Brush Mountain Preserve

Visit

• What to See

  Brush Mountain serves as part of a nightly foraging area for federally endangered Indiana bats and as the largest maternity colony of little brown bats in Pennsylvania. 

  The bat colony spends its days in Canoe Creek State Park, three miles east of Brush Mountain, earning its designation as part of the Canoe Creek Important Mammal Area. 

  The preserve’s large, intact forest also serves as southern terminus of the Bald Eagle Ridge Important Bird Area, a significant migratory route for raptors and neotropical migrants.

  Other species that can be found here include wild turkey, black bear, state-endangered Allegheny woodrat and timber rattlesnakes, a species of conservation concern in Pennsylvania.

• Community Science: iNaturalist

  We are creating a science database of all kinds of life—from lichens to ants, mushrooms to plants, birds to mammals and everything in between for our preserves in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

  TNC's roots began with local citizens and scientists concerned about special places and species. That legacy continues today. Across our lands, we are utilizing iNaturalist—a digital platform that gives users an opportunity to share and discuss their findings.

  • Join the Brush Mountain Preserve iNaturalist group.
  • Watch a video tutorial and learn how to make an observation on iNaturalist using the mobile app.
  • Download the iNaturalist factsheet. 

  Of the 14 preserve projects in iNaturalist, nine have observations recorded; help us increase that number and our understanding of the species—good and bad, native as well as invasive—that can be found on TNC lands across the state. This information can also help guide and inform our conservation staff's management and monitoring decisions.

• Preserve Guidelines

  When visiting Brush Mountain Preserve please DO:

  • Take precautions against ticks, mosquitoes, chiggers and sunburn
  • Wear sturdy footwear
  • Pants are recommended, even during warmer months, when ticks are active and poison ivy is present
  • Apply insect repellant and sun protection
  • Bring drinking water
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Remove all litter. 
  • Enjoy nature!

  Please DO NOT:

  • Feed or disturb wildlife
  • No trapping or removing any other artifacts from the preserve
  • Bring motorized vehicles, ATVs, bikes or horses
  • Bring alcohol 
  • Camp (NO fires allowed!)