Wednesday
September 18, 2024 
What is a preserve for?
In this case, land designated specifically by folks — the Fuller family and the Knight family — whose legacy was to honor the land so that there would be a green space for all to enjoy the birds, plants, water, trees — canopy and undercarriage — and native plants like violets, trout lilies, moss (my personal favorite) and so many more. A place for families to have a respite and enjoy, learn and love in the natural environment — the beauty in the “Preserve.”
Springfield Township has been blessed to have the Fuller and the Pursell preserves side by side — a place set aside where families can actually learn hands on how to grow and love and have respect for the land that surrounds us. A place where we can teach our children the positive experience of living with and caring for the land...the “Preserve.”
It is a sacred space where one can go and meditate, walk, bird, see a deer trail, hike, bike, photograph and experience where that next path or trail may lead. It is a fun and, at times, exhilarating experience. I have been blessed to be a regular walker with my dogs — Rosa and Nettie — starting my day and sometimes ending my day in the Preserve.
Nine hundred trees have been removed in early January. Gone. But it is not too late to address the purpose of what a preserve means. Heritage Conservancy has been given the task of taking care of and “managing” the Fuller-Pursell Preserve. But let the surrounding community and neighbors help as they have done all along. Bill Broadhead is one of those neighbors who has “cared” for the Preserve simply because he loves and honors the space that surrounds us. We, the families who frequent the Preserve, hiking, picking up trash, clearing paths, taking out non-native species on a regular basis, monitoring the creek and even taking the time to let Heritage Conservancy know of a particular concern. We care.
I want to address the purpose again of what a “preserve” means and how we all can take care of this precious gift. Let us forward think. The damage has been done. Is it now a time to establish policy, both forestry and hunting that serves the people, keeping in mind the word “preserve” — a forever space to grow and love the land which was set aside specifically for that purpose? I, for one, have a great sense of gratitude that the Preserves exist, that our journey together in nature is beautiful, full of life and positive energy.
Let us work together to take care of our Preserve, neighbors, friends, Springfield Township, Heritage Conservancy and our children. Let us teach them the importance of growing and loving a tree — to honor the land that was set aside for us. For without this, we have lost our Preserve at a time when space has become endangered in Bucks County.
We can begin this journey together, establishing policy through the Heritage Conservancy to take care of the land and the beauty that is preserved within.
The removal of over 900 trees has saddened me. I realize that the Heritage Conservancy saw the need to take down trees harmed by the emerald ash borer so that paths remained open and safe, but many trees that were felled were not damaged and are now gone forever.
I want to thank the Fullers, the Knights and the Purcells for giving us this space.
Sue Lyons of Springfield Township is a neighbor, birder, photographer and regular walker of the Fuller and Pursell preserves.
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