Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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A big tree at Boyd Big Tree Preserve
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 Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
Location in Pennsylvania
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
Location in the United States
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| Location | Dauphin, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 949.49 acres (384.24 ha) |
| Elevation | 866 ft (264 m) |
| Established | 1999 |
| Named for | the donor, Alex Boyd |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area |
The Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is a special place in Pennsylvania. It covers about 949 acres, which is like 720 football fields! This area is in Dauphin County.
A man named Alex Boyd gave this land to the state in 1999. He wanted it to be a safe home for old, tall trees. It's also a great spot for learning about nature. The preserve sits on Blue Mountain.
Contents
What is a Conservation Area?
A conservation area is a bit different from a regular state park. These areas have very few buildings or roads. They are mostly large natural spaces. The main goal is to protect the land and its resources.
Because of this, there are not many recreational facilities. You won't find places to camp here. Other conservation areas in Pennsylvania include the Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area and Varden Conservation Area.
Wildlife in the Preserve
The Boyd Big Tree Preserve is full of big trees and thick woods. This makes it a perfect home for many woodland animals. You might see white-tailed deer walking through the trees. Black bears also live here.
Look out for wild turkeys and ruffed grouse on the ground. Eastern gray squirrels are busy climbing the trees. If you enjoy birdwatching, you can spot bluebirds and warblers. There's even a special spot on Blue Mountain. From there, you can watch hawks fly by during their yearly migration.
Fun Things to Do
Hiking and Skiing Trails
The preserve has over 10 miles of trails. All of these trails are open for hiking. In winter, you can also go cross-country skiing on them.
- Coach Trail is about 0.9 miles long. It's marked with yellow signs. This trail is considered "easy" and runs along the base of Blue Mountain.
- Creek Trail is also about 0.9 miles long. It has blue markers. This is a "moderate" trail that follows the western edge of the preserve.
- East Loop Trail stretches for about 1.9 miles. You'll see lime green markers. This "moderate" trail is on the eastern side of the park.
- Janie Trail is the longest at 2.5 miles. It's marked with red signs. This is a "difficult" trail. It goes along the top of the ridge and then down a steep slope.
- Upper Spring Trail is about 2 miles long. It has beige markers. This "moderate" trail passes by some of the biggest and oldest oak, hickory, and beech trees.
- Lower Spring Trail is about 1.1 miles long. It's marked with lavender signs. This "easy" trail goes through the middle of the conservation area.
- Pond Loop Trail is about 1.2 miles long. It has pink markers. This "easy" trail circles a pond fed by a spring. Many types of amphibians live in this pond.
Hunting
Hunting is allowed in about 800 acres of the preserve. Hunters must follow the rules set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Some common animals hunted here include ruffed grouse and eastern gray squirrel. You might also find wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and eastern cottontail rabbits. Black bears can also be hunted. However, hunting groundhogs is not allowed.
Nearby Parks
Here are some other state parks not too far from Boyd Big Tree Preserve:
- Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County
- Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area in Dauphin County
- Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County
- Memorial Lake State Park in Lebanon County
- Swatara State Park in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties
