“Preserved in perpetuity.” That’s the promise made when Newtown Township acquired the land that is now Clark Run Nature Area. Let me tell you about this special place.
Clark Run Nature Area wasn’t always a public park. Its history stretches back centuries. William Penn, yes that William Penn, bought the land from the local Leni Lenape Indians in 1683. But it wasn’t until much later that the land took on the name we know today.
Fast forward to December 1997. Lyman and Mary Clark sold just over 50 acres to Newtown Township. Their one condition was that it be preserved as open space forever. And so, Clark Run Nature Area was born.
This area isn’t just a park. It is a step back in time. Imagine walking the same trails where Native Americans once roamed. Picture early settlers carving out a life in this very spot.
As you walk through Clark Run Nature Area notice the blend of dirt and wood chipped trails beneath your feet. Two seasonal creeks meander through the park. These creeks add to the area’s beauty.
Take a seat on one of the park benches. You can find them strategically placed at scenic viewpoints. These benches offer a moment to pause. Appreciate the natural surroundings.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife. Wild turkeys strut through the underbrush. Deer graze peacefully in the meadows. And if you are lucky you might even spot a fox darting through the trees. Clark Run Nature Area is their home.
The Newtown Creek forms the western boundary of the park. It separates Newtown Township from the borough of Newtown. This creek flows north to south. It eventually joins the Neshaminy Creek.
The land’s history is rich. William Penn conveyed 5,000 acres to Christopher Taylor in 1683. A portion of that land, 564 acres to be exact, was in Newtown. The land then passed through many hands. The Buckman family owned it for generations. They even built a house called Mount Pleasant on the property.
In the 20th century, the land changed hands several more times. It even went through a sheriff’s sale. Finally, Lyman and Mary Clark acquired the land. They made the generous decision to preserve it for all of us.
Clark Run Nature Area is more than just a park. It is a living testament to the importance of preserving open space. It is a place where history and nature intertwine. Take a walk. Explore its trails. Discover the beauty and tranquility that Clark Run Nature Area has to offer. Remember the promise of preservation. It ensures that future generations can enjoy this special place, too.