1 through March 31. Kirkwood Preserve is home to several declining species of ground-nesting grassland birds. These birds perceive even the most well-behaved dogs as a threat and may abandon their nests and young if disturbed. To protect these birds, dogs are prohibited during the nesting season, which is April 1 through July 31.
A Grasshopper Sparrow at Kirkwood. Grasshopper Sparrows are one of many species of ground-nesting birds that can be disturbed by dogs during breeding season.
Dog waste is a threat to wildlife health, human health, and water quality. Please pick up after your dog. Dogs must be on a leash.
Crum Creek is a central feature of Kirkwood Preserve, with a half-mile stretch of stream bisecting the preserve. Massey Run, a tributary of Crum Creek, originates at the southern end of the preserve and flows along the western edge before joining Crum Creek. These streams and their associated wetlands are critical habitat for wildlife and important for water quality.
Crum Creek in Kirkwood.
Since 2018, the Watershed Protection Program has monitored water quality in Crum Creek at Kirkwood Preserve. The Watershed Protection Program also studies stream life in Crum Creek, collecting and identifying stream insects. To learn more about the Watershed Protection Program's research, click here .
A damselfly that recently emerged from Crum Creek.
A quiet pool along Crum Creek.
Kirkwood Preserve boasts extensive grasslands, which are home to unique and threatened species of birds. Throughout the preserve, and especially along the Meadowlark Trail, the Bird Conservation Program manages bird boxes that provide habitat for Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows.
Tree Swallows on a bird box.
Eastern Bluebird.
The preserve also feature a box for American Kestrels, a set of towers for Chimney Swifts, and a box for bats. To learn more about the Bird Conservation Program, click here .
An American Kestrel chick from a Kestrel bird box at Kirkwood. The chick was banded under a federally-issued permit.
In addition to those using the bird boxes, numerous other species of birds can be found at Kirkwood Preserve, including Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, Northern Harriers, and a variety of sparrows. Keep an eye out for Wood Ducks, Great Blue Herons, and other water birds in and along Crum Creek.
In the winter, look for Northern Harriers soaring low over the fields.
Three species of sparrows - American Tree Sparrows, Field Sparrows, and Chipping Sparrows - at Kirkwood.
The grasslands at Kirkwood Preserve are comprised of many species of native grasses: Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, Broomsedge, and more. Milkweeds, goldenrods, asters, and other wildflowers add bursts of color throughout the year and support insects and pollinators.
Grasses and goldenrod at Kirkwood.
Monarch Butterflies rely on the abundance of milkweed at Kirkwood Preserve.
Kirkwood Preserve is open to all who wish to enjoy its splendor. No matter the season, there is always something to see. To keep the preserve beautiful and protect wildlife, please follow these rules:
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the Tails Trail and Northside Loop from August 1 through March 31.
- Keep dogs leashed and only walk dogs on the designated trails. Pick up all dog waste.
- No fishing, hunting, or trapping.
- No bikes, ATVs, or other motorized vehicles.
- Stay on trails. Wandering from trails can disturb wildlife, destroy habitat, and contribute to streambank erosion.
- Leave no trace. Bring all trash and dog waste with you when you leave.
- Preserve hours are from sunrise to sunset.
A frosty morning at Kirkwood.
White-tailed Deer at sunset.
