Butler Preserve

Hazle Township • 118 Acres • Open to Public

This 118-acre preserve located in Hazle Twp, Luzerne Co. is an ecological treasure. The “pie-slice” shaped property hosts globally rare scrub oak barrens (and its equally unique flora and fauna) in addition to wetlands and a riparian forest along the Dreck Creek Reservoir.

The established Greater Hazleton Rails-to-Trail intersects the property for nearly 1/2 mile and is embraced and used by over 30,000 outdoor enthusiasts on a yearly basis.

History:

North Branch Land Trust came to own Butler Preserve in 2012. Beginning in 2010, North Branch worked collaboratively with the former property owner Butler Enterprises, Inc., the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR’s), and the Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership to make the project a reality.

Visiting Butler Preserve:

Visiting the Butler Pine Barrens using the Greater Hazleton Rail Trails (GHRT):

  • GHRT trailhead parking is located between the 1700-1800 block of East Broad Street, Hazleton.
  • Follow the GHRT for approximately 0.6 miles to the Butler Preserve Spur.

Visiting the Butler Wetlands and Riparian Forest using GHRT:

  • GHRT has additional limited parking along Stockton Mountain Road.
  • The first 0.4 miles of the GHRT east of Stockton Mountain Road are Butler Preserve Lands.
  • Follow the GHRT further for beautiful views of Dreck Creek Reservoir.

Habitat Highlights