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Newtown Township’s Trails and Greenways Committee: Come Walk with Us! by Terri McCarthy Photos courtesy of Terri McCarthy Why would more than 70 people sign up to walk through the woods in the middle of winter? Camaraderie, exercise, and brisk, invigorating air are just three of many reasons. But more than that, being present on priceless greenspace generates a feeling of stewardship and community that many of us have missed during the pandemic. We need to feel connected to nature and to each other – no matter the weather. And we need some fun! The first three walks scheduled by the Newtown Township Trails and Greenways Committee coincided with rain, winds, overcast skies and snow. And yet despite the inclement weather, hardy, tenacious walkers – ages 8 months to 80 – strolled through miles of Newtown Square trails and parks. And we want you to join us! What is the mission of the Trails and Greenways Committee? The Trails and Greenways plan is to protect our remaining open space and build new trails, so we can ultimately walk from Willistown on our western edge to Radnor on our eastern border. And that’s just three townships. Our larger goal is to be part of Greater Philadelphia’s vast regional trail network, which is currently composed of over 300 miles of interconnected trails. Check it out at www.CircuitTrails.org. Where can you currently walk in Newtown Square? The best-kept secret is The Meadows Preserve. It’s the township’s 50-acre property that borders Liseter and Episcopal Academy. You can park for this approximately 4-mile walk at either the 1742 Square Tavern or at Newtown Square Presbyterian Church. Cross Goshen Road to the Liseter trail, follow it all the way around until you see a township sign for the preserve, and stroll down the grassy path.
Trails and Greenways Committee Members Front Row (L-R ): Leonard Altieri, John Custer and Stephen Nease Back Row (L-R ): Tina Roberts-Lightcap and Bethany Dhunjisha
The Meadows Preserve is a wonderful place to wander among fields, hills and quiet vistas. This ecosystem sustains hundreds of pollinators (watch for a unique bee garden), a gorgeous variety of birds and a wide spectrum of native plants. Oh, and lots of bunnies! Other places to walk in the township include the Goshen Trail (roughly two miles long) and Drexel Lodge Park (about one mile through the woods). And behind the township building, there’s a trail that connects to a bike lane on Campus Boulevard. The Trails and Greenways Strategic Plan is to double the number of available greenways in the township over the next few years. Special Walks at Garrett Williamson Garrett Williamson is a nonprofit, 240-acre farm, school and summer day-camp in Newtown Square. It was endowed in 1910 by a prescient benefactor, Elizabeth Garrett, for the support of financially needy children and single women. During Garrett Wiliamson’s inaugural invitation-only walk (Sunday, March 6th), hikers were guided through miles of wooded and open trails, and finished at the historic 1794 barn. They were lucky enough to see adorable lambs, along with chickens, horses and alpaca! The livestock is being raised by families in Garrett Williamson’s new Agricultural Education Program. If you’d like to volunteer to care for the animals, attend classes or sponsor a goat this spring, send an email to Rebecca@GarrettWilliamson.org.
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Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
March 2022
