Located just off the bike- and pedestrian-friendly Perkiomen Trail, you will find a bird blind adjacent to one of our wildflower meadows. Bring your binoculars or camera and observe some of Mill Grove’s resident and migrating species.Photo: Great Blue Heron. Michael Oscar
Perkiomen Creek
The Perkiomen Creek is a 37.7-mile-long tributary of the Schuylkill River in Berks, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties, offering 18 miles of navigable waters from south of Green Lane to its confluence with the Schuylkill River near Oaks.The creek is home to and provides food for a variety of important species, including Osprey, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Wood Duck, and many more. Not sure what you saw? Here's a list of birds frequently seen at Mill Grove.https://johnjames.audubon.org/birds/birds-found-mill-grove
Braided Meadow
The Braided Meadows are part of a unique initiative taking place at parks and environmental centers across the Delaware River featuring patterns and designs created by incorporating natural resources into art installations, like the braided native grasses you see here. Learn more about this installation and the artist https://johnjames.audubon.org/news/braided-meadows-john-james-audubon-center
Lead Mine
Lead was first discovered on the property by William Thomas during the construction of the first grist mill at Mill Grove. The Wetherill family, who owned the property from 1814 to 1951, expanded this now closed mine to use the lead to manufacture paint. The mine was closed sometime in the mid- to late 1800s once almost all of its resources were extracted.
Copper Mine
After the failure of the first lead mine, the Ecton mining company negotiated with John P. Wetherill in the 1840s to reopen the mine for copper. Along with the Perkiomen Mining Association, the Ecton Company recruited close to 300 men to tap into the lead and copper ore beneath the property.
Barn
The original barn was built in the style of an English square barn, and the precise date of construction is unknown. The addition of the circular portion on the building, which has been used as a garage, was built in the early part of the 20th century. Today, the barn is used for a variety of things, including meetings, private events, educational events, and even bridal receptions. The photo shows the inside structure of the barn's roof, looking up at the cupola.
Meet Our Bird Ambassadors
Our regal and beautiful birds are here because they’ve suffered a permanent injury (physical or mental) that makes them unable to survive in the wild.As avian ambassadors, these non-releasable wild birds help educate people about their natural history and issues facing birds today. They visit schools, scouts, businesses, fairs and festivals, and many other special events. Up close experiences with our birds can inspire youth and adults alike to take further actions in conservation and community science.Read their stories and see their pictures here on our website: https://johnjames.audubon.org/visit/resident-birdsNOTE: We're sorry, but due to the threat of avian flu our birds are temporarily quarantined for their safety and yours.
Nesting Boxes
Throughout the property, you will find numerous nesting boxes. There are two tall nesting boxes for owls and several nesting boxes for Wood ducks along the Perkiomen Creek. There are also more than 30 small boxes to attract cavity-nesting species like Eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, and Tree Swallows. Starting in March, you can see birds scouting nesting sites, building nests, and tending their broods. A crew of volunteers helps to maintain the bird boxes and monitor the well-being of our nesting birds.Photo: Eastern Bluebird. Hazel Erikson/Audubon Photography Awards
The Historic House
The Mill Grove House was constructed in 1762 by James Morgan, who owned the land at the time after a series of previous owners. The Kitchen Wing, a two story stone addition on the right side of the house, was built in 1765, and it was the first addition to the historic building. Jean Audubon, a French sea captain, purchased the property in 1789. He sent his son, John James Audubon, to supervise the estate in 1803.
Visit Our Museum
Our new museum has something for all ages. You can learn about birds, see original Audubon prints, engage with interactive exhibits, and even view one of the few remaining printing plates from The Birds of America, John James Audubon’s life’s work.Great fun for all awaits on the interactive Fledgling Trail where you can slide out of a nest or fly like a bird. Access to the Trail is included with museum admission.Learn more about the Museum: https://johnjames.audubon.org/visit/visit-museum
Spring House Ruins
These are the ruins of the spring house, where people who lived on or near the property would go to get water. It was also a place to keep items cool. This is one of the many remnants of buildings scattered throughout Mill Grove.
Land Acknowledgement
“We respectfully acknowledge that the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove sits upon the traditional homeland of the Lenni-Lenape People, who lived on this land in harmony for thousands of years before being forced to relocate west and north during the colonial period and early federal era. We would like to formally honor the Lenni-Lenape and recognize them as the original people of this land, as well as recognize that they have the rights to these lands even today. We will respect and care for this beautiful land as long as we are here, and we advise all guests to do the same.”
Nesting Boxes
Throughout the property, you will find numerous nesting boxes. There are two tall nesting boxes for owls and several nesting boxes for Wood ducks along the Perkiomen Creek. There are also more than 30 small boxes to attract cavity-nesting species like Eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, and Tree Swallows. Starting in March, you can see birds scouting nesting sites, building nests, and tending their broods. A crew of volunteers helps to maintain the bird boxes and monitor the well-being of our nesting birds.Photo: Eastern Bluebird. Hazel Erikson/Audubon Photography Awards
Tell Us What You Think of The Tour & App
Please take a moment and share your feedback with this short poll. Thanks!https://forms.gle/9Rdoxi4F3XEbut7DA
Native Plants for Birds
Native plants help to attract and protect birds and provide a beautiful, easy to care for space that is better for the environment. The grounds of Mill Grove are filled with a variety of native plants. You can help birds at home or in your community by planting native flowers, trees, and shrubs. Start today! Tap the link below and provide your email address and zip code for a curated list in your growing zone.https://www.audubon.org/native-plantsHabitat Cover Photo Echinacea purpurea. Kristina DeckertRuby-Throated Hummingbird. Kevin Malo/Audubon Photography Awards
