Ashbridge Preserve
Ashbridge 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 is a 55-acre preserve open dawn to dusk, every day of the year, with parking available at 1691 E Strasburg Rd. A network of 1.7 miles of trails winds through the preserve, crossing wetlands, woodlands, and wildflower meadows. Ridley Creek flows through the preserve, and two sets of stepping stones allow easy stream crossing.
Stepping stones across Ridley Creek.
Bog bridges keep your feet dry in the wetlands.
Ridley Creek is a central feature of this preserve, with 0.7 miles of stream flowing through the preserve. Shugart Run, a network of tributaries of Ridley Creek, also flows through this preserve. These high quality streams and their associated wetlands provide critical habitat for aquatic wildlife. Many species of frogs and turtles, Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, and even North American Beavers can be found in and along these streams.
Ridley Creek in autumn.
A beaver enjoying a snack in Ridley Creek.
Since 2018, the Watershed Protection Program has been monitoring the health of Ridley Creek. Two EnviroDIY Sensor Stations take water quality measurements every five minutes. Additional water quality measurements are taken every month. To learn more about the Watershed Protection Program's research, click here .
An EnviroDIY sensor station. Please do not disturb.
The Watershed Team also studies the stream life in Ridley Creek, collecting and identifying stream insects and surveying for freshwater mussels.
Freshwater mussels from Ridley Creek.
To improve the health of Ridley Creek, the Watershed Protection Program planted nearly 1,500 native trees and shrubs from 2019 to 2023 along an unforested section of Ridley Creek. In addition to stabilizing the stream banks and improving water quality, these trees and shrubs provide important habitat for birds and wildlife.
October 2018, prior to any planting.
September 2023, five years after the first trees were planted.
The tree planting at the north end of the preserve compliments an older tree planting at the south end of the preserve. From 2008 to 2010, 125 trees were planted along Ridley Creek. An additional 60 trees and shrubs were planted in 2023, expanding the restoration area.
Ashbridge Preserve also has wildflower meadows, which are full of color from spring to fall. Goldenrod, asters, milkweeds, mallows, and many other beautiful native wildflowers can be found in these meadows.
Asters at Ashbridge.
Goldenrod at Ashbridge.
Ashbridge Preserve has extensive woodlands, featuring many species of trees: American Beech, Tulip Poplar, Shagbark Hickory, Red Maple, Ironwood, and more.
Ashbridge woodlands.
From woodpeckers to waterfowl, many species of birds can be found in Ashbridge Preserve's diverse habitats. In the fields, bird boxes provide shelter to Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows. During the spring and fall migrations, warblers and kinglets can be found in abundance in the early successional habitat, feeding on fruits and insects.
A Black-Throated Green Warbler in a willow tree.
Tree Swallows on a bird box.
Ashbridge Preserve is open to all who wish to enjoy its beauty. Please observe the following rules:
- Keep dogs leashed and pick up dog waste
- Bikes and motorized vehicles are prohibited
- No fishing, hunting, or trapping
- Stay only on marked trails
- Leave no trace and carry out all trash
A quiet stretch of Ridley Creek.
