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ChesLen Preserve

Address
1199 Cannery Road
Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320 Get Directions
Website https://www.natlands.org/visit/cheslen-preserve/

ChesLen Preserve is the largest privately owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County. Miles of marked hiking trails lead visitors through shady woodlands, flower-filled meadows, farm fields, and stream valleys.

Visitors can also explore Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround, where young explorers can climb logs, build stick tee-pees, hunt for bugs, explore small streams, and get a little dirty, tired, and inspired. Free play is encouraged and is a great way for kids to gain an appreciation for nature.

parking

ChesLen Preserve has five parking lots. The event organization will let you know where to park for your specific event.

The main parking lot is located at 1199 Cannery Road next to the Lenfest Center. It is reached via a long driveway and is paved with 30 spaces. Four additional gravel parking lots are located nearby: two more lots along Cannery Road, one on Route 162, and one at the Newlin Township building further north on Route 162.

visitor hours

Friday – Wednesday, dawn to dusk. Closed Thursdays.


more preserve information

Events at this venue

Today

  • Poetry Circle & Connect: The Peace of Wild Things

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    For as long as there has existed the written word, people have written about the natural world. To explore their connection with and deepen their understanding of it. To express an appreciation for its beauty and to raise awareness about issues that threaten it. To reflect on their place within the larger ecosystem that includes us all. Join us on the overlook hill at ChesLen Preserve (weather permitting) to celebrate National Poetry Month with an open share of nature-inspired poems. Share your own poems, the poems of others you appreciate, or simply listen.   This event will be one for conversation

  • Pints on the Preserve

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    East Branch Brewing Company will be pouring suds at the Lenfest Center pavilion. Enjoy refreshments with a take-your-breath-away view. Pair your pint with a… …hike! ChesLen Preserve includes nearly 1,300 acres and more than 14 miles of trails to explore. …picnic! Bring a picnic to enjoy with your favorite pint. …fun time with friends! Bring a chair or picnic blanket and enjoy a get together with friends and family on the Lenfest Center’s back deck or the covered pavilion. *Small snacks will be available for CASH-ONLY purchase.* Join us on the 2nd Saturday of the month, from April through November.

  • Ollie Owl’s Wild Bird Egg Hunt

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    Kids, bring your favorite adult and spend the morning with some outdoor playtime at Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround. Chickens aren’t the only birds who lay eggs. In fact, all birds lay eggs—even owls, like Ollie. Visit Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround at ChesLen Preserve for a self-guided, egg-cellent scavenger hunt. Look for nests and eggs along the trails and the playground space. Peer closely and see if you can figure out what birds they belong to. Enjoy a snack and craft to fit the theme. Families with young children (ages 18 months to 5 years) are invited to attend these nature discovery events

  • Volunteer – Give Back to Nature

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    Love nature and want to lend her a helping hand? Grab gloves and join fellow volunteers in nurturing nature. Good fun (and dirt) is guaranteed! Natural Lands cares for more than 23,000 acres and 120 miles of trails, and we couldn’t do it without volunteers like you. Volunteering with Natural Lands is a great way to learn more about the natural world, give your time to a great cause, and connect with enthusiastic, like-minded people. The health and safety of staff and volunteers is our highest priority during this volunteer event. Please review “before you go” details. Capacity is limited

  • Family Edition – Pints on the Preserve

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    3:00 – 5:00 pm: Natural Lands’ Next Gen Council invites families to meet up for a few hours of fun and exploration. All activities are free, but registration is requested. Activities at the pavilion Make crafts to take home. Enjoy lounging, lawn games, and outdoor fun. Small snacks will be available for CASH-ONLY purchase. Pints for the grown-ups (cash or credit card). Activities in Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround Search for clues for the Ollie Owl Scavenger Hunt. Climb logs, build stick teepees, hunt for bugs, explore small streams, and get a little dirty, tired, and inspired. Free play is encouraged and is a great

  • Friday Night Lights

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    Live music, wine and beer, s’mores toasting, star gazing, and sunset socializing at one of the most beautiful settings in all of Chester County. Friday Night Lights is the must-not-miss event of the summer. This June, join us for live music under the evening sky. We’re thrilled to welcome David Wax Museum and Pawnshop Roses to the stage. Natural beauty: Immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings of the preserve. Feel the gentle breeze, watch the sunset, and connect with the beauty of the great outdoors. Cozy seating: Bring your own blankets or lawn chairs to create a comfy space

  • Members Appreciation Day

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    Land for life. Nature for all. It’s the heart of our mission. But we can’t succeed in delivering on it—saving open space, caring for nature, and connecting people to the outdoors and each other—without our membership community. You take care of us all year long. We want to thank you! Mingle with other Natural Lands members for an afternoon of festive food and beverages, guided hikes and strolls, and family-friendly activities at a stunning 1,282-acre preserve. Guests are welcome!  Share your passion for protected open space by bringing friends and family along to experience the joy of nature and community.

  • Natural Lands’ Members Appreciation Day

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    Land for life. Nature for all. It’s the heart of our mission. But we can’t succeed in delivering on it—saving open space, caring for nature, and connecting people to the outdoors and each other—without our membership community. You take care of us all year long. We want to thank you! Mingle with other Natural Lands members for an afternoon of festive food and beverages, guided hikes and strolls, and family-friendly activities at a stunning 1,282-acre preserve. Guests are welcome! Share your passion for protected open space by bringing friends and family along to experience the joy of nature and community.

    Free

  • Rejuvenate & Connect with NextGen

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    NextGen Council members guide a rejuvenating wellness walk. Stick around afterwards for Pints on the Preserve, happening the same day from 2-6 at the Lenfest Center.

  • Pints on the Preserve

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    East Branch Brewing Company will be pouring suds at the Lenfest Center pavilion.

  • Friday Night Lights

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    7:00 – 10:00 pm
    Don’t miss this concert without walls featuring great music, adult beverages, star gazing, and sunset socializing!

  • NextGen Wellness & Habitat Walk

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    Explore local habitats with NextGen Council members

  • First Friday Hike

    ChesLen Preserve 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pennsylvania

    Celebrate the start of the month with the beauty of the great outdoors.