A CLOSER LOOK
The Rushton Nature Keepers Conservation Strategy We believe these four themes are the key focus areas that have the biggest impact on land conservation and earth stewardship. The more programs your child attends, the more comprehensive their understanding of conservation will be.
RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS
Inspiring tomorrow’s conservationists Rushton Nature Keepers (RNK) provides youth (ages 8-11) with unique opportunities to develop a meaningful relationship with nature, which will fuel a lifelong desire to protect the environment. RNK is focused on shaping and empowering these future conservationists while nurturing a spirit of discovery and wonder. We offer regular programs covering four conservation themes including birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watersheds, and healthy habitat. Our Objectives for Your Child: • Create a conservation ethic by showing the importance of preserving open space. • Connect personally to nature and foster a lifelong respect of the natural world. • Nurture a spirit of discovery and wonder. • Develop observation skills and understanding of science beyond the classroom. • Recognize the connection of wildlife, farming, and watersheds. • Understand how people can help create and preserve healthy habitat. • Appreciate the origins of the food we eat and how nature and agriculture can flourish together. • Demonstrate the positive role humans can play in the natural world. • Foster an awareness of how everyday personal choices can help the planet.
1. Birds and Wildlife are the global heartbeats. Birds connect people across continents with their awe-inspiring migrations and provide the charismatic face that compels people to protect habitat. Our Rushton Woods Preserve is a hub of bird conservation, boasting the region’s premier bird banding station that attracts leaders in ornithology and inspires visitors to care about their avian neighbors.
2. Regenerative Farming is the way of the future and an answer to sustaining the world’s growing population. By taking care of soils first and minimizing the overall impact on the land, regenerative methods have proven to be more productive than conventional methods. Rushton Farm is a leading model of environmentally responsible farming methods that create and enhance habitat for native wildlife and pollinators while growing healthy food for the community.
3. Watersheds must be safeguarded through land conservation and sound environmental practices. Our partnership with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University provides us with the tools we need to monitor the three watersheds we protect: the Ridley, Crum, and Darby Creeks. We study all aspects of stream health including underwater insects that serve as indicators of water quality.
4. Healthy Habitat begins in your own backyard. The Trust has implemented several small-scale habitat restoration projects over the years, which serve as demos for landowners interested in supporting healthy habitat. For example: native wildflower meadows have been established to support native insects; stream sides have been planted with native trees for erosion control; and native shrub habitats have been planted to support migratory birds.
OPPORTUNITES FOR TEENS Looking to stay involved beyond RNK?
RNK Membership is $250 for the first child and $225 for each additional sibling. Membership includes a t-shirt, reusable water bottle, nature journal and tote per child. Programs are drop-off only unless otherwise noted. Waivers will be offered on a case-by-case basis (no questions asked), as we do not wish to exclude anyone based on financial need. Otherwise, membership is required to attend most events*.
Opportunities exist on a case-by-case basis for children 12 and up to get involved. These include service at the farm, working at the bird banding station, helping with watershed study activities, participating in bird counts and stream cleanups, internships or other projects agreed upon with Willistown Conservation Trust staff. Contact Blake Goll (bhg@wctrust.org) for more info.
A Rushton Junior Naturalist Certificate will be awarded to Rushton Nature Keepers who attended events within each of the 4 themes for a total of at least 8 by yearend. They will be invited to attend the Rushton Junior Naturalist Celebration in November during which prizes will be awarded. Each program will allow time for reflection in a nature journal in which children will receive attendance stamps to document their progress. Each event is designated with icons covering one or more of the four themes.
Photo: Eva Dillon-Rutledge began as a Jr. Birding Club member years ago and then volunteered at the bird banding station. She has also volunteered for our Bird Box Program, participated in NJ Audubon’s World Series of Birding, and recently attended PA’s Wildlife Leadership Academy.
*Please note that other relevant WCT family programs or volunteer events may pop up during the year that can count towards the Rushton Junior Naturalist certificate. Members will be notified as opportunities arise. Photography policy: Attendance at Willistown Conservation Trust programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Trust staff if you would prefer that your or your child’s photo not be used.
Blake Goll Education Programs Manager bhg@wctrust.org 610-353-2562, ext. 109
W I L L I S T O W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T
925 Providence Road Newtown Square, PA 19073 610-353-2562 | wctrust.org
WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST | 2025 RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS EVENTS