Middletown Township, Pennsylvania, home to Penn State Brandywine, maintains one of the largest municipally-owned open space systems in the Philadelphia area, according to Middletown’s website, Middletowndelcopa.gov. The lands consist of open spaces, privately owned areas with public access and a lengthy trail system. PSU students are invited to use the facilities as community members for recreation, exercise and fresh air.

In 1986, Middletown launched Project 300, a collaborative community effort to preserve the natural lands for residents of the Township. Middletown’s website explains the initiative as pivotal to protecting the lands.

“Middletown was felt to be a key element in helping to retain and protect the present character and quality of life of our community,” according to Middletowndelcopa.gov.

As public facilities, there is no entry fee for almost all of the trails and parks. Residents of Delaware and surrounding counties are invited to use the lands as desired.

Middletown’s trail system has systems ranging from about one mile to around four miles. The trails in the system are multi-purposed with paved trails for walking, running and bike riding to horse riding trails offered along the Rocky Run trail.

Trails in Middletown Township and Delaware County include the Cornucopia, Darlington, Rocky Run, Indian Orchard, Linvill, Millennium, Sleighton and the Chester Creek Rail-Trail.

The Chester Creek Rail-Trail is a paved trail that runs along the Chester Creek off Mt. Alverno Road, roughly half a mile from Linvilla Orchards on Knowlton Road. With multiple sections of pull-off lots, visitors can access free parking. Available nearing the two-mile marker is parking on Mt. Alverno.

The paved path is roughly ten-foot-wide asphalt that winds down along the creek with bridges guarded with high railings. Lined alongside the path is high power electrical lines that add to the landscape a bit of urban appeal.

Middletown Township also is home to the privately owned and operated Tyler Arboretum. Located at 515 Painter Road, Tyler Arboretum offers memberships, family and individual, and day passes for visitors to examine plants and horticulture exhibits as well as seasonal exhibits and special events. PSU students can find free passes to the grounds through the Vairo library.

New transfer student Chris DeLeo recounted on his latest trip to the arboretum.

“I went with my Grandmother. It was a very nice day,” said DeLeo. “My favorites included the tree houses in the rhododendron and the giant sequoia.”

The arboretum is not served by regional buses, according to Tylerarboretum.org, but students can use ride share services such as Uber or Lyft to access the grounds. Tyler offers visitors a gift shop with stuffed animals and apparel as well as refreshments and small snacks.

For families in Middletown and neighboring communities, Linvilla Orchards and the Linvill trail are close in proximity for attractions and exercise alike.

Linvilla Orchards in Middletown is a recreational area with seasonal attractions, such as Pumpkinland in the fall and guided fruit picking trips in the spring. Guests are also encouraged to visit the animal exhibits and the fishing pond which are open 11 months of the year. Visitors are invited to explore the grounds year-round with available free parking.

First year Brandywine student, Dan Nearey, described his experience at Linvilla in the recent years.

“I went for the apple slingers. (Linvilla) sets up catapults then lets you shoot apples at targets in the fields.”

Like Linvilla, Middletown is also looking to create activities more for their visitors.

Middletown Township is currently working on expansion of their trail network to create a longer system along the Chester and Ridley Creeks. Middletown hopes to connect the trails for a greater outdoor experience.

According to Middletown’s website, “Interconnecting (trails) and other significant open space tracts to provide an even greater opportunity for residents to enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of our community.”

Students are encouraged to go beyond the bounds of campus and explore their neighboring facilities.

For more information on Middletown Township and contact information about the trail systems, visit www.Middletowndelcopa.gov. For event information at Linvilla Orchards, visit www.Linvilla.com.