After years of mounting activism, the environment took center stage in our public and political consciousness in the 1970s. Americans were unequivocal in their rejection of the status quo, which had created a nation where rivers caught fire, poisonous pesticides laced the land, and green, open spaces buckled under the advancing force of development.
National momentum birthed local action here in Berks County and in April 1974, the Berks County Conservancy (now Berks Nature) was founded.
As it was 50 years ago, Berks Nature believes that nature is essential to our quality of life and is committed to protecting and nurturing that treasured connection between people and the natural world.
Whether you know it or not, Berks Nature has likely helped nature take root in your own life.
Have you gotten outside lately? Since 1974, Berks Nature has acquired 616 acres of green space and 27 miles of trails to steward, much of which (including Neversink Mountain Preserve) is open to the public for exploration.
Consider the water flowing from your tap. Your drinking water comes from rivers like the Tulpehocken and Maiden Creeks, two of the many watersheds where Berks Nature has helped famers install conservation measures to mitigate agricultural runoff.
Your neighbors know them too! As a land trust, Berks Nature can accept conservation easement donations of private properties, which protects this land from development in perpetuity. In 50 years, Berks Nature has established conservation easements on 10,000 acres of private land.
Berks Nature also operates Reading’s nature center: The Nature Place. From dog-friendly walking trails to the Nature Play Zone and interactive learning exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Nature Place! The programs aren’t just for kids; Berks Nature offers a variety of make-and-take workshops, hands-on science experiments and outdoor adventures catered to adults (and their inner child).
Between local field trips, public programs and park goers, The Nature Place welcomed more than 13,000 visitors in 2023.
Fifty years later, Berks Nature is proud to be the leading agent for the conservation of the environment in Berks County.
Join Berks Nature for the next 50 years of serving the nature around us! Learn more at berksnature.org.
