/FinalSpring2008_Sycamore

Th e S y c a m o r e Newsletter of

Vol. IX, Issue 1

Spring 2008

W i l l i s t ow n C o n s e rvat i o n T ru s t

Spring is Here ... and the Community Farm Program is Growing!

As spring spreads a mantle

We also hope that many of you will share your farm and gardening skills (or willingness to learn) by joining our team of volunteers.

of soft new color over the Willistown countryside, I am happy to share the exciting news that the Trust’s Community Farm Program What is especially noteworis blossoming too. At the thy as we launch the ComRushton Farm site at the munity Farm is that this corner of Delchester and special program and numerGoshen Roads, the greenous other initiatives underhouse is up, the farmshed taken by the Trust have been and Farmshed Garden are made possible because of the constructed, the well is dug nearly 30 years of successful and the production fields land protection efforts in are already sprouting with a Trust staff members raise the roof of the new greenhouse at Rushton our remarkable Willistown variety of fresh and healthy Farm. (Left to right) Betsy Block, Aaron de Long, Ashley Brister, community. This work has produce for our first group Chairman Peter Strawbridge and Fred de Long. resulted in the creation of a of Rushton Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program members. The reservoir of more than 6,000 acres of open space and premonths of planning and the outpouring of community sup- served lands that provide the Trust and the community with port for the project have culminated in the establishment of a unique opportunity to steward and enhance our precious a sustainable farm that promises to benefit our families, our natural and scenic resources. It is only because of this rich pool of protected lands, along with deep community supcommunity and the environment for years to come. port, that we have been able to undertake critical programs The 2008 start-up growing season is sure to be filled with for the betterment of our local environment. Examples inchallenges for our farm staff (Fred de Long, Ashley Brister clude our partnership with Audubon Pennsylvania to create and Aaron de Long) and our farm committee and volunteers the Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area to protect as they concentrate on preparing the land and growing the best migratory songbird habitat; our Deer Management Program produce possible for our first 35 CSA members and three local that aims to bring the deer population back into balance; chefs. As the farm matures, we envision a future filled with numerous stream bank and woodland restoration projects; community events from “Dinners at the Farm” to heirloom educational programs for children and families; and now, “Tomato Tastings” to interactive programs for children in the the Community Farm Program. It is our hope that these Farmshed Garden. Beginning in June, the farm will be open programs will improve our countryside for the benefit to all on Sundays between 1:00 and 4:00 pm for tours, and of all living things and will enable and inspire future depending on availability, the purchase of extra vegetables, generations to follow suit. fruits and flowers from the farm. The possibilities are endless Bonnie Van Alen, President and we eagerly invite you to share your thoughts and ideas.

For the preservation of the natural resources, rural character, and cultural heritage of the Willistown area.

The Sycamore

Message from the Chairman Each Fall the Trust staff, led by executive director Bonnie Van Alen, puts together an operating plan which serves as a road map for the coming year. Goals, and strategies to achieve them, are identified for each of the Trust’s main areas of activity: Land Protection, Stewardship, Community Peter and Dixie.

Outreach, Financial Sustainability, Organization Management and the new Community Farm Program. Trustees and staff then have the opportunity both during and at the end of the year to objectively evaluate progress made towards achieving those goals.

study of community supported agriculture programs locally and nationally to determine whether initiating such a program world be an appropriate fit for the Trust. As you can see in related Sycamore articles we felt that the answer to that question was a resounding “yes”. All involved now look forward with much excitement to Rushton Farm’s first growing season and feel that this new initiative will substantially increase our outreach and provide significant benefit to the greater Willistown community.

As we move into 2008, the Trust’s work to preserve and steward open space in the Ridley, Crum and Darby Creek watersheds continues and a passion for our mission grows daily. Knowing that what we are doing at the Trust makes it possible for our children, grandchildren and future generations to walk, ride and play in the woods, meadows and streams in this beautiful part of Chester County is what keeps us motivated. We continue on with the knowledge that staying connected to the natural As we went though this process, looking back on 2007 revealed world around us soothes our souls, invigorates our bodies and another successful, productive and exciting one for the Trust. adds greatly to the quality of life and our community.

A highlight was working in the early months with five graduate students from Temple University’s Fox School of Business. I thank all of you for your support of this special organization.

The group, supervised by Jim Hutchin, Clinical Professor, who Without you the Trust simply would not carry on.

Peter Strawbridge is a neighbor and conservation easement donor, conducted a

Meyers Family Names Trust as Beneficiary

In December 2007, we received word that the Willistown

Trouting Association whose members fish our creeks and streams.

Conservation Trust was named as one of three beneficiaries of a significant charitable remainder unitrust. Charles R. Meyers, Jr. and his wife Grace, loyal supporters of the Trust for many years, established the remainder trust in 2002 as a means of supporting their favorite charities after their death.

A portion of their gift will be used to establish the new Community Farm Program and the majority will be placed in the Memorial Fund to provide income for the Trust’s land protection and stewardship activities in perpetuity. We are deeply grateful to the Meyers for their thoughtful foresight and incredible generosity.

Chuck and Grace lived in Strafford for almost 30 years and moved to White Horse Village in 1990. Chuck, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and savings and loan vice president, was also an avid outdoorsman. He knew the Willistown countryside well, having served as president of both the Valley Forge Audubon Society and the Broadacres

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If you would like to learn more about ways to support the Trust through your estate plans, please contact Betsy Block at 610.353.2562 ext. 13 or bhb@wctrust.org.

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The Sycamore

Land Protection Report The Keough Family Expands Protection of Glendalough Farm In April 2007, Jerry and Barbara Keough completed two conservation easements that protect their 36 acre Glendalough Farm located on Davis Road in Willistown Township. The transaction consolidates two prior easements, further restricts building allowances, and establishes a large area along Davis Road which protects scenic views of the Farm’s rolling pastures and woodland areas.

