Rocks are literally the foundation of the Laurels. They provide a firm footing to trails, jut in dramatic outcrops along hillsides, and furnish steps to cross streams. Unseen, rocks underlie the Preserve’s hills and valleys. In addition to adding beauty, rocks tell stories: the history of...

In the Piedmont region of the Eastern United States, forests have faced immense pressure, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania. To that end, there has never been a better time to think about long-term, sustainable forest management. To do so, we must first understand what...

A class of human-made, long-lasting chemicals widely used in the manufacturing of everyday products ranging from nonstick cookware to cosmetics are being targeted by researchers aiming to mitigate levels found in soils and water. Read on to learn more about these so-called forever chemicals—how...

Pennsylvania is home to a rich diversity of native plants that support a variety of wildlife, including butterflies and moths, which are in the biological classification order Lepidoptera, the second largest order in the Insecta class.

By now, you may have heard that the International Union for Conservation of Nature classified the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) as endangered in July 2022. While this designation does not provide the monarch butterfly any legal protections in the United States, it does highlight...