Hibernia County Park and Chambers Lake

Over 900 acres of trails, woodlands, meadows, open fields, play areas, pavilions, camping & picnic areas are strewn throughout. Popular fishing sites include the Brandywine Creek’s west branch, Birch Run & a children’s pond. Small boating & fishing occur on the 90 –acre Chambers Lake. Hibernia Mansion is open for public tours on Sunday afternoons, Memorial Day - Labor Day. Park walking tours explore the legacy of the iron masters and country gentlemen who owned the estate.

Hibernia Mansion is a restored 19th century mansion. The mansion, as you see it today, reflects the changes of lifestyle and social status of its various owners for over two hundred years. Long the home of Ironmasters, it expanded with their increased prosperity. When strolling along the quiet paths through the 990-acre Hibernia County Park, or fishing on the shady banks of the Brandywine Creek, it is hard to imagine that here was once the site of a bustling iron industry, gone for over one hundred years.

At the turn of the century, Hibernia became the country estate of a wealthy Philadelphia lawyer and underwent extensive renovations according to his personal taste. Vacant for 15 years, it fell into disrepair. Now owned and operated by the Chester County Parks and Recreation Department, Hibernia Mansion has been restored to its former glory to preserve our past heritage and for future generations to enjoy. 

Hibernia is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places. It is also part of the Hatfield-Hibernia National Register Historic District. In 2009, Hibernia Mansion joined the Rural History Confederation.

http://www.chesco.org/ccparks/cwp/view.asp?a=1550&q=616010

Birds you can find at Hibernia Park

Identifying Trees

9-11-2011 America Remembers!

America remembers all of those lost and affected by 9-11. You are in our hearts forever. Thank you to all the mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters over seas and in the US  fighting to keep us safe.


Such a solemn day. 10 years ago today 4 planes were high jacked and crashed. 2 of them hit the world trade center, 1 hit the pentagon, and one missed its target due to the brave passengers and crew aboard. REMEMBER always!!!


Where were you on 9-11-01?????


I was sitting at home  with my 2 month old son watching everything on the local news. Such a devastating and life changing day for everyone.

Dominic's Little Bird Sanctuary.......

After noticing something was living in his first bird house it wasn't long until he was ready to make another. After making the perfect bird house and bird feeder it was time to find the perfect location. We found a nice wooded area behind our house. An area perfect for viewing right from his bedroom window. He has his binoculars sitting on the table next to the window awaiting for the first bird to arrive. It may take a while for them to notice but I am positive they will arrive in the next few days In the mean time he is working on a few other things for the neighborhood birds

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Flying Squirrels!!

So, my son Dominic built a bird house and hung it at his grandmother's house in a tree. One weekend while visiting he noticed something had built a nest in it. He was very excited. When I came to pick him up he wanted to show me.

So when I got there we quietly snuck up to the bird house to take a peak. I saw something little and furry, was almost positive it wasn't a bird.So I got a little closer to take a look. Next thing I knew there was a big eye ball staring back at me from inside the house. I got a little spooked and started quickly walking to the house calling my step dad. It turned out to be a flying squirrel. At first I thought he was just making it up but sure enough it was true. Pretty amazing, I never knew there was such a thing. For Dominic that was a big deal. A flying squirrel built a next in his bird house. Awesome!!! Of course he had to tell everyone. I don't ever think we will actually be able to capture a picture of one so we included some info down below.

Description

A flying squirrel gliding

Flying squirrels are not capable of powered flight like birds or bats; instead, they glide between trees. They are capable of obtaining lift within the course of these flights, with flights recorded to 90 meters (295 ft).^[2][3] The direction and speed of the animal in midair is varied by changing the positions of its two arms and legs, largely controlled by small cartilaginous wrist bones.^[4] This changes the tautness of the patagium, a furry parachute-like membrane that stretches from wrist to ankle.^[4] It has a fluffy tail that stabilizes in flight. The tail acts as an adjunct airfoil, working as an air brakebefore landing on a tree trunk.^[5]

The colugos, Petauridae, and Anomaluridae are gliding mammals, which are similar to flying squirrels, because of convergent evolution.A few mammals can glide through the trees, but they do not actually fly (like birds and bats). They have a membrane of skin on either side of their body.