Tucked away in Fox Chapel, a natural oasis – 134 acres of serene land inhabited by native wildlife, flowers, and plants – welcomes those who want to experience nature and all of its splendor. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, the headquarters of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, gives visitors the opportunity to hike through several trails and to learn more about the plants and animals that make up this stunning natural oasis in Pittsburgh.
William Flinn, one of Pennsylvania's most influential politicians, purchased 350 acres of land in 1903 and named it Beechwood Farms. After his retirement as a Pennsylvania state senator, Flinn dedicated his time to cultivating the land.
By 1977, however, Beechwood Farms had new owners who donated 90 acres of land to the organization The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy which, in turn, appointed the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania as the overseer of what would become Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, one of the state's largest nature reserves and education centers.
Today, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve spans 134 acres, including hiking trails that allow visitors the experience the purity of nature and to catch glimpses of the wildlife – owls, deer, raccoons, and red fox – that inhabit the reserve.
Visitors often wander around the edge of the pond, where they may catch a glimpse of the mallards and Canadian geese who flock to the safe haven to build their nests.
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve features nine trails, totaling five miles. Each trail winds through a different area of the nature reserve. No trail spans more than a mile and the shortest trail – the Toddler Trail, which passes the scenic pond – takes approximately 10 minutes to hike.
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania spends significant time educating the public and hosting events – such as leading educational hikes and holding science data nights – and welcoming groups, such as schoolchildren.
The Audubon Center for Native Plants, an important part of Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, allows visitors to purchase native plants from the nursery.
Exploring Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve may well spark your love – if you don't already have one – of nature and wildlife. The Audubon Nature Store sells products, such as bird feeders and binoculars, that will allow you to experience the beauty of nature in your own backyard.
This natural oasis in Pittsburgh promises to bring you closer to nature and to inspire and relax you. Beechwood Farms Nature Resort is open all year round but, if you prefer to stay indoors during the cold months and still mingle with nature, check out this jaw-dropping place in Pittsburgh that will blow you away.
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