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Bristol Marsh, Bucks County

Freshwater tidal marshes were never widespread in the mid-Atlantic region, occurring mainly along the banks of large rivers such as the Delaware and its tributaries. Since the arrival of William Penn, these fragile yet highly productive habitats have been all but eliminated by riverfront development. Bristol Marsh is the best remaining example of this vanishing natural community in Pennsylvania.

Although the marsh is small and surrounded by commercial development, six rare plants native to the Delaware River tidal marshes thrive here. Dependent on daily tidal flushing, these highly specialized wetland plants -- including Indian wild rice, Walter's barnyard grass, waterhemp ragweed, and two species of arrowhead -- have been nearly extirpated from Pennsylvania. Now these and other important components of the plant community are protected, and the marsh ecosystem continues to function as a nursery, pollution filter, and water purifier for the Delaware River.

The marsh is also an isolated haven for wildlife, including many migratory waterfowl. This preserve, so close to major population centers, provides an ideal opportunity for increased public education and awareness of the critical importance of wetland habitats.

In 1986 The Nature Conservancy secured a long-term conservation management agreement with Bristol Borough on eleven acres of marsh. Rohm and Haas Company donated a conservation easement to the Conservancy on seven acres of adjacent land, which ensures that the marsh will be well buffered from disturbance. Many conservation-minded organizations and individuals worked together to preserve this highly significant wetland.

Bristol Marsh is open to the public for nature study. Viewing platforms and a nature trail with interpretive signs make this preserve ideal for visiting school groups. The nearby Silver Lake Nature Center offers guided walks to the marsh. For more information, call the Silver Lake Nature Center at (215) 785-1177 or The Nature Conservancy at (610) 834-1323.

Directions: From northeastern Philadelphia follow Frankford Avenue (US-13) north beyond the city limits into Bristol Borough, where US-13 ends at Mill Street. Continue on Mill Street to the river and turn right into the large Borough parking lot. The marsh preserve is at the south end of the lot.