On Lot 1 an existing Brandywine Conservancy easement protecting 9 acres of the property was assigned to the Trust, and a new easement donated to the Trust was placed on the entire 21.3 acres. The new easement incorporates the restrictions of the Brandywine Conservancy easement and eliminates the right to build any new primary residential structures on Lot 1.

A new easement covering all of Lot 2 was also donated to the Trust that replaces the Trust’s previous 10 acre easement. The new easement allows construction of one primary residence, and the right to construct a secondary residence allowed under the previous easement has been extinguished. Since donating the easements, the Keoughs have transferred Lot 2 to their daughter and son-in-law, Meghan and Peter Rohr, who are presently constructing their home on the property.

If you are now really confused by this complex transaction, please rest assured that the lovely Glendalough Farm is preserved for many generations to enjoy.

Many thanks to the Keough family for their perseverance in making it happen.

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The Keough’s Glendalough Farm is protected for future generations to enjoy.

Phase IV Completes the Final Addition to Okehocking Preserve Together with Willistown Township, the Trust completed the acquisition of Okehocking Phase IV in July of 2007, the fourth and final addition to the Township’s Okehocking Preserve located at Delchester Road and West Chester Pike. The 13 acre Phase IV parcel is located directly across Delchester Road from the existing Preserve on the north side of Route 3, expanding the Preserve to a total of 183 acres. The new addition is a beautiful gently rolling meadow bordered by woods, with high visibility from Delchester Road and Route 3.

It is located in close proximity to the Indian Run tributary of Ridley Creek and is important as a potential trail link in both the proposed eight-mile Ridley Creek Greenway Trail and the proposed five-mile Willistown Loop Trail.

The Trust and the Township partnered to raise the funds for the bargain-sale purchase from four sources: (1) the Willistown Township Open Space Fund; (2) a Chester County Municipal Grant to the Township; (3) a Chester County Preservation Partnership Grant to the Trust and (4) a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant to the Trust.

The conservation easement held by the Trust on the Okehocking Preserve was extended to include the Phase IV parcel, protecting the Preserve’s natural, scenic and recreational resources in perpetuity.

The new addition to the 183 acre Preserve provides a dramatic contrast to the ever increasing development sprawl on West Chester Pike, creating a welcoming Land Protection Report continued on page 4.

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The Sycamore sites for bird conservation in Audubon’s newly designated Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area. By further restricting the existing conservation easement and by devising a management strategy with Audubon, Willistown Conservation Trust will assure the continuance of the Rushton Woods Preserve as a prime stopover and nesting habitat for the many migratory neotropical songbirds that visit it each year.

Land Protection Report continued from page 3.

Chester County Commissioners and Judy Thomas from the County’s Department of Open Space Preservation present a grant check for the Phase IV purchase of Okehocking to John Turgeon, the Trust’s Associate Director of Land Protection. (L to r) Chester County Commissioner Don Mancini, Judy Thomas, John Turgeon, County Commissioner Carol Aichele and County Commissioner Patrick O’Donnell. gateway of open space to Willistown.

Okehocking is truly a special gem to be cared for, treasured and enjoyed by many future generations of Willistonians.

Rushton Woods Preserve is Transferred to the Trust In December of 2007, the National Audubon Society transferred ownership of the 30 acre Rushton Woods Preserve on Delchester Road to Willistown Conservation Trust. As a part of this transfer the existing conservation easement was amended to eliminate the right to build any structures within the woods.

The Rushton Woods Preserve is located along the east side of Delchester Road, and makes up a portion of the almost 190 acre tract known locally as Rushton Farm, most of which is protected by conservation easements held by the Trust and Brandywine Conservancy.

The Preserve consists entirely of mature woodlands and contains a segment of the Indian Run tributary to Ridley Creek. Its woodlands are a part of one of the largest contiguous woodland tracts Spring

Oliver Easement is Assigned to the Trust

At the request of Donna and Bill Oliver, the Brandywine Conservancy has assigned to the Trust the conservation easement it held on Sugartree Farm. The property remaining within the heart of the Trust’s contains just over ten acres and is located program area. along the north side of Goshen Road in Willistown Township. The Olivers had Thanks to the vision and generosity of Janet and John Haas and the Haas Charitable Tr usts, the Rushton Woods Preserve was originally acquired by the National Audubon Society in 2003 with the mandate that it be protected forever as a bird preserve. Janet and John first visited the woods early in 2003, and were inspired by its majestic beech, hickory, oak and other hardwood trees, some of which are more than 200 years old. At the same time, experts from Audubon Pennsylvania had identified the property and its woodland as Rushton Woods Preserve is a special haven for woodland birds and their admirers. one of the most critical

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The Sycamore donated their easement in 1990 to the Brandywine Conservancy as part of the Willistown Area Conservation Program (predecessor to Willistown Conservation Trust). Natural features of the Oliver property include open meadows and large mature trees, as well as high water table soils and natural springs that contribute to a nearby tributary of the Ridley Creek.

The property also includes a 19th century stone, stucco, and clapboard farmhouse with stone barn and gatehouse. The easement limits residential development on the property to the existing residence and the apartment attached to the barn. A preserved trail corridor is also established by the easement. As a result of the assignment the Trust now has the opportunity and the obligation to uphold the Oliver easement in perpetuity.

