It’s A Wrap for the Campaign for Rushton Woods!

By Julie Graham, Associate Executive Director

In 2018 Willistown Conservation Trust embarked upon an ambitious $2 million fundraising campaign. Named the “Campaign for Rushton Woods,” the effort came on the heels of the construction of the Rushton Conversation Center (RCC), located on the grounds of Rushton Woods Preserve.

The Campaign supported a vision to enhance Rushton Woods Preserve, featuring the stunning new RCC as its heart, as a hub of conservation activity for WCT. Specifically, the campaign was designed to raise funds to renovate the White Farm House on the property, establish an environmental master plan for the Preserve, improve circulation and recreational enjoyment of the Preserve, and provide much needed operating support for the vibrant programs based from Rushton Woods: Watershed Protection, the Community Farm, Bird Conservation, and Land Stewardship activities.

We are thrilled to report that the WCT community of generous funders and donors came together and, as of December 31, 2022, successfully completed the Campaign!

Many results made possible by the Campaign can already be seen by the community. The White Farm House which sits just west of the RCC has been attractively rehabbed and expanded. It now boasts a guest room which has provided overnight accommodations to visiting conservationists and scientists. Ornithologists from Tadoussac Bird Observatory in Canada recently commented, “Such a wonderful place with such wonderful people! We had an amazing time at WCT and we learned a lot from all of you,” upon conclusion of their stay. A first floor conference room and bird book library, generously donated by Jean Macaleer and Dick and Nancy Eales, now serve as a small group meeting space for organizational meetings, as well as a place for farm staff to cool off over lunch on hot summer days.

The Master Plan for Rushton Woods was also completed with Campaign funding, and it outlined a framework to address identified environmental and recreational improvements needed in the Preserve, including improved trails and a bioretention basin (read more on page 14). As a result of the Master Plan, several projects have already begun, including the first step in restoring the hedgerows in the center of the Preserve (read more on page 8).

Campaign funds will also support WCT operating activities and programs. Rising costs and growth of our departments require constant funding, and our ability to keep the departments running relies upon the generosity of a community who understands the importance of open space and conserved land and its positive impact on wildlife preservation and a healthy environment.

The Board and staff of WCT would like to acknowledge and thank all those who came together in this effort. There were approximately 71 donors, made up of individuals, foundations, and governmental organizations. Additionally, the work at this Preserve wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteers and Land Stewardship Team. We will continue to provide updates as work is completed at Rushton. The entire community is welcome and encouraged to visit the Preserve to enjoy a solitary spring walk or a lively, warm weather picnic at one of our Community Super Series picnics. There is something for everyone at Rushton Woods Preserve!