Nature preserve takes root in Beaver Township

GREENFORD — The baby trees Gary Heberling pulled from the back of a work truck appeared to be nothing more than branches.

Heberling, volunteer naturalist at the Beaver Township Nature Preserve off state Route 165, advised the boys helping him where the trees should be planted.

Several years ago the 81 acres that now serve as the township’s nature preserve contained a few corn fields. But most of the land, which is just west of New Buffalo Road and east of the former Wildwood Lake recreation area, remained in its natural state with wooded areas and lots of grass and weeds.

Now, with Heberling’s help and the assistance of numerous Boy Scouts and other volunteers, the land is becoming an outdoor classroom filled with vast learning opportunities for area residents.

“There’s a lot of work that’s being done now,” said Heberling. “And there’s a lot of potential here to make this area something unique and special. That’s what we’re working toward.”

Last year Heberling and township park administrator Scott Conway acquired and planted 100 trees from a nursery in Indiana, Pa. Last month, in recognition of Earth Day, 12 youths from Beaver Township Boy Scout Troop 80 and their two Scout leaders helped Heberling plant an additional 60 trees including Butternut and White Oak.

Volunteers have also built benches. One area youth constructed a bridge that crosses a creek and connects two areas of the preserve. There are bat boxes throughout the site and a structure with a garage and open-air pavilion. The nature preserve also has a mile-long walking trail and other trails are being developed.

Read the full story in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com on Monday.