Swamp People: A Great Opportunity In Our Backyard

This Friday (March 30) marks the 5th Annual Swamp Tromp, held at the Richland Township Building in Quakertown. The event is a joint venture of the Heritage Conservancy and the Churchville Nature Center. Beginning at 6:30, naturalist Marlin Corn will teach participants about the amphibious wildlife found in the Quakertown Swamp. Following the presentation, families are invited to the edge of the swamp to experience, firsthand, the rich sights and sounds of the night.

“The event is geared towards families – it's a very kid-friendly night.” says Maggie Uliano (Membership and Special Events Associate for the Heritage Conservancy), “We want families to know more about the wildlife in the Quakertown Swamp.”

According to the Society of Wetland Scientists, the Quakertown Swamp is the largest freshwater inland wetland in southeastern Pennsylvania, containing over 400 acres of diverse plant and animal communities. In addition to frogs, insects, and salamanders, the swamp is home to a significant Great blue heron rookery and provides habitat for 91 additional bird species, including 14 rare breeds.

The Heritage Conservancy has preserved nearly 100 acres of the land. As an accredited not-for-pofit conservation organization, they focus on natural resource protection, historic preservation, and property stewardship. Within the next two years, the Conservancy is planning to build a pedestrian trail throughout the swamp that will give families and schools the opportunity to explore and learn more about the wetlands up-close.

Uliano says that, for the next year, the Conservancy will be focused on the swamp: “The Quakertown Swamp is one of our key projects for 2012 and 2013. We hope the trail will become a great resource for educators and families who want to learn more about the area.”

With Spring in full effect and Summer on its way, visiting the Quakertown Swamp could provide a unique combination of education and outdoor fun for Bucks County families.

For more information on the Swamp Tromp and other upcoming Conservancy-sponsored events, visit: http://www.heritageconservancy.org/. Hurry, space is available but limited!