Ecology and Management
Boyer is managed for its habitat being of highest and best use.
Boyer is located along an important wildlife corridor and is a moderate to steep-sloped woodland landscape overgrown with thickets. Walnut Hill Road divides the preserve into a larger steep hillside area of mature hardwoods, and a smaller part west of the road which runs steeply to the narrow floodplain and stream bank of the Little Conestoga Creek. Mature second growth trees were typical of Lancaster County a generation ago. The lower hillside and floodplain have several large sycamores and black walnuts, along with silver maple, box elder, and tulip poplar. The upper area contains beech, sugar maples, sweet birch, red oaks, white oaks, hackberries, elms, and tulip trees. A rock cliff provides additional habitat.
Boyer Nature Preserve is a great place to observe brightly colored songbirds relying on streamside corridors for cover while avoiding predators during their migrations. Many birds, including scarlet tanagers, orioles, redstarts, and yellow warblers can be seen here, as well as great blue herons along the Little Conestoga and the occasional bald eagle above the canopy.
Watershed
The Preserve overlooks the Little Conestoga Creek just downstream from its confluence with the West Branch of the Little Conestoga Creek. The Little Conestoga Creek keeps a straight course until joining the Conestoga River which then empties into the Susquehanna River just beneath the Safe Harbor Dam.
Acquisition History
Boyer Nature Preserve was donated by the Boyer Family from 1973 to 1980.
Hunting Information
No Hunting.
Amenities
Shoulder parking. Preserve sign.