Enjoy the natural beauty of the Sandy Run creek when you visit the Piszek Preserve in Upper Dublin and Springfield Townships. Piszek lies adjacent to a historic 18th century estate, called the Emlen House, that George Washington used as winter quarters. Wissahickon Trails began working with Montgomery County Lands Trust (now operating under Natural Lands), local governments and landowners in 2004 to conserve the most sensitive natural areas along the estate. Today, the preserve spans 36 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows.
Enjoy a walk along the 0.6 mile long trail through Piszek. Choose from two entrances to the trail. One is located at the small parking lot next to Christ’s Lutheran Church (700 E. Pennsylvania Ave) and goes down along Pennsylvania Avenue into the preserve. The other begins at Oreland Mill Road at the entrance to the Springfield Manor development.
As you walk, you’ll pass through forested areas that are divided by the Sandy Run creek. Two footbridges (one on each end of the trail) help walkers cross the creek.
In the spring and summer, you may see scarlet tanagers, field sparrows, red-eyed vireos, and yellow warblers foraging in the trees. Look along the banks of the creek for great blue herons, green herons, and wood ducks.