Thank you Donna and Bill. We are construction of any additional residential proud to add your easement to those structures. An equestrian trail easement under the Trust stewardship. has also been added that will ensure the connection to the network of trails in Kirsten and Chris White the community. Walnut Bank Farm is Protect Walnut Bank Farm located adjacent to several hundred acres of critical protected lands in the heart In December 2007, Kirsten and Chris of the Radnor Hunt countryside. We are White donated a conservation ease- grateful that the Whites have taken steps ment on their 21-acre farm on Grubbs to forever protect the truly special features Mill Road in Willistown Township. The of their property. property, known as Walnut Bank Farm, is rich with historic and important natural Stolper Family Protects features. It includes the Samuel Grubb Woodland for Mill House, c. 1726, a stone and frame Scientific Study and Pennsylvania farmhouse, an 18th century Environmental Education barn, outbuildings, and the Nathaniel Grubb Gristmill and Sawmill, c. 1740, This past December Michael and Jane a large stone mill house with a dam and Stolper donated an easement to the mill race set in a wooded landscape along Trust permanently protecting the ten the Crum Creek. Along with the his- acre woodland behind their professional toric structures, the buildings on West Chester Pike in Wilproperty contains listown Township. The ten acre propsignificant natural erty is located within the Ridley Creek resources worthy of watershed, and includes a tributary of protection including the creek known as Hillside Run. The several hundred feet property consists entirely of successional of Crum Creek, sen- woodland and steep slopes and is adjasitive riparian areas, cent to other protected lands including steep slopes, natural Willistown Township’s Garrett Mill Park springs, and signifi- and Okehocking Preserve. No residential cant woodland. improvements are permitted under the

Kirsten and Chris White with Chloe, Nicholas and Max have protected the historic Walnut Bank Farm on Grubbs Mill Road in Willistown Township.

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The property was formerly restricted by a 30 year easement held by the Association of Conservation Trusts that expired in June 2007.

The new easement will never expire and more strictly protects the natural, scenic and recreational resources of the property, preventing the

terms of this easement.

The Stolpers wish to use the land to support efforts in scientific study and environmental education and are working with the Trust and Audubon Pennsylvania to develop a plan that includes woodland restoration and deer management. Located within the Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area, the site’s preservation is critical to the protection of woodland bird habitat and other wildlife. Many thanks to Michael and Jane for protectLand Protection Report continued on page 6.

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The Sycamore Land Protection Report continued from page 5. ing their property and for their desire to provide a permanent sanctuary for future woodland birds and birders.

Applebrook Golf Club Easement Restrictions Tightened In May 2007, the Trust and Applebrook Associates, L.P., executed an agreement

that modified the existing conservation easement on the 159 acre Applebrook Golf Club property along Line and Boot Roads in East Goshen Township. The easement modification further restricts the allowable residential development that could take place on the property should it cease to be operated as a golf course. This modification was negotiated as part of the original easement donation

to the Trust in 2000, whereby upon the completion and eventual operation of the golf course on the site, the easement would be modified to reduce the number of permitted residences from 16 to 8.

Prior to the acquisition and easement donated by Applebrook, the tract was zoned to accomodate nearly 3 million square feet of commercial space.

Another Year of Great Golf and Good Nature

On a gorgeous fall day in September, the Trust hosted the

Mary Hunt Davis

5th annual “Golf and Good Nature” outing at Waynesborough Country Club. We would like to thank all players, sponsors, silent auction donors and committee members for their support of the tournament. Co-chairs Donna Beers and Diane Campbell deserve special recognition for lining up so many corporate sponsors, as the outing raised over $48,000 for the Trust’s ongoing land protection work and stewardship activities, a record for the event. Please join us for the 6th annual outing at a new venue — White Manor Country Club — on Monday, September 29, 2008.

To receive an invitation, please contact Trisha Lambert at 610.353.2562 ext. 12 or tld@wctrust.org.

What a committee! Pictured (left to right) are Edie Gitlin, Diane Campbell (co-chair), Donna Beers (co-chair), Nima Marsh, Jane Davidson and Pat Reeser. Missing from committee photo: Tim Barnard, Donna Oliver, Lang Smith and Peter Strawbridge.

Many Thanks to our 2007 Sponsors and Supporters Eagle Sponsor: Brushwood Stable Kestrel Sponsor: Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie & Seelaus · Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. McNeil · TL Ventures.

Hole in One Contest: YBH Audi-Volkswagen (no winners this year!)

Putting Contest: Al and Loralee West Bluebird Sponsors: Davidson Trust Company · Harvey Insurance Group · James Brown Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning · Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management · Oliver Sprinkler Co., Inc. · PREIT, Inc. ·

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Chip and Nancy Roach · The Simkiss Companies · Walter J. Cook Jeweler · Al and Loralee West · Dan and Sharon Yonker, Phoenix Consulting, L.L.C. Bobolink Hole Sponsors: The Academy of Natural Sciences · Altus Partners · Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. · Warren Claytor Architects · Creative Financial Group · Donatucci Kitchens of Philadelphia · JetDirect Aviation · George F. Kempf Supply Co., Inc. Silent Auction Donors: Kathleen S. Aceto · Maureen Barry, Storyteller · Bev Michel Photography · Diane & Greg Campbell · Campli Photography · Marilyn Cohen · Michael Cook · Walter J. Cook Jeweler · Cappy and Company ·

Jane & Jim Davidson · Bonnie & Emery Davis · Devon Jewelry Shop · Flying Pig Saloon · Esther & Paul Gansky · General Warren Inne · Golf Outing Productions · JetDirect Aviation · Jennifer Kolmer · Nima & John Marsh · John May · Meridith’s Restaurant · New Image Salon & Spa · Dr. William Potsic · Peter D. Quinn · Pat Reeser · Peggy & Donald Sheehy · Tradewinds, Coffee in Motion · Van Cleve Collection · Kim Verrecchio · Waynesborough Country Club · Nick Wolfe.

Donated or Discounted Items: Donna and Clyde Beers · Brandywine Signs, Inc. · Walter J. Cook Jeweler · Mary Hunt Davis Photography · MetLife · Nectar · Donna and Bill Oliver.

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The Sycamore

Stewardship Report “What makes a place special is the way it buries itself inside the heart, not whether it’s flat or rugged, rich or austere, wet or arid, gentle or harsh, warm or cold, wild or tame. Every place, like every person, is elevated by the love and respect shown toward it, and by the way in which its bounty is received.”

–Richard Nelson, The Island Within

Native Wildflower Meadow To Be Created at the Trust Offices

It has been well documented that mowed lawns are typically a monoculture of non-native grasses which require a great deal of time and resources to maintain while providing little benefit to wildlife.

