Heritage Conservancy’s new mural at Croydon Woods Nature Preserve came to life through a collaboration between Langhorne-based artist Jean-Marc Dubus, the after-school art club at Harry S. Truman High School, and the greater community, which provided its insights and feedback.
The scene, which highlights the site’s biodiversity, depicts young hikers amid the same plants and animals that sharp-eyed visitors are likely to spot while exploring the preserve.
Heritage Conservancy unveiled the mural this month.
“We hope this mural helps bring attention to this beautiful coastal forest and encourages people in the community to walk its trails,” says Shannon Fredebaugh-Siller, community engagement programs manager at Heritage Conservancy. “It truly depicts our interconnectedness with nature.”
The students at Truart worked with Dubus to paint the mural under the direction of teacher Amy Freeman.
Students selected animal and plant species to showcase. The list includes the great horned owl, scarlet tanager, eastern bluebird, royal fern, tulip tree and jewelweed.
The mural was hand-painted on canvas in the classroom and later adhered to the wall for installation.
Croydon Woods is one of the last remaining Coastal Plain Forests in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The 80-acre preserve is home to more than 300 species of plants, mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects, including some endangered plant species, according to the conservancy.
It stewards the property and partners with neighboring Keystone Elementary School on environmental education initiatives there.
The project was made possible with funding from the Alliance for Watershed Education and the William Penn Foundation.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
