Large areas of Trexler Nature Preserve (long known as Trexler Game Preserve) and miles of trails near Schnecksville have been opened to the public in recent years, according to this Morning Call report.

Here are five things to know:

1. More than 1,100 acres make up the preserve in North Whitehall and Lowhill townships, Lehigh County. Gen. Harry C. Trexler established the preserve 100 years ago.

2. The preserve now includes a $1.3 million environmental education center off Orchard Road. The "green" center features rooftop gardens and solar panels.

3. Volunteers are needed to help staff the education center and maintain trails.

4. One of the preserve's most-popular features is the 1.2-mile Covered Bridge Trail, which is wheelchair accessible.

5. Tom Gettings of the Wildlands Conservancy describes Trexler Nature Preserve as "a state park with a zoo in the middle of it" in the Morning Call report.