The Five Mile Woods: A History

The Five Mile Woods Preserve, located in Lower Makefield Township, Pennsylvania is a remarkable place. Within its boundary is the only remaining section of the Fall Line in Pennsylvania that is undisturbed. The unique geological feature is the meeting point of the two ancient geologic provinces, the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Piedmont Plain. It is home to a number of rare plants and a oak-beech forest. The Preserve also has a fascinating history. William Penn signed the patent that allowed an early Quaker settler to purchase the land in 1684. The families that lived there for more than two centuries were prosperous farmers. The Preserve is also an excellent example of various land uses over the last three centuries as it has been farmed, used for pasture, timbered and is now covered by a forest. Finally, it is a story of how visionaries saved the Woods from being developed for housing and for future generations of township residents to enjoy.