History

A Place of Historic Importance – The Land, Legacy and Partnership for the Future

The Land
The earliest known history of the 205 acre Asbury Woods property is recorded in the Native American Indian arrowheads and stone tools found there. Once abundant with deer, turkeys and other wild game, the land was a popular hunting ground for its original inhabitants.

Beginning in the early 19th century, the primary land owners of the area were the Nicholson, Von Buseck and Weis families. The pond behind Asbury Park Barn is the remnant of a bog iron mine excavated during this period and subsequently filled with spring water. Later a portion of the Nicholson holdings became the Asbury Woods Nature Center, while local businessman Douglas James acquired part of the Von Buseck acreage and donated it to Mercyhurst College as part of the Greenway.

Otto Behrend’s Living Legacy – Asbury Woods Nature Center
In 1898, brothers Otto and Ernst Behrend arrived in Erie from Germany to set-up a paper mill that became the Hammermill Paper Company. Thirty years later, the paper business had done well enough for Otto to begin to look for a country retreat near Erie. In 1920, he purchased a tract that became known as Asbury Farm. Dr. Behrend began to reforest and upgrade the farm fields and in 1931 replaced an older cottage with a Dutch Colonial-style cottage.

Behrend’s country retreat was a working farm with horses and dairy cattle, fields planted in corn, hay, wheat and oats and orchards producing apples, cherries, pears and peaches. The Farm’s produce and dairy products were sold to the Erie Club and local markets.

In life and in death, the Behrend brothers established a reputation for supporting educational endeavors. A portion of Ernst Behrend’s estate was used to found the Penn State Behrend campus. Likewise Otto Behrend, in the 1950’s, donated 10 acres at the corner of 38th Street and Asbury Road, for the construction of an elementary school.

When he died in 1957, Otto, through his will, bequeathed his 100-acre Asbury Farm, cottage, barn (now known as Asbury Barn), fields and orchards to the Millcreek Township School District for educational and recreational uses. Shortly after the receipt of his donation, the School District converted the cottage into Asbury Woods Nature Center. Today we are all grateful for Otto Behrend’s foresight and generosity which established one of Erie’s most treasured public assets – our Asbury Woods.

A Growing Asbury Woods – Brown’s Farm, the Greenway and the Center’s Major Renovation
Brown’s Farm with its farmhouse and 1920’s barn became the second Asbury Woods component when it was purchased by the Millcreek Township School District in the 1980’s. Because the tract was not suitable for a new school building, the property became a center for recreational and educational activities.

In 1993, Erie corporate leader Douglas James donated pastureland previously owned by the Von Buseck family to Mercyhurst College to create the Jean B. and J. Douglas James Wildlife Preserve. Two years later, two smaller tracts along Walnut Creek were donated to the School District, connecting the northern and southern sections of the future Greenway. Situated in a steep creek valley, with cliffs rising above pools of water, these properties are especially beautiful. And with remnants of old gristmills, this is also an area of historic importance.

Nature Center Renovation
Through a successful $3.8 million capital campaign for Nature Center renovations and expansion in 2000, a ”new” Asbury Woods Nature Center opened its doors on November 2005. While retaining its original cottage look and hometown nature center feel, the renovation included a 7,800 square foot state-of-the-art “green” addition that models sustainable design with a focus on energy conservation. Each renovation design element was based on the following 4 E’s: Environment impact, Economic value, Experience for the visitor and Educational value.

A highlight of the Nature Center addition is the 4,500 vegetative “green” roof that greets visitors as they enter the building. Students and visitors also enjoy the new modern classrooms and greatly improved nature exhibits.

The Asbury Woods Partnership – A Partnership for the Future
Today Asbury Woods Nature Center operates through a public-private partnership between the Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc. and the Millcreek Township School District. Established by a dedicated group of civic and philanthropic leaders who forged the successful 3.8 million dollar Nature Center renovation campaign, the 501(c)3 nonprofit Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc., currently provides 50% of the Center’s capital and operating needs.

HISTORY OF ASBURY WOODS…A TIMELINE

• 1957 – Dr. Otto Behrend bequeaths his beloved 100 acres farm retreat to the Millcreek Township School District.
• 1967 – First site plan identifies 100 acre property as ideal for Nature Center.
• 1968 – Asbury Woods hires first naturalist to lead tours and teacher workshops, and to live in the cottage.
• 1973-74 – Volunteers construct first wheelchair accessible boardwalk trail.
• 1974 – Staff and volunteers convert cottage to nature center and expand programs.
• 1979 – Campers attend first summer day camps.
• 1980 – Teachers and naturalists develop comprehensive outdoor curriculum for elementary students.
• 1985 – Community donations fund construction of outdoor pavilion.
• 1995 – Asbury Woods receives donation of 25 acres to establish a 200 acre Greenway from Asbury Woods to Brown’s Farm.
• 1999 – Advisory committee completes master plan for 4.5 mile trail system, renovation and development of facilities.
• 2000 – “Friends of Asbury Woods Nature Center” (former name of the Asbury Woods Partnership) launches successful $3.4 million capital campaign.
• 2002 – Contractors complete renovation of Brown’s Farm Barn, new restrooms and parking lot.
• 2003 – Grants and gifts fund pedestrian bridge over Walnut Creek, completing a 2.2 mile Greenway trail.
• 2005 – Thousands attend rededication celebration of expanded and renovated “green” Nature Center.
• 2006 – Staff and volunteers complete strategic plan with goals for new programming and financial and environmental sustainability.
• 2008 – “Friends of Asbury Woods Nature Center” changes name to Asbury Woods Partnership and receives 501(c)(3) non-profit charity status.
• 2008 – Asbury Woods Partnership enters into a new operating agreement with Millcreek Township School District.
• 2010 – Asbury Woods Partnership establishes permanent endowment with The Erie Community Foundation.
• 2010 – Asbury Woods Partnership establishes formal estate planning program for donors through The Erie Community Foundation’s Elisha H. Mack Community Bequest Society Mack Society.
• 2010 – Asbury Woods Partnership receives the “Charles H. Bracken Excellence in Nonprofit Governance Award” from the Non-Profit Partnership.

Sept 1 - May 31
CLOSED MONDAYS

Tues. - Sat.
10 am - 4 pm
Sun. Noon - 4 pm

June 1 - August 31
Mon. - Sat.
10 am. - 5 pm
Sun. Noon - 5 pm

Trails Open Daylight Hours

4105 Asbury Road
Erie, PA 16506

(814) 835-5356