The Trexler Nature Preserve has opened for all to enjoy in the Lehigh Valley area in Pennsylvania. 

Gen. Harry C. Trexler, who died in 1993 and was Lehigh County's most influential citizen, left more than 1,100 acres in the Schnecksville area to the people of the county to enjoy the great outdoors.  He wanted to help conserve some of our wildlife in the proper setting.  Gen. Trexler loved the outdoors and gave the property to share his love of the outdoors with his fellow people and future generations.

Friday, October 30th, 2009, county and other officials formally dedicated the Trexler Nature Preserve.  It is now open for hiking, walking, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, picnicing, fishing, and bow hunting in season. 

For years, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in a small section of the property, was the only accessible part of the land to the public.  A few years ago the county leased the zoo to a private operator.  The county then developed a plan for the preserve. 

The project included removing non-native plants, allowing native brush to grow and animals such as red fox, coyotes, deer, turkey and bluebirds to thrive.

Stream beds were also restored so people could fish.

The Wildlands Conservancy helped in developing the plan.  Community groups such as The Valley Mountain Bikers, the International Mountain Bikers and the Lehigh County Equestrian Council helped build the trails and the Appalacian Mountain Club helped the county parks department with trail mapping.

For more information, click here.