About the Preserve

The Templin Woods Preserve—formerly the Great Marsh Preserve—protects over 500 acres of mature woodland wildlife habitat in Glenmoore, Pennsylvania. This valuable natural space safeguards the headwaters of the Great Marsh and offers visitors hilly forest trails, seasonal wildflowers, and exceptional bird watching opportunities, with over 140 species recorded on-site.

Thanks to our dedicated supporters, volunteers, and staff, French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is proud to own and protect the Templin Woods Preserve in perpetuity.

Trails

The Templin Woods Preserve features two looped trails through mature forest.

Blue Loop Trail (1 Mile)

• Shorter, hilly route through mature oak, beech, and hemlock stands.
• No dogs permitted on this trail to protect sensitive plant and animal habitats.
• Ideal for a quick, quiet walk immersed in deep-woods scenery.

White Loop Trail (3 Miles)

• Longer, moderately challenging route with varied terrain.
• Dogs are welcome on leash.
• Features seasonal wildflowers, impressive canopy views, and excellent birding spots.

Highlights

Seasonal Views & Wildlife

Templin Woods Preserve includes interpretive signs along the trails to help visitors identify native trees such as American Beech, Eastern Hemlock, and White Oak. These signs provide an educational self-guided experience, perfect for families, students, and nature enthusiasts eager to learn more about Pennsylvania’s native forests.

Templin Woods Preserve offers different experiences throughout the year:

• Spring: Wildflowers like yellow trout lily and trilliums carpet the forest floor; migratory warblers arrive.
  
• Summer: Dense green canopy and the haunting flute-like song of the Wood Thrush.
  
• Fall: Brilliant foliage in red, orange, and gold.
  
• Winter: Bare-tree vistas revealing the Great Marsh valley and overwintering bird species.

Wildlife: Over 140 bird species have been observed at Templin Woods Preserve. See the eBird listing for recent sightings. Mammals such as deer, foxes, and smaller forest creatures also call this preserve home.

iNaturalist

Become a citizen scientist! iNaturalist projects are now active at the Templin Woods Preserve and Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve. Use the iNaturalist app to record plant and animal sightings as you explore, and see what others have discovered. Simply download iNaturalist, snap a photo, and upload—just be sure your location is enabled. Start exploring at inaturalist.org.

Tree Identification Signs

Tree identification plaques are placed along the trails at the Templin Woods Preserve. As you explore, keep an eye out for these markers to learn more about the native tree species that shape the landscape. A simple way to deepen your connection to the Preserve, one tree at a time!

Special thanks to Eagle Scout Matthew Dooley for creating and installing this signage.

Know Before You Go