Ambler and the surrounding areas are home to many parks and preserves. One of these parks is the Crossways Preserve, a 57-acre natural area in Penllyn. Crossways was originally a private farm but was acquired by the Wissahickon Trails environmental organization in 1997 and converted to a preserve, according to Wissahickon Trails.

Crossways Preserve features meadows, woods, and an emerging wetland. Trail surfaces range from gravel, grass, and asphalt. The preserve features three main trails: the Sassafras, Meadow, and Crossways. The 1.5-mile Crossways trail is the longest of the three, connecting to neighboring preserves like Penllyn Woods. The trail has a raised boardwalk for visitors to traverse over marshy areas.

In the preserve’s meadows, a pillar can be seen rising out of the grass. This structure is a chimney swift nesting tower. Chimney swifts are migratory birds known for their acrobatics and insect control. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, chimney swift populations have been in serious decline during the past few decades. The nesting tower was funded by the Liberty Bird Alliance (formerly the Wyncote Audubon Society) to help restore local populations. The Wissahickon Trails also holds bird banding programs in the preserve each summer.

In addition to chimney swifts, wildlife like deer, rabbits, and tree swallows can be seen roaming the preserve. Since Crossways neighbors the Kindle Hill Foundation, which offers equine therapy services, horses can sometimes be seen riding on the trails. In some areas, trails diverge into separate paths for hikers and horseback riders.

Parking can be found by the Crossways trailhead at the intersection between Normandy Drive and Cathcart Road. The preserve is open to the public from dawn till dusk.

Photos – Suzanne McNaughton