Fieldstone Farm Tank Creek Nature Preserve

The 52-acre Fieldstone Farm Preserve, acquired in 2008, provides a major and sustaining groundwater/spring fed flow to the headwaters of Tank Creek. Tank Creek is a high quality headwater to the Paradise Creek, and forms an approximately one half mile boundary between the preserve and State Gamelands #221 (Devil's Hole).

The property also has two freshwater ponds, numerous hillside springs and wetland areas, and the remains of an old stone farmhouse. The habitat mix of old fields, mixed forests, springs, ponds and riparian headwater stream area combined with the spectacular view of Paradise Valley and the Delaware Water Gap beyond make it ideal for both wildlife and public access.

 

As you stroll through the woods at Fieldstone Farm, take note of the size and diversity of trees you see. Are the diameters of the trunks measured in inches or feet? The forest you see now reflects land management decisions made decades ago. Closer to the old farmhouse, the forest is substantially younger – this part of the preserve was used as a hayfield to provide forage for a herd of elk in the 1920s.

 

THE OLD FARMHOUSE Carl Tielenius, a wealthy New York City merchant, built the farmhouse for his daughter in the 1910s.  The house burned down in the 1960s. There is a spring that bubbles up behind the house. The water flows at 52 degrees year-round down through the former swimming pool to the ponds and to Tank Creek. This area remains unfrozen throughout the year, which attracts a variety of wildlife. Hannable Parrish photo

 

POLLINATOR HABITAT The old-field habitat around the farmhouse contains species of goldenrods, wild bergamot and common milkweed (pictured above), among other wildfowers. On foraging trips for pollen and nectar, bees, butterflies, and other insects pollinate these plants. This field has remained un-mowed for several years, allowing fallow grasses and wildflowers to bloom.

The white trail loops around the preserve, adjacent to Tank Creek. In the late 19th century, a portion of Tank Creek’s flow was diverted to a cistern south of Devil’s Hole Road. This cistern was used to top off the tanks of passing steam locomotives. Try to find remains of the old dam and water pipes in Tank Creek.

 

Red trail (0.1 mile) The red trail follows an old stone wall, which was used to delineate an historic property boundary.  Remnant fields and old stone walls are a reminder of our agrarian past.  This trail cuts back to the white trail and shortens the loop.

 

Blue trail (0.25 mile) The blue trail loops around two manmade ponds and the remains of a springfed swimming pool. As you walk along the trail, you will find trees cut down with the characteristic tooth marks of the beaver.  Look for additional signs of beaver activity and a bank beaver lodge as you hike along this trail. 

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Fieldstone Farm Preserve Hunting Policy

This property is enrolled in the PA Game Commission’s Hunter Access Program.  Public hunting following PA Game Commission hunting regulations is allowed during all seasons.

For more information, visit PA Game Commission website.​​