In an effort to challenge the status quo, the Trust will be creating a demonstration wildflower meadow this spring in two 600 square foot plots adjacent to our offices to display a simple, attractive and sustainable planting alternative to a manicured lawn. Over time, the native grass and wildflower species will out-compete the existing grass, making the wildflower meadow much less maintenance-intensive than pure lawn. In addition, the species that we have selected will provide cover and seeds for birds, nectar and food for butterflies, and offer aesthetic diversity through their native colors and textures.

Bird Species of Concern Documented During Monitoring

We are pleased to announce that the first year of bird monitoring in the Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area (IBA) was completed by local Audubon volunteers in 2007. While Ridley Creek State Park and Tyler Arboretum are key components of the IBA, the majority of the IBA is private property. According to Brian Byrnes, Pennsylvania Audubon’s Important Bird Area Coordinator for Southeastern Pennsylvania, private lands contribute significantly to the biological value of the area and the results of the bird monitoring conducted over the past year support this notion.

Our 2007 monitoring results further document our area as a special place for birds as there were significant numbers of breeding migratory songbirds observed during the nesting season in June.

These species included several nationally To create our perennial meadow, we have declining varieties such as the Scarlet carefully selected wildflowers and grasses Tanager, Eastern Meadowlark, and Wood native to Pennsylvania. Because perennial Thrush. Identifying the presence of these plants take more time than annuals to species encourages us to find the tools take root, our meadow may require two specifically aimed at managing our local or three years to fully establish. These habitat for their benefit. plants have very deep root systems which take much of their first year to develop. The fact that Wood Thrushes were often By the third year, the meadow should be observed is an important finding since fully established and virtually mainte- they are a species of high concern in nance-free, requiring occasional weeding Pennsylvania with nearly one-sixth of and mowing once each year. Watch our the world’s Wood Thrush nests located meadow grow as you drive by the Trust in the Commonwealth. Their survival is threatened by habitat fragmentation at 925 Providence Road. and the impact of overabundant deer Spring

on the forest understory where they nest.

In light of these threats and declining population trends, the Wood Thrush was listed on the 2007 Audubon and American Bird Conservancy Watchlist as a priority species.

Eastern Bluebirds were observed throughout the open areas within the IBA. Their common presence represents a conservation success story. After years of decline, populations of Eastern Bluebirds have been steadily increasing over the past several decades due to widespread nest-box campaigns championed by the North American Bluebird Society (www. nabluebirdsociety.org), an organization that encourages landowners to place nest boxes within open spaces on their properties.

Because surveys cannot possibly cover the entire acreage of an IBA, volunteers were assigned to monitor different types of habitat, such as second-growth forest, grasslands, or streamside areas.

Survey volunteers then entered the data online and sent it to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology where it was combined with pre-existing species data for the same area.

Together with Audubon Pennsylvania, the Trust used this information to assess our management plans. This year’s reports convinced the Trust to alter its mowing plan at Kirkwood Preserve from twice to once per year, leaving the dormant grass over the winter, thus encouraging the growth of native species and providing food and cover for over-wintering birds Stewardship Report continued on page 8.

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The Sycamore Stewardship Report continued from page 7. such as White-Throated Sparrows and Dark-Eyed Juncos.

We are always looking for volunteers to help with bird monitoring. If you would like to help count birds in our program area, and can identify species by ear and by sight, contact Brian Byrnes at Audubon Pennsylvania at 610-666-5593, ext.

106 or bbyrnes@audubon.org.

Preserve Updates Kirkwood Preserve

Over 75 native trees and shrubs were planted along Crum Creek last October by 25 hard working volunteers and several Trust staff members. This project was a continuation of the riparian buffer planting that was initiated in 2006.

Funds for the plant material and deer protection measures were provided by the TreeVitalize Watersheds program as well as by a generous contribution from

the Broadacres Trouting Association in memory of Ellen Mary Meigs. In addition, Arader Tree Service donated its services by providing both the machinery and personnel to dig the tree holes in advance of the planting.

The Trust is also developing plans for a native grassland demonstration project at Kirkwood Preserve this year. The grasses will be planted to serve as an educational resource for visitors as well as a seed source for the establishment of warm season grass communities.

Invasive plant management is continuing.

Following last year’s herbicide application to select portions of the Preserve, we anticipate some additional herbicide treatment in 2008 in conjunction with manual removal of invasives.

Be sure to visit Kirkwood with binoculars in hand to see Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks this spring!

Ashbridge Preserve

Two weeks after the Kirkwood Preserve tree planting, we ventured over to Ashbridge Preserve with 15 hardy volunteers who braved the chilly weather to plant another 30 native trees and shrubs adjacent to Ridley Creek, just west of the Preserve’s parking area on Strasburg Road. To fend-off deer damage, all plants were surrounded with fencing. TreeVitalize funds were also used to finance this project. Once again, Arader Tree Service stepped forward to clear the restoration area and dig the tree holes prior to the planting. The Trust and our volunteers are most grateful! It is our hope to continue the riparian planting upstream as additional resources become available.

We are continuing to research alternatives for a creek crossing. The project is more complicated and expensive than we expected, and solutions are still being sought. With the support of State Senator Andy Dinniman, we have secured a $25,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to be applied towards this project.

Ashbridge will be active this spring with many riparian critters and blooming trees. Come over and explore this unique and beautiful preserve.

We need you!

The Trust and Willistown Township have formed a strong partnership in creating and protecting Okehocking Preserve. In the photo State Senator Andrew Dinniman presents a grant check from The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to Willistown Township and Willistown Conservation Trust representatives for the acquisition of Okehocking Phase IV. (L to r) Township Manager Hugh Murray, Trust representative John Turgeon, Township Supervisor Norman McQuuen, Open Space Review Board Member Bernard Cooker, State Senator Andy Dinniman, Township Supervisor David Rawson, Trust President Bonnie Van Alen, and Property Manager Brian Dimick.

