The Peacedale Preserve Landenberg’s short and peaceful walk

|Landenberg Life Photo Essay|

The Peacedale Preserve:

Landenberg’s short and peaceful walk

PHOTOS BY JIM COARSE | TEXT BY RICHARD L. GAW

The largest form of beauty often arrives quietly, and the 200-acre Peacedale Preserve in Landenberg continues to bestow its own gifts of nature and serenity

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“To him whom contemplates a trait of natural beauty, no harm nor despair can come. The doctrines of despair, spiritual or political servitude, were never taught by those who shared the serenity of Nature. For each phase of Nature, though not invisible, is yet not too distinct or obtrusive. It is there to be found when we look for it, but not too demanding of our attention.”

-Henry David Thoreau

To behold Nature is to often be overwhelmed by its majesty.

In witness to the expanse of rust-colored canyons, the density of a forest fertile with forever green, and the chorus rush of mighty rivers, we are stilled into a momentary place where just to stand there and watch is enough.

At 222 acres, the Peacedale Preserve in Landenberg – lovingly owned and maintained by Natural Lands – does not overwhelm its visitors, but rather soothes them along the short distance of its distinct trails.

From its vast expanses of woodlands, wheat

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Peacedale Preserve reveals an entire breadth of nature along its 1.1-mile loop trail.

For those who have traversed the land, it is

Peacedale Preserve is just one of 42 nature preserves owned by Natural Lands across 13 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and since its founding more than seven decades ago, the agency has helped to preserve more than agency’s permanent protection.

In 1973, Natural Lands received a donation remained in the care of Natural Lands, limited

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access to funding at the time, the property remained an isolated parcel with no trail system in place. In 2009, Natural Lands purchased an adjoining 133-acre property from a developer that had received approval for subdivision, but due to the economic downturn, decided to sell the land instead.

Later that same year, and again in 2011, Natural Lands acquired additional neighboring properties, bringing the preserve to its present size.

Today, it serves as a testament to the importance of land conservation, whether it is a mag through a Landenberg treasure.

Peacedale Preserve is located at 157 Peacedale Road in Landenberg. To learn more, visit http://www.natlands.org/peacedale-preserve/ or call 610-353-5587.