Peace Valley offers 14 miles of nature trails in the woods and
meadows at the eastern end of Lake Galena. The walking options vary from
groomed foot paths near the Nature Center Solar Building to remote hiking
trails in the mature woods. The Hike & Bike Path is a blacktop trail
continuing around the lake on Creek Road and New Galena Road. These trails
thread through areas rich with wildlife.
More than 250 species of birds have been sighted here. The bird
blind near the Solar Building is frequented by cardinals, woodpeckers,
finches, titmice, sparrows, and many other colorful species. The deer tracks,
groundhog holes, muskrat dens, and squirell nests indicate the great variety
of life. The understory plants of dogwoods, spicebush, cedar and viburnums
yield to maples, oaks, ashes, and tulip trees in the mature woods. The
meadows have a large variety of wildflowers in bloom through the three
seasons. Spring beauties, trout lilies, loosestrife, asters and sunflowers
are a few of the many wildflowers common to the Nature Center.
The special wildlife area is off-limits to humans, but can be enjoyed
from the Chapman Road bridge or the duck blind. Osprey, cormorants, kingfishers,
egrets, herons, turtles, snakes and frogs are easily viewed.
Guided family nature walks are conducted on Sundays and on summer
evenings. Other programs include weekly adult nature walks, bird watching,
full moon hikes and star watches. Community projects involve 4-H, Scouts,
and other nature or environmentally related organizations. Environmental
Education classes, preschool programs, teacher/naturalist training courses
and internships are offered.
The bird blinds and trails are open from
dawn 'til dusk.
The goals of Peace Valley Nature Center are to bring about a better
understanding and respect for nature's laws and balances through "hands
on" earth education experiences and to provide a place where County citizens
can enjoy the peace and beauty of a natural area.
The Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center was organized and incorporated
in order to aid Bucks County in carrying out these purposes. Membership
supports environmental education and brings you the seasonal newsletter
describing the various programs and activities. These categories are:
$15 Individual
$20 Family
$50 Sustaining
$75 Supporting
All donations are tax-deductible.
The official registration and financial
information of the Friends of Peace Valley Nature Center, Inc. may be obtained
from the PA Dept. of State by calling toll free within PA, (800) 732-0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement.