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Successful workdays involve volunteers of all ages. The Trust is the lucky beneficiary of help from people of all ages and interests – from four year old children to retired couples to corporate leaders to students looking for credit, a resume builder, or practical education. The common thread for all is the chance to get involved with our precious countryside and help preserve and enhance our special natural areas.

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The Sycamore

Forging Ahead with the Deer Management Plan

Significant progress on the Trust’s Deer Management Plan (DMP) has been realized during the last several months. As you may remember, the broad objective of the DMP is to bring the local deer herd back into balance with the local ecosystem. Managed hunting will be the DMP’s primary method of reducing the deer population. Within this larger framework, there are four distinct long term goals: • The restoration of currently degraded native plant communities; • An improvement in quality and diversity of local bird habitat; • A reduction in the incidence of Lyme Disease; and • A reduction in the number of deer/vehicle collisions.

Landowner Outreach and Hunter Co-ops

Since our last report, nearly two-thirds of the landowners within the DMP Focal Area have been contacted to gather information about existing hunting practices on their properties and answer any questions related to the program.

This information includes whether a property is hunted, and if so, by whom and whether that person hunts as an individual or as part of an organized hunting association. Integrated into the database within our Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software, this data was subsequently mapped and has been used to better understand the overall “hunting picture” within the DMP Focal Area.

In an effort to simplify the Focal Area and improve the ability for the Trust and participating landowners to manage the program, the Focal Area has been

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divided into 13 distinct “Hunting Coops”. Several factors were considered in the delineation of the Co-ops, including geography, existing landowner/property relationships and the fair distribution of viable hunting territory. It is envisioned that within each Co-op, one landowner will volunteer to coordinate the involvement of other landowners in that particular Co-op. The Co-ops will be the primary level at which communication with landowners and hunters occurs and the DMP is implemented.

Plant and Bird Monitoring

In consultation with botanist Janet Ebert and Audubon PA, six plant and bird monitoring sites have been tentatively identified within the DMP Focal Area.

These are the sites at which baseline plant and bird inventories will be conducted. Subsequent monitoring will occur annually to gauge the degree to which the anticipated decrease in the local deer herd is affecting native plant regeneration

and the quality and diversity of the bird populations within the various plant communities.

In addition to plant and bird monitoring, the Trust has also developed a survey to collect Lyme Disease and deer/auto collision data from Willistown Township residents. The current survey seeks information regarding the incidence of Lyme Disease and auto collisions with deer during the three year period between 2005 and 2007. Going forward, the Trust will conduct the survey every three years with the expectation that a decrease in the size of the local deer population will be reflected in a concurrent decrease in the incidence of Lyme Disease and deer/auto collisions.

Aerial Infrared Deer Survey

On January 28, 2008, an aerial infrared deer count was conducted utilizing grant funds awarded to the Trust by Stewardship Report continued on page 10.

This map shows deer spotted from an aerial infrared deer count taken January 2008.

Each dot represents one deer. Wooded areas are shown in grey.

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The Sycamore Stewardship Report continued from page 9. the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

We are grateful to State Representative Duane Milne for his sponsorship of our successful grant application. Deer count data is most beneficial from a “before and after” standpoint; the data collected in January will be used to determine the approximate deer density at the onset of the DMP and then compared to future aerial surveys within the Focal Area a few years hence. We will also use the data to compare ourselves with other communities experiencing similar pressures.

The aerial data will greatly assist us in understanding the effectiveness of the DMP over the long term. As to results of the aerial survey, approximately 4,000 acres within the Focal Area were flown and photographed in January, with approximately 275 deer counted, equating to 44 deer per square mile.

Venison Donation Plan

The Trust is currently developing a system to streamline the logistics and decrease the costs associated with processing harvested deer and channeling excess venison to people and organizations in need. We believe that as the mechanics of processing the venison become more efficient and the cost minimized (or eliminated all together), hunters will be more inclined to harvest a greater number of deer. Stay tuned as we continue to refine this aspect of the Plan.

Partnerships & Collaboration

Audubon Pennsylvania continues to serve as a key partner in the development of the DMP. In 2003, Audubon PA designated the Trust’s program area as the Upper Ridley/Crum Creek Important Bird Area (IBA), recognizing the unique role this area serves as critical

bird habitat, and emphasizing the need to protect it from external pressures such as deer.

We are very fortunate and grateful for the commitment of the DMP Steering Committee members who continue to provide critical input to the direction and strategy of the DMP. Steering Committee members include Dan Potts (Chairman), Brian Byrnes, Sheila Shorr, Norman MacQueen, Ted Leisenring and Bob Lange.

Clearly, the success of the DMP ultimately relies upon the involvement and cooperation of local landowners. We look forward to working with many of you as we collectively address the issue of protecting our area’s unique natural resources from the very real threat posed by today’s excessive deer population.

Mapping Technology: How the Trust Utilizes GIS and GPS

If you have ever used Google Earth or Google Maps, you have

Perhaps more importantly, the spatial information on GIS maps can be keyed into a database of detailed information for each map feature. For example, a land parcel layer which shows property boundaries can also contain information about ownership history, conservation easements, deed restrictions or other protective covenants for each parcel. Or a map of a stream network may contain layers which reference a database of water quality and flow data for each stream. The GIS software can also measure distance and area, respond to queries, and analyze the relationships between data layers. In other words, GIS is sort of like digital mapping with brains. It allows the user to display and analyze spatial data. The possibilities for land conservation and stewardship are endless.

an idea of just how powerful geographical technology can be.

Used in many different ways, this new mapping technology enhances and deepens our understanding of the land we are trying to protect.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

In 2002 the Trust acquired ArcGIS, a mapping software program that has become a key tool for both our land protection and land stewardship activities. Technically speaking, GIS is a system of hardware and software used for the storage, mapping, and analysis of geographic data. With GIS, spatial features, like roads and land cover, are stored as data “layers”.

Each data layer references a coordinate system (e.g., latitude and longitude) that ties it to specific locations on the earth’s surface. Using mapping software, these layers can then be added to other spatially referenced layers in any combination to form a map for a specific purpose.

