About a mile from downtown State College stands a haven that, by now, should be full of driveways and lawns.

Thompson Woods Preserve, a 44-acre park tucked next to Walnut Springs Park in College Township, is covered with hardwood trees instead of houses because of ClearWater Conservancy’s foresight.

In 2000, the conservancy bought the woods, one of the few remaining valley forests within Centre Region’s developed area, thus saving it from bulldozers and making it the largest contiguous tract of mature forest so close to town.

Funds included a state land acquisition grant, contributions from College Township and State College, and private donations. After ClearWater placed a conservation easement on the property, it transferred ownership to the township and borough. Centre Region Parks and Recreation manages the preserve.

Today, it’s home to red, white and black oak, white ash, hickory, black walnut, sugar maple, white pine and black cherry trees.Wildlife include great horned owls, pileated woodpeckers, Cooper’s hawks, orioles and other songbirds, salamanders, box turtles, deer, gray fox and the occasional black bear.

Only hiking and walking leashed pets are permitted on some trails; others can accommodate biking. Camping, hunting, trapping and smoking are not allowed.

Trailheads exist at two points along Walnut Spring Lane, and off Woods Road in the northeast.Walnut Springs Park also offers access.