Officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve near New Hope in Bucks County have announced the signing of a new lease agreement with Washington Crossing Historic Park that will help ensure the preserve’s preservation for future generations.
The 35-year lease will allow the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Association Inc. to continue operating and improving the 134-acre Solebury Township preserve, which is located within the upper portion of the park. The preserve is the only accredited museum in the country dedicated solely to native plants and is home to more than 700 rare, threatened or endangered plant species.
According to a news release, it “offers visitors a unique experience to learn about the beauty and biodiversity of Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.”
Secretary of the DCNR Cindy Adams Dunn visited the preserve Wednesday to celebrate the new agreement.
“The preserve is such a special place and DCNR is excited to cement our partnership with Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Association through this new lease,” she said. “We thank the Association for its continued positive stewardship of the preserve’s resources and look forward to seeing its impact through the next two generations and beyond.”
Founded in 1934, Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is open year-round and features a native plant nursery, over 5 miles of trails, educational programs and tours guided by naturalists. It is part of the 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park, in which George Washington’s dramatic Christmas Eve boat crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution is commemorated.
Designated a National Historic Landmark, the park includes historic buildings, paths, picnic areas, fishing, non-motorized boat launching and educational programs. It also hosts special events and re-enactments.
“The preserve is the perfect complement to the history at Washington Crossing,” said State Parks Regional Manager Brian Taylor. “I am hopeful that park visitors looking to learn more about our nation’s birth will also visit the pristine preserve and learn more about native plants and flowers.”
For more information, visit the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve website.
This local news story was reported with generative AI assistance.