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Over the past several years, the Trust has assembled an extensive collection of GIS data from many government agencies and neighboring land trusts. Our library of spatial information includes environmental features (streams, wetlands, land cover, terrain, among others); man-made features (roads, municipal

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Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

boundaries, land parcels, etc.) and aerial photography. Staff GIS expert Sue Costello has created some of our own GIS data, including a database of all the conservation easements in our program area.

Just recently the Trust purchased a handheld GPS unit which mobilizes our GIS capability using satellite technology to provide highly precise field location data. This component will ultimately improve the efficiency and accuracy of our mapping practices.

Every aspect of the Trust’s work – from Public Relations to Land Protectionuses GIS mapping in some way. From maps of our preserves to baseline documentation of conservation easements, GIS maps have been invaluable in helping us take a closer look at the land we are working to protect.

In addition to navigation, the GPS unit will allow us to access our GIS database information from the field. For example, our stewardship staff who monitor protected properties for easement compliance will be able to retrieve aerial photography and easeWe also rely heavily ment information on GIS mapping in on the GPS while our broader planning visiting a property. initiatives. Maps of Rather than using a our larger program paper map to locate area (defined by three or measure features, A GIS-generated map of the Kirkwood Preserve. The map on the left shows watersheds- a terrain the GPS unit will be an aerial photograph of the preserve overlain with stream and parcel boundary map) have helped able to pinpoint their and, on the right, an elevation layer. us identify priority current location on conservation areas, pinpoint gaps in trail corridors, and docu- the map, as well as the location of property boundaries, allowment our expanding base of lands under protection. They also able building locations and other pertinent features. allow us to share information with other agencies, such as the development of a framework for the bird monitoring activities GPS will also allow us to collect data in the field and send it to our GIS back at the office. While visiting a property, we we do in conjunction with Audubon Pennsylvania. will be able to record locations and important attributes GIS mapping is a key component in the Trust’s Deer Manage- (including pictures) for any feature we encounter in the ment Plan, an ambitious program with the goal of bringing the field. This ability will prove immensely useful as a means of deer population back into balance by using managed hunting. tracking field conditions such as locations of buildings and Using GIS, we were able to import data from an aerial infrared natural areas of special concern like invasive plant communities. deer count, and plot it on our program area maps. These and The land protection staff hopes to use this capability to plot other program area maps serve as important communication potential trail locations and as a means of creating streamlined and analysis tools as we strive to understand existing hunting photographic documentation maps. practices on a parcel-by-parcel basis and develop a working strategy on how to most effectively work with landowners GIS and GPS are key components of the Trust’s land and hunters to achieve our goal of reducing the size of the protection, stewardship and planning efforts. We look forward to furthering our knowledge and expertise regarding these local deer herd. very powerful tools.

Spring

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Community Farm Report

From Fred, Aaron and Ashley at Rushton Farm

“A vision without a task is but a dream, a task without vision is drudgery, a vision with a task is the hope of the world.”

Inscription on a church in Sussex England

Spring is always a

More Than Just Seeds and Soil

time of great expectations on a farm. The The planning of our soil is warming and first season at Rushthe plants are stretchton Farm, while having in anticipation of ing its difficulties, has summer. This spring been very rewarding. offers more exciteBecause the lease on ment than usual bethe farm site was not cause a new farm will signed until Novembe growing alongside ber 2007, it was too the crops right in the late in the season to center of Willistown. turn the ground and The first season of sow cover crops. This the Rushton Farm first year of farming CSA officially began on new ground will on February 15, with indeed be challengthe selection and ening, so a great deal rollment of 35 famiof attention will be Farm staff Aaron de Long, Ashley Brister and Fred de Long are ready to work! lies representing our given to ensure that inaugural members. the soil is as productive as it can be. We have the benefit of a The farm’s opening was the culmination of many months of new style of rotary plow that conditions ground in a way that work that has seen the Willistown Conservation Trust’s Com- helps soil productivity. The rotary plow—in addition to the munity Farm Program evolve from concept to reality with the donation of two tractors—has eased the minds (and soon to Rushton Farm CSA at its heart. With a lot of hard work and be aching joints) of the farm staff who envisioned a season a little bit of luck we hope to make the 2008 season a model of broken hoes and painful backs. for many successful seasons to come.

What is a “CSA”? food throughout the growing season. This arrangement ensures fair financial compensation for the farmer as well as members’ accessibility to food harvested at its peak of ripeness, nutritional content, and flavor. Rushton Farm CSA members along with other community members will have the opportunity to interact directly with our farm staff and participate in seasonal farm activities.

A central component of the Community Farm Program will be a “Community Supported Agriculture”(CSA) program.

A CSA offers local families a convenient and interactive way to get fresh, locally grown food straight from the farm. At the beginning of the growing season CSA members pay an annual membership fee to cover the production costs of the farm. In return, they receive a weekly share of farm-fresh

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2008

The Sycamore While awaiting the opportunity to plow the fields, we have spent a great deal of time in the basement of the Trust office making plans for the farm. Plotting every inch of field space on a new farm has been a learning experience to say the least. We have watched our initial five-page seed order expand to a 70 page planting schedule covering daily sowing, transplanting and harvesting requirements. During the course of the 2008 growing season, over 20,000 fruit and vegetable plants will be planted at Rushton Farm on a field area of an acre and a half.

We must remind ourselves that the success of these crops depends largely upon weather and successful pest management. In walking the farm site and building the greenhouse and farmshed, we have become acquainted with a regular audience of interested deer. We will be “planting� approximately 4,000 feet of electric fence alongside our crops to dissuade our interested friends from sharing our harvest. In the future we hope for great things from the Trust’s Deer Management Plan.

