Bellaire Woods Nature Preserve, named after the neighboring crossroads village of Bellaire located close to Lebanon County, exhibits a tremendous variety of native wildflowers and mushrooms in addition to numerous trees and under story shrubs. Recent inventories note that at least 3-dozen species of spring wildflowers can be found on this property. An unnamed tributary to the Conewago Creek bisects the prop-erty, thereby creating wonderful forested wetland habitat
Bellaire Woods Nature Preserve offers some unusual plant life. Bellaire is an excellent property for spring wildflowers with three dozen wildflowers typical of Lancaster County and even a few that are rare in other parts of the region. Relatively tall, straight specimens of beech, poplar, sycamore, oak and hickories dominate the canopy.
A well-worn blue-blazed cobbly path loops through the property and the cache (an ammo can) is placed so that you can approach it from either direction then continue the loop. (currently part of the loop is closed for renovations please respect the CLOSED signs)
The small, unnamed stream that runs through the property is known for its good water quality. The gentling sloping, relatively open 53-acre site with mature woodland also features large boulders that help create plant microclimates for plants, and animal refuges and afford picturesque vistas.
Beginning in late April, about 36 typical Lancaster County wildflowers begin to bloom and, literally, carpet the forest floor. But you’ll also find the uncommon varieties such as dog violet, sand violet and goldenseal.
For more information on what you'll see at the preserve, as well as a trail map, visit: Bellaire Woods Nature Preserve
Directions to Bellaire Woods Nature Preserve:
Take PA Route 283 to the Elizabethtown/Rheems exit. Head
north on Cloverleaf Road (from PA 283 West, turn right: from PA 283
East, turn left) which becomes Greentree Road. Follow this for
about 2 1/4 miles until you come to a “T” intersection with
Elizabethtown Road. Turn right on Elizabethtown Road then take your
first left on to Prospect Road and you should find Bellaire Woods
Nature Preserve on the right after about 1 mile. The Preserve is
well marked with large signs and it has a parking area.