Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve

The Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve

This gorgeous, historic and biodiverse preserve has been a project in the works for several years. Thanks to our supporters, volunteers and staff, French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is proud to own and protect the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve. This 108-acre mosaic of woods, fields, wetlands and stunning scenery opened to the public in 2019 and contains over 3 miles of trails through rolling and varied terrain for exploration.

Recognized as a “Birding Hot Spot” by the Valley Forge Audubon Society, the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve currently has 134 species recorded as having been observed there (click here for eBird listing).

In addition to the beautiful scenery, natural areas, and trails, the history at Warwick Furnace is rich.

View the trail map here

The History of the 18th Century Warwick Furnace

at the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve

The Warwick Furnace was built in 1737 and is the third oldest furnace of its kind in Pennsylvania. Using the abundance of forests in the area to produce charcoal to fuel the fire, the limestone and iron ore beneath the ground to charge the furnace, and the powerful waters of the South Branch of the French Creek to power the bellows and fuel the blast furnaces with air, Warwick Furnace produced a variety of iron products including pig iron, iron stoves, pots, clock weights, and later the cannons and artillery needed for the Revolutionary War.

Since becoming the steward of this fascinating property in 2015, French & Pickering has worked to uncover and stabilize the ruins of the Warwick Furnace and its associated structures and in 2022, to our great surprise, four buried cannons were unearthed!

We welcome you anytime dawn to dusk to come our and visit this local historical treasure.