LEGEND North Range Central Range South Range 2021 PA-DE ASLA Professional Awards Submission | Category: Analysis and Planning Site Plan Lehigh County undertook the Trexler Nature Preserve Master Plan Update 2020 to build upon successes of the 2006 master plan, and to ensure a scientifi cally- based strategy to secure funding for conservation, restoration, and stewardship of this valuable community resource. In his will, General Harry C. Trexler bequeathed the lands of Trexler Nature Preserve to the citizens of Lehigh County. The Preserve endures as a cherished enclave where citizens can enjoy, learn, and help to steward the natural environment. The work of Trexler Nature Preserve is to protect and manage natural resources; deliver educational opportunities; provide passive recreation opportunities; and serve as a demonstration for ecological land conservation practices within the Jordan Creek Watershed and the Lehigh Valley. The project was conducted through the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Safety protocols included an outdoor kick-off meeting and orientation in the Central Range, on the roof of the Environmental Center with the Director and Assistant Director of Lehigh County Parks. ‘Facts We Should Know’ Points of Interest Existing Paths Delineated Proposed Amenities / Activities Proposed Trail Modifi cations Delineated Multiple site visits included hiking and biking the entire preserve to: document existing conditions; gain an on-the-ground understanding of different user experiences; and investigate important information provided by the public, such as in the online “WikiMapping” platform (shown). The team ecologist organized datasets by dividing the site into Management Units (MUs) – describing geographical sub-areas with shared characteristics. Recommendations correspond to management units and enable treatments to be tailored to various combinations of habitat types and cultural uses. The North Range is under conversion to a native grassland community – a management process coordinated with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to conduct controlled burns, among other methods. This landscape is an important foraging habitat for the American kestrel. Areas abundant in native plants, such as Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) provide essential habitat for pollinators like the Monarch butterfl y. The plan provides science-based recommendations for expanding the current ecological restoration and stewardship efforts sustainably into the future. Unique habitats present special challenges and opportunities. This iconic steep slope hemlock ravine faces pressure from the insect pest, wooly adelgid. The plan recommends conservation of this regionally signifi cant hemlock population while also remediating erosion issues and creating habitat. Resident bison and elk herds are a legacy of General Trexler’s original intent to preserve dwindling populations and provide educational and memorable experiences for visitors. The plan recommends paddock rotations to sustainably mitigate herd impacts on the watershed. Central Range Trails -g Update to Diffi culty and Suggested Users Target Existing Proposed Existing DCNR Trail Distance Name Blaze Description DCNR Trail Suggested Suggested Condition Rating (Miles) Rating Use Use Loop Trail; Ridge; Steep Slopes; More Difficult Most Difficult Hike Elk Viewing Wooded Single Track; Provide Resting Hike 1.74 Steps Landings Bird Hillside; Easy - Provide Steep Slopes More Difficult Hike Hike 0.64 Watching Bord Watching Resting Landings More Difficult- Trexler Connector Trail; Excellent More Difficult Provide Resting Hike Hike 0.44 Nature Trail Woodland Birding Area Easy Trail Landings Diffi culty Covered Loop Trail - ADA; ADA - Address ADA Surface Easy Hike Hike 1.25 Bridge Trail Streamside Crosswalk Areas Medium Trail Diffi culty ADA - Address Observation Loop Trail; Cross slope Most Difficult Crosslope & ADA Hike Hike .39 Trail Meadow Views 4-8% Diffi cult Trail Material Diffi culty Connector Trail; Cross slope Most Difficult - Boy Scout Most Difficult Hike Hike, Horse 0.46 Chestnut Nursery 4-8% Address extreme Trails where Trail Steep slopes Slopes suggested Trail Connector; Steep More Difficult- Most Difficult/ Hike, Horse, users are Spur Trail Covered Bridge Cross slope; Address Hike 1.25 More Difficult Bike To Border Trail Steep Slopes Crosslope modifi ed Game Preserve Rd Camping Area Chestnut Bison Grove Enclosure Lehigh Carbon Community ility Rd Ut e College g . Ran N Orchard Rd Schlicher’s Covered Bridge Lehigh Valley Zoo Elk Enclosure Jordan Creek Trexler Environmental Game Preserve Rd Center The Ford The LA critically examined each trail by range to determine existing conditions and challenges to users; recommendedo user groups; and ckho crafted specifi c recommendations for proposed targetPackPackhP ho trail ratings, per the Department of Conservation and Natural ResourcesOldO Packho standards. en er Geiger’s Bridge Kidspeace A panoramic view slowly reveals itself to viewers who traverse the Observation Trail that circles the hill where the Environmental Education Center sits. With recommended improvements, this loop will offer a breathtaking experience accessible to all levels of ability. 5 6 4 2 Game Preserve Road 3 9 10 7 8 1 1 Trail reroute / switchback 6 ADA picnic table (1) 2 ADA boardwalk approach 7 Trail reroute / switchback (ADA) 3 Floodplain viewing platform 8 Parking improvements: 2 ADA spaces & 2 standard 4 Stabilize ford / approaches 9 Improved crosswalk and rapid fl ashing beacon 5 Picnic grove (2 tables) 10 Improved trailhead & trail connections Stream crossings were included in the trails analysis by the LA. Conceptual improvements to this existing pedestrian bridge and adjoining trail include an accessible route from nearby ADA parking area to the new fl oodplain overlook platform and beyond. Signage recommendations, resulting from a preference study with the Steering Committee, include updated logo, kiosks, and trail markers, as well as use of color “families” for each range. This photo simulation illustrates a conceptual trailhead kiosk and trail marker. 9 10 11 8 2 3 12 13 1 5 4 6 7 1 1 NTS 1 New / improved crosswalk 8 Reroute Elk Ridge Trail connection 2 Existing ADA picnic table 9 Streambank restoration 3 ADA Parking Spaces (4) 10 Composting restroom 4 New birdwatching trail connection 11 Picnic lawn 5 Walking path separated from road / fence 12 New / improved crosswalk 6 New boardwalk / connections 13 Tiered seating / outdoor classroom 7 New / improved crosswalk The “ford” of Jordan Creek is a favorite gathering place and wayfi nding node, as well as the most visible and publicly accessible portion of Jordan Creek within TNP. Conceptual improvements address pedestrian use, civic space, and ecological resources..