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Hildacy Preserve: Marple’s Hidden Gem Written by Holly Stupak
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estled between Rte 252 and Palmers Mill Rd is Hildacy Preserve, a hidden treasure in Marple that offers visitors a variety of lush, seasonal vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. With two miles of unpaved hiking trails, it’s perfect for exploring. And if you happen to be an avid birdwatcher, you’re likely to spot some of the preserve’s bird species, which include Eastern Bluebirds, American Kestrels, Indigo Buntings and Red-shouldered Hawks. The 55-acre preserve, now known as Hildacy Preserve, was originally the homeland of the Lenape peoples. In 1683 the land was part of a 300-acre land grant from William Penn to a local tanner and his family. Over time, the land was cleared, and by the late 1800s, only a small group of trees remained. The name “Hildacy” came from Hilda and Cyril Fox, the couple who bought the property in 1936 and lived on it for almost 40 years. As land began being developed all around the region, they wanted to keep the land open for wildlife. So in
1981, Hilda donated the preserve to Natural Lands, a nonprofit organization that saves open space, cares for nature and connects people to the outdoors in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. “Hilda and Cyril Fox raised horses and German Shepherds there, and considered the property their country sanctuary,” explained Kirsten Werner, Natural Lands’ Senior Director of Communications. “They donated the farm to Natural Lands so we could continue their conservation work.” Since 1981, Natural Lands has worked to restore Hildacy Preserve’s wetlands, woodlands and meadows (native grasses like big and little bluestem, Indian-grass, and switchgrass) to a natural state. They also planted hundreds of trees along the edge of Crum Creek, which runs through the preserve. The trees, which provide shade and food that help fish and other aquatic species, also improves water quality by filtering the nutrients and sediments transported by surface and groundwater flowing into the creek. The stone farmhouse at Hildacy, which dates back to 1806 and was renovated in 2001, serves as Natural Lands’ regional headquarters. A smaller building on property that was once a domestic springhouse is now the Preserve Manager’s home.
Winter at Hildacy Preserve Photo courtesy of Jennifer Mathes 18
Marple Friends & Neighbors / Bringing People Together