The Trust is deeply grateful to State Representative Duane Milne for his assistance in obtaining seed money for the Community Farm Program. Here Duane presents Trust President Bonnie Van Alen with the $102,878 grant from The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

A Vision With a Task

This summer at Rushton Farm promises to be one filled with plenty of great produce and lots of hard work. As Rushton Farm and the Willistown Conservation Trust Community Farm Program grow we hope you will continue to share your thoughts and ideas. We also welcome involvement on many different levels. Whether it is volunteering your gardening skills or sharing recipes, we want this farm to represent the community it serves. Please visit us on Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (June through September) and watch the farm grow from vision to reality.

Oh the Produce We Will Grow!

The first growing season at Rushton Farm will feature over 170 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The Farm will grow 15 varieties of tomatoes, 12 varieties of peppers, six varieties of melons, a multitude of greens and lettuces, cucumbers, peas, beans, squash, eggplant, onions, root vegetables and more. More exotic vegetables such as edamame and okra will be featured as well as Japanese cabbage, leeks, celeriac and fennel. This varied assortment will enable us to provide a diverse selection of produce throughout the season.

Many of the vegetables and fruits grown will be heirloom varieties. An heirloom variety is an open pollinated plant that was commonly grown before the industrialization of agriculture in the middle part of the 20th century. In modern industrialized agriculture, crops are hybridized for productivity, disease resistance and the ability to withstand cross country shipping.

Hybridization often sacrifices the taste and nutritional value of the crop. Heirloom fruits and vegetables offer the traditional taste and flavor associated with home grown produce. All one need do is taste a Brandywine tomato in July or a Jenny Lind melon in August to understand the beauty of locally grown heirloom vegetables.

Spring

I can hardly wait for spring and those first days of greening on Rushton Farm as your dreams begin to flourish.

Marilyn Anthony Southeast Regional Direstor Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA)

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Our Seeds are Growing Because of You

Our grateful thanks for the outpouring of support from our community and the generosity of so many local professionals who donated or discounted their products and services to help get the farm underway.

Chris Arader has donated many man-hours to maintain and enhance Kirkwood and Ashbridge Preserves. In addition, he will be installing a large sugar maple tree at Rushton Farm Dave Thomas of Algedinger & Thomas ~ Painting later this spring.

Chris Arader of Arader Tree Service ~ Donation and installation of large maple tree Mary Butler of MHB Gardens ~ Farmshed Garden design Mary Butler of MHB Jim Brown of James Brown Plumbing Heating Air Conditioning LLC Gardens is leading a Michael M. Coldren Company, Inc. ~ Farmshed hardware volunteer committee in the design and installation of Russel E. Daniels, P.E. ~ Engineering services the Farmshed Garden, an Brian Dimick ~ Contracting and excavating interactive teaching garden.

Steve Fanelli of Fence Works ~ Farmshed Garden fence An example of the hand-forged Highland Orchards ~ Excavating farmshed hardware donated by Carl Neimeyer of the Niemeyer Corporation ~ John Deere tractor repair Michael Coldren of Michael Terry Decker of Old Oak Tree & Landscape Service ~ Compost M. Coldren Company, Inc. Petersheim Bros., Inc. ~ Well drilling Jim and Ellen Simmons ~ Ford tractor donation Mark Slouf of Mark D. Slouf Custom Building and Design ~ Oversight and construction of farm infrastructure Joe Smith of Smith Generators ~ Electrical & alternative energy consulting Mark Waltz ~ Farmshed beams and posts

Mark Slouf (above right) and Carl Rutledge of Mark D. Slouf Custom Building and Design take a break while working on the farmshed at Rushton Farm. Many thanks to Mark for the considerable time and resources he has contributed to Trust projects over the years.

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Carl Niemeyer (above left) and Jesse Yearsley (right) of The Niemeyer Corporation deliver restored 1963 John Deere 2020 tractor to Rushton Farm. We are grateful for the significant discount that allows the Trust to put the old tractor back to work once again.

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Ellen and Jim Simmons have generously restored and donated their Ford tractor to Rushton Farm.

It will be put to work immediately!

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The Sycamore

Michael Ableman Dinner Lecture Inspires us to Celebrate Local Food

Over 130 community members and

farmstand on Rt. 100 in Chadds Ford offers a variety of fresh vegetables from June through October.

• King’s Potato Farm ~ Carrying on a 60 year family tradition, Gerald and Vicki King grow over 150 acres of potatoes for resale from their farm in Cochranville.

• Meadowset Farm ~ Thomas and Barbara Schaer raise all-natural lamb in Landenberg, Southeastern Chester County.

• Pete’s Produce Farm ~ Located on Rt. 926 in Westtown, Pete’s is widely known for its broad selection of freshly grown vegetables.

• Phillips Mushrooms~ The Phillips family has been growing mushrooms in Kennett Square since 1927 and is Celebrating Local Food nationally renowned for their selection Dinner lecture attendees each received a seed Aimee Olexy and Brian Sikora of Talula’s of specialty (including organic) mushpacket of Rushton Farm Pie Pumpkins.

Table in Kennett Square (www.talurooms. lastable.com) created the magnificent meal using many local • Shellbark Hollow Farm ~ Pete Demchur produces ingredients, including their own freshly baked bread. Local goat milk and goat cheese from his herd of 33 purebred producers providing food for the evening included: Nubian goats in West Chester.

• Barnard’s Orchard ~ Located on Rt. 842 in Unionville, Even the evening’s refreshments were sourced locally: this 75 acre family-run orchard grows apples, plums, • Bluecoat American Dry Gin ~ America’s only gin pears and flowers. distillery is right here in Philadelphia! Bluecoat is craft • Birchrun Hills Farm ~ Cheesemaker Sue Miller creates distilled using organic juniper berries, giving it earthy, her signature blue cheese and gruyere style Highland spicy juniper notes. cheese from cow’s milk at her farm in Chester Springs.

Sly Fox Brewery ~ Brewer Brian O’Reilly’s unique • • Country Time Farm ~ Paul and Ember Crivellaro interpretations of Belgian and German style beers have raise antibiotic-free pork on pasture in Hamburg, Berks earned Sly Fox a national reputation in craft brewing.

