About Us

Protecting Your

Walk in the Park

Wander with purpose into the heart of Southern Chester County, where 577 acres of bountiful nature creates a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come, thanks to our partners, funders, employees, and volunteers.

What We Do

Protecting and Revitalizing Your Chester County Sanctuary

Our preserve’s meandering trails and serene picnic spots are nestled amidst the splendor of the natural world, free of charge.

Here, your steps contribute to our deep-rooted mission to protect and revitalize vital habitats and waterways, preserving them as treasures for both recreation and education.

Host an Event or Wander with Purpose

Committed to nurturing a legacy of environmental stewardship, we invite everyone to join us in shaping a sustainable future.

Go solo, or come as a group. Anyone can join us:

  • local organizations
  • corporate groups
  • individual volunteers

Get in contact to host an event with us, or just come enjoy the beauty of the preserve!

How We Do It

It’s All Thanks to Our Partners, Funders, Employees, and Volunteers

Funders

At Glenroy Preserve, we are funded by:

  • the Oxford Area Foundation
  • a blend of private and public funders
  • and the generous donations from individuals who cherish our natural heritage

Partners

With a deep commitment to excellence in land preservation, conservation, and restoration, we engage in partnerships with expert organizations to ensure our practices meet the highest standards.

Employees & Volunteers

Our dedicated team, comprising both part-time employees and passionate volunteers, tirelessly ensures the preserve remains safe and pristine for all to enjoy.

Your Role

You play an active role in preserving the integrity of our natural spaces for future generations to enjoy as well! We encourage all of our visitors to embrace the Leave No Trace principles—respect the land, others, and only bring out what you brought in.

Funding assistance has been provided by:

Brandywine Conservancy

DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Keystone Recreation

Park and Conservation Fund Conservancy Grant Program Commissioners of Chester County, Pennsylvania

2021 Healing the Planet Grant Program, Funded by The GIANT Company

Lyme Disease Association

A Hidden Gem

“A beautiful hidden gem. Good amount of parking with some very lovely spots by the creek a short walk away. Farther in is a bamboo tunnel and excellent trails. Some trails do require crossing the creek which adds to the adventure. Will be going back.”

-Ethan W.

Flora & Fauna

The Wildlife That Calls Glenroy Preserve Home—And Those Just Passing Through

Glenroy Preserve is home to 552 vascular plant species and many other animal species.

We have also planted several acres of wildflower and pollinator fields, enhancing the beauty of the area and supporting a healthy ecosystem.

Take a walk on one of our six trails to see if you can spot the flora & fauna listed below (and so much more!)

Flora

  • Meadows and hayfields that fill the space between our buildings and central pond
  • Bamboo thickets along the Bamboo Hollow trail
  • Hemlock rocky slope forests at the bottom of our steepest hills
  • Aquatic plants in the Octoraro Creek
  • Ferns, forbs, and shrubs covering the forest floor

Fauna

  • Deer grazing in the fields
  • Canadian geese swimming or lounging along the banks
  • Box turtles hiding in the grass
  • Painted turtles swimming in the Octoraro Creek
  • Various insects like bees and cicadas
  • Turkeys roosting in the hemlocks
  • Herons hunting for food in the water
Glenroy Preserve

Gallery

The Board Members and Staff That Make Preservation Possible

Staff

David

Preserve Maintenance & Safety

Steve

Preserve Maintenance & Safety

Preston

Preserve Maintenance & Safety

Kade

Preserve Maintenance & Safety

Connor Sapp

Preserve Maintenance & Safety

Matthan Sapp

Social Media Coordinator

Chelsea Hughes

Administrative Assistant

Philip Sapp

Executive Director

Board Members

Nancy Ware Sapp

President

Debra Ware Kline

Vice President

Brigham Faria

Co Treasurer

Jared Kline

Co Treasurer

Matthan Sapp

Board Member

Adelaide Kline

Secretary

Connor Sapp

Board Member

Elianna Sapp

Junior Board Member

Fun and Challenging

“One of my favorite finds in the greater Oxford area. Challenging but doable and fun!”

-John D.

Our History

Preserving Historic Land for Future Generations to Enjoy

Glenroy Preserve is new, but our land lives to tell the tales of time.

In December 2020, the Oxford Area Foundation embarked on a journey by acquiring 577 acres in West Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA, to craft a sanctuary dedicated to nature and community.

This expansive landscape was transformed into Glenroy Preserve, which opened its gates on March 19th, 2022.

Today, the preserve is home to a network of carefully designed trails that invite hikers and mountain bikers to connect with the tranquil beauty of the area.

Dive into the full narrative of this venture in the 2022 Spring edition of the Oxfordian Magazine.

Oxford Area Foundation

The mission of the Oxford Area Foundation is to protect and restore critical natural areas and waterways for public benefit and to educate the community to create a legacy of a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations.

In addition, the Oxford Area Foundation provides funding to non-profit organizations that offer services and programs in the Oxford, Pennsylvania area.