RICHARD M. NIXON
COUNTY PARK
YHC
Richard M. Nixon County Park is nestled on 143 acres of meadow, woodland and aquatic habitats which support a wide variety of plant and wildlife. The landscape of the Park provides ample opportunities for teaching natural history.
PARK HOURS
The Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk. The Nature Center is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays 12:00 noon to 6:00p.m. From November through March, Sunday hours are 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Official web site: Click Me!
HISTORY
Established in 1968 through a gift of land from the Bob Hoffman family, the Park was named in honor of the newly elected president, Richard M. Nixon. The original Nature Center, which highlights Pennsylvania natural history, was built in 1978. The Treasury of Wildlife Wing was added in 1992 to house the spectacular private taxidermy collection from. William G. Koller and other private collectors. All the outstanding animal specimens were presented as gifts to be used for educational purposes.
HIKING TRAILS
Nixon Park has over six miles of hiking trails designed primarily for the quiet observation of nature. Please keep your activities to a minimum and observe our special rules: Bikes, horses and pets are not allowed on the trails.
VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteer staff is an integral part of our operation. Volunteer application forms are available on our information wall and anyone 16 years and older is welcome to submit one. If you would like to meet some of our staff and learn more about volunteer opportunities within the Park, please call the Nature Center for more information.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER The environmental center houses a wide selection of Pennsylvania natural history displays including mounted wildlife, a working honeybee hive, live snakes, a touch room, bird observation windows and a reference library. Full time Naturalists staff the Center and offer guided nature walks and programs to pre-scheduled groups (kindergarten and up). To schedule a program, please call us at (717) 428-196 1. Any organized group of IO or more must pre-schedule, even if touring on their own. The center is ADA accessible and restrooms are available.
THE TREASURY OF WILDLIFE WING Dramatic artwork and over 180 specimens from 15 different countries around the world greets visitors as they enter the Nixon Park Nature Center. This new wing offers three large dioramas portraying stirring views of the wet and dry season of the African veld, the pack ice and permafrost of the Artie Circle and the serene beauty of the Northwest Territory. The habitats depicted in this wing are home to some of the last great populations of wildlife found on earth.
PICNICKING
There are no picnic facilities. However, you are welcome to relax on the front lawn and eat your lunch. We have a carry in, carry out policy.
Please take your trash home with you.
Webmaster: Jim T. yorkhikingclub@email.com
Oct. 11, 2004