Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center | Reading

Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is a historic and expansive nature preserve located in Cumru Township, Berks County, just about 10 miles southwest of Reading, Pennsylvania. Spanning roughly 725 acres, it holds the distinction of being the first environmental education center established by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) when it opened in 1970.

Natural Setting and Landscape

Nolde Forest is primarily a mature mixed woodland that includes both deciduous trees and large conifer plantations. Many of the conifers date back over a century, planted in the early 1900s as part of a reforestation effort by industrialist Jacob Nolde. Today, the forest provides a rich habitat for native wildlife and plant species, featuring diverse ecosystems along its numerous streams, ponds, and upland areas.

Visitors can explore nearly 10 miles of well-maintained trails winding through the forest’s rolling terrain. The trails vary in difficulty and length, suitable for hikers, bird watchers, and nature photographers. Interpretive signs along the paths highlight the natural history, ecology, and forestry practices that shaped the area. The center is open daily from sunrise to sunset, allowing year-round access to the outdoors.

Historical Background

Before becoming a state park, the land was farmland that had been heavily logged and used for charcoal production to support the iron furnaces of the region. In the early 20th century, Jacob Nolde, founder of the Nolde Hosiery Mills, purchased the land to create a managed forest, primarily planting Norway spruce and other conifers to reestablish woodlands. Under the guidance of forester William Kohout, the property saw the development of forest roads, firebreaks, and trails, laying the groundwork for modern forest conservation and education.

In the 1960s, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acquired the property, preserving it as a natural and educational resource. The forest and its historic buildings, including the Nolde Mansion, remain a tangible link to the region’s industrial and environmental past.

Educational Role

The Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center serves as a hands-on classroom for environmental learning, engaging more than 4,000 students annually from local schools. Its programs emphasize experiential discovery and stewardship, covering topics such as ecology, forestry, wildlife habitats, and conservation techniques.

The center features the C.H. McConnell Environmental Education Hall, a facility that supports year-round indoor programming and workshops. Recent upgrades to the hall have improved accessibility, sustainability, and comfort, including ADA-compliant restrooms and enhanced insulation. The hall hosts school groups, community events, and nature-based workshops for all ages.

Educational offerings extend beyond the classroom to include guided hikes, seasonal nature camps, citizen science projects, and volunteer stewardship opportunities. The “Friends of Nolde Forest,” a nonprofit support group, coordinates monthly open houses and public tours that invite visitors to explore both the natural and cultural history of the forest.

Recreation and Public Access

Nolde Forest is open every day from sunrise to sunset, welcoming visitors for hiking, birding, photography, and quiet nature observation. The parking lot near the Nolde Mansion and education center is open during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The trails are unpaved but well-maintained, with several loops and connector paths allowing visitors to tailor their experience. Interpretive kiosks provide educational content about local flora, fauna, and sustainable forestry practices. Wildlife commonly seen includes white-tailed deer, various songbirds, amphibians, and occasional sightings of bobcats and foxes.

Conservation and Sustainability

The center exemplifies sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship principles. Ongoing efforts focus on maintaining biodiversity, controlling invasive species, and monitoring forest health. The balance of conifer plantations and native hardwood stands offers a living laboratory for studying forest succession and ecosystem dynamics.

Recent infrastructure improvements incorporate energy-efficient designs and water management systems to minimize environmental impact, reflecting the center’s mission to model sustainability.

Visitor Information

Location: 3025 New Holland Road, Reading, PA 19607

Hours: Trails open daily from sunrise to sunset; office and facilities open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact: Phone (610) 796-3699

Accessibility: The education hall and some trails are ADA accessible, with ongoing improvements to enhance visitor access.

Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center stands as both a preserved natural area and a vibrant community resource, promoting appreciation and understanding of Pennsylvania’s forests while honoring the legacy of conservation pioneers.