Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve

Vudthichai Phothisuk
Dec 5, 2016
2 min read

Before all the leaves started to fall off the trees, Aidan and myself took the time to visit Beechwood Farms. It’s right in our hometown of Fox Chapel and holds a wealth of nature knowledge. This place is also the headquarters of the Audobon Society of Western Pennsylvania. ASWP is an organization that encourages the study of conservation and preservation of birds as well as their environment. They have done a lot of important research regarding bird life. Click

and check out their website! With an abundance of activities for all ages, Beechwood Farms brings in hikers, bird watchers, and is a destination for school field trips.

Upon entering the 130 acres of Beechwood Farms, lies the Discover Grounds which is a fun spot for kids to explore. It’s filled with tunnels and has a mini playhouse along with an outdoor stage used for education. There is also an overlook that is a viewpoint of the pond down below. With roughly five miles of hiking trails you are most likely going to run into someone while strolling through the woods. Unfortunately this is not a dog friendly park, so you’ll have to leave your four legged friends at home.

Beechwood Farms is a small but nice getaway if you are looking for some down time to fill. It’s located about a mile from Jack’s Pizza and is in reaching distance from Hartwood Acres, but it wasn’t always a reserve.

In 1903 the property was purchased by a man named William Flynn. Flynn is mostly known for his position as a state senator from Allegheny County. When he decided to retire from his life of politics he took up farming and bought land on both sides of Dorseyville Road totaling over 300 acres. Eventually, this place became one of the main sources of dairy products for the northern Pittsburgh area. The majority of the farm was then acquired by Rachel Mellon Walton and in 1977 the family donated around 100 acres which birthed one of the biggest nature reserves in western Pennsylvania. If you want to know more about the history regarding Beechwood Farms, check out this page from the ASWP’s site.

Most people outside of Fox Chapel don’t know about this place because it’s a rather small public place compared to what Pittsburgh has to offer. I think it’s a great spot to pack a lunch or read a book. Beechwood Farms is also open all year around and if you are trying to encourage your friends to get outdoors this could be a great place to start!