Spring Mill Road Preserve
Riverbend’s 30-acre preserve in Gladwyne, PA is an island of green surrounded by a bustling, densely populated suburban community not far from Philadelphia.
Riverbend EEC is a 30-acre nature preserve in the Schuylkill River watershed, at the end of Spring Mill Road in Gladwyne. The preserve takes its name from the bend in the Schuylkill River that forms its farthest border. Near the entrance, Saw Mill Run, a tributary of the Schuylkill, flows over schist and gneiss stones and boulders, inviting young explorers to search for stream life and cool off on hot summer days. Steep hillsides, meadows, woodland, and ponds make room for a wide range of nature study.
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The preserve serves as an outdoor classroom for our on-site education programs, and almost every field trip includes a stream exploration. Riverbend is also open to the public every day, dawn until dusk, for walking the trails and exploring the grounds
Amenities on the Preserve
The Barn
The iconic 1923 Sears Roebuck Catalog barn building serves as the hub of Riverbend’s operations. Its public spaces host educational programs, nature camps, and other events. The barn houses a small animal collection and public restrooms.
The Snider Barn is available to rent for events and family parties. Click here to learn more.
Charles Lieberman Outdoor Classroom
A popular destination for education programs and community events, the area features tiered seating and a covered outdoor learning area overlooking the Alec Williamson Bird Observation Area.
Nick & Dee Adams Pavilion
Riverbend’s 400-square-foot pavilion features scenic views and eco-friendly elements, including solar panels, a composting toilet, and a native plant garden.
The pavilion provides valuable program space where Riverbend campers and school children fill water bottles and have a sheltered area for activities, protected from the elements. The pavilion offers an enhanced visitor experience, including use for family and signature events.
Stone Story Circle
This area features large native boulders set into the hillside surrounding a large fire pit and views of the valley.
The Laurie Bachman Farmhouse
Built between the Revolutionary War and Civil War, this original tenant cottage features a renovated first and second floor dedicated to programmatic use. The third floor has also been renovated to offer storage or living quarters for future use.
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Musical Forest
Tucked in the forest along Valley View Trail, Riverbend’s Musical Forest invites visitors to slow down, explore, and make a little noise. Chimes and drums are woven into the landscape, giving kids and adults alike a chance to experiment with rhythm and sound while surrounded by trees.
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One of the preserve’s newest additions, the Musical Forest has quickly become a favorite stop for families.
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Story Trail
At Riverbend, a walk through the preserve can also become a story. A featured story is posted along the trail, unfolding one page at a time as you stroll.
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Find it at the base of Jack and the Pulpit trail by the Farmhouse.