Despite the name of this place, it is not part of Washington Crossing State Park, PA. Very confusing! Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Beautifully Designed Entrance Sign, Visitor Center, Log Cabin, Stone Arch Bridge. Photos by Nature Photographer Pam Hirst at PKH Photography. Writing by Freelance Content Writer and Travel Blogger Meghan Hirst at Meghan Hirst, Writer.
If you read our "About Us" section, you know that my mom grew up in a house that is in the middle of the woods. This preserve was built in the same environment, albeit at the bottom of a hill. That is why this is her favorite nature preserve. She has been here all year round and has photos from all four seasons. After spending time in this amazing destination, I can safely say that it is my favorite as well. There is no other nature preserve like it!
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve has a pretty unusual origin story. Two people who shared a love of environmental conservation randomly began chatting on the grounds in 1933. Their names were Marry K. Parry and W. Wilson Heinitsh. Parry was the Federation of Women's Clubs chairman and Heinitsh was a Washington Crossing State Park consultant. They agreed that it would be an absolute shame if the grounds were decimated to make room for picnic spots or other man-made areas. Their dream of saving the grounds ultimately came true just one year later with the help of the Washington Crossing Park Commission. They granted Parry and Heinitsh one hundred acres of land! This present was also in honor of George Washington and his troops. Today, the grounds span for a total of 134 acres. It is incredible that a chance encounter led to a thriving non-profit organization. Way to go, Parry and Heinitsh! :D
As you can see in the Visitor Center photo, the preserve sells plants that are native to Pennsylvania. This place actually also functions as a native plant museum (the sole establishment of this kind in the U.S.!). You can find more than 700 out of the 2,000 plant species here. They are able to flourish because of the variety of biomes that are found on the grounds.
If you want to learn more about the history and how the land in the preserve is used, check out the exploring the grounds section of their website. There is a plethora of information! In fact, it is the biggest non-profit organization website we have ever seen :O
The cabin and bridge depicted above are cool! Both were constructed by two programs and supervised by two groups, including the Washington Crossing Park Commission, in 1933. The cabin is comprised of chestnut logs and was utilized as a gatehouse. The bridge allows workers and guests to pass over a large creek. This area is definitely one of the highlights of the preserve because it is so tranquil and lovely!
We will be discussing the nature trails next!
Do you know another non-profit organization that started because of a chance encounter between two or more people?
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