Natural Lands’ Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary is perched on the steep slopes of Bougher Hill overlooking the scenic Delaware River. A highlight of the preserve’s trail system is the River Lookout Trail, with a seasonal overlook of both the Delaware Canal and the Delaware River 300 feet below.
Mariton’s 11 trails provide unique, varying experiences. Some trail along meadows, like the Main Trail. Others wind through steep forested hillsides. The must-see trails at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary are River Lookout Trail which offers a view of the Delaware River and the Chimney Rock Trail.
Birders have a few options at Mariton Preserve: Start off from the nature center on the Main Trail and head to the bird blind, or find one of the many benches situated at outlooks throughout the trail system. Keep an eye out for screech owls that burrow in tree cavities, amphibians like newts and toads in the leaf litter, and red foxes scurrying throughout the woods.
In spring, ephemeral wildflowers like native orchids and Trillium can be found on the forest floor. Peering up into the trees, see the tallest tulip poplars with gray bark and branch-free trunks exuding limbs high in the canopy. Fans of ferns should be sure to visit the Xmas Fern Trail, aptly named for the sea of green ferns. All year, the Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for members of the kingdom fungi, from wood decay mushrooms like polypores to the colorful, mycorrhizal Russuals.
Mariton was assembled over many years by Mary and Tony Guerrero, who wanted to protect the land and the wildlife living there from development. They also wanted the property to serve as an environmental education center for local schools, colleges, and the greater community. In 1969, they established Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary and Wilderness Trust; the name Mariton was a combination of their first names.
In 1992, the Trust entered into a long-term agreement for Natural Lands to manage the property. Today, Mariton is still serves as an educational resource, honoring the Guerrero family’s legacy.
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