County.

• Stargazers Vineyard and Winery ~ Alice and John • Greenstone Gardens and Apiary ~ Jan Cauffman has Weygandt create handcrafted wines using traditional been raising bees since 1995 and now has a total of 14 techniques at their vineyard and winery just north of hives at her home in Malvern.

Unionville.

• H.G. Haskell’s SIW Vegetables ~ This well-known local food enthusiasts came to hear renowned farmer, author, and photographer Michael Ableman speak at the Trust’s annual dinner lecture. The talk was followed by a delicious meal made entirely with local foods. Michael is the founder of the Center for Urban Agriculture at Fairview Gardens, an education center and working organic farm in California that has become an international model for small scale and urban agriculture. The author of several books on sustainable farming, Michael shared his stories and photographs of his journey across the country in search of innovative and passionate farmers who are making a difference in what we eat and how we experience food.

We are grateful to our co-sponsors, Chubb Personal Insurance and Corroon & Associates who helped make the evening possible. Thanks, too, to CEO Pete Miller and the American Institute staff for graciously hosting our event at their headquarters on Providence Road.

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Activities and Events Stream Cleanup at Ashbridge Preserve Saturday, May 3, 2008

Bird Walk & Stream Exploration Saturday, May 17, 2008 Kirkwood Preserve Grubbs Mill Road, ¼ mile north of Goshen Road, Willistown Township

Strasburg Road, 1/8 mile west of Dutton Mill Road, East Goshen Township

Join Art McMorris, PhD, Trust board member and expert birder with the Audubon Society, for a guided bird walk along Massey Run, a beautiful stretch of Crum Creek at Kirkwood Preserve. In May we will see year-round resident bird species, migrants that are just passing through and breeders that are returning from the tropics and defending their territories with abundant song. Following the walk, join us for a fascinating interactive program presented by Riverbend Environmental Education Center. Explore the creek and discover stream critters while learning interesting facts about streams. Fun for Kids!

7:00 a.m. Coffee and Danish 7:30 a.m. Bird Walk 9:30 a.m. Steam Exploration Waterproof boots, binoculars and field guides are recommended.

These two activities are part of Creek Week, an event established by our friends at the Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association to raise awareness and encourage stewardship of these three local creeks.

Gather your friends & family and have some fun at the Eleventh Annual Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association (CRC) Stream Cleanup, held throughout the three watersheds on Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Last year’s event drew over 400 volunteers who removed 10 tons of trash from 38 different sites! In addition to our annual sponsorship of the CRC Stream Cleanup, we are rolling up our sleeves and pitching in. Please join us at this year’s local stream cleanup site along the section of Ridley Creek that flows through Willistown Conservation Trust’s Ashbridge Preserve.

Following the cleanup, all volunteers are invited to a thank you picnic at Rose Tree Park, Media. Participants will also receive a CRC Stream Cleanup t-shirt! To volunteer at Ashbridge Preserve, please contact Trisha Lambert at tld@wctrust.org or 610-353-2562 ext. 12.

Round up the family for our

Pollination Celebration!

Saturday, July12, 2008 10:00 am to 12:00 noon

COUNTRYSIDE BASH!

Spend the morning at the Willistown Conservation Trust headquarters learning about plants and their pollinators. Find the queen bee in a live observational hive, take a tour of our native gardens and observe local pollinators up close!

Sunday, June 15, 2008 5:00 ~ 9:00 pm Presented by

Glenmede Proceeds will support our education and Preserve management programs.

• • • •

The talk and hands-on activities is for all ages, so bring the entire family. Admission is $5 per child or $10 per family. To register, please contact Trisha Lambert at tld@wctrust.org or 610-353-2562 ext. 12. This event is hosted in partnership with Riverbend Environmental Education Center.

Country Barbeque Live Country & Western Music Hay Wagon Rides Mechanical Bull & Kids Activities

Be on the Lookout For An Invitation In May Spring

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Activities and Events Once Again the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance Will Benefit the Trust September 12, 13 & 14, 2008 The 12th Annual Concours d’Elegance, a nationally-recognized motor car event at Radnor Hunt, will feature the Art & Colour of General Motors, Zagato, and BSA Motorcycles. The weekend event begins Friday evening with a welcome barbecue on the back porch of Radnor Hunt. Saturday morning starts off with the “Chester County Rally”, a driving tour of the pastoral and historic back roads of Chester County. The course includes a variety of challenges to test the skills and resolve of the driver and navigator.

The fun is in the trying, and the finishing picnic lunch at a beautiful Chester County estate will be worth the trip. Saturday evening commences with an art show and cocktail reception, and sparkles with an elegant black tie gala dinner. The weekend

culminates on Sunday when the “100 Motor Cars of Radnor Hunt” are presented, highlighting carefully selected classic and vintage automobiles and motorcycles.

For the tenth consecutive year, the Willistown Conservation Trust is fortunate to be named as a beneficiary of this world class automobile event. We are grateful to the Concours d’Elegance Committee for their continuing generosity and support of our mission. Save the date and we will see you at the event — you will be greeted by Trust volunteers at registration!

For more information about the Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance or to purchase tickets for the weekend’s events, please visit their website at www.radnorconcours.org.

Call 610-353-3536 with any questions.

Willistown Friends Meeting 4th Annual Environmental Festival

Saving the Earth Starts at Home Saturday, September 20, 2008

S AVE T H E D ATE !

Golf and Good Nature Willistown Conservation Trust’s 6th Annual Golf Outing White Manor Country Club

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

7069 Goshen Road, Newtown Square This free event promotes practical solutions individuals can undertake in their daily lives to protect and restore the environment. Last year’s event attracted approximately 400 attendees with participants from over 30 local environmental organizations and government agencies.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Come hear presentations on topics such as: • Practical land stewardship strategies • The benefits of native plants • Alternative energy sources • The impacts of human population growth In addition to the scheduled presentations, the Friends will guide nature walks on their 42-acre property, which includes a 15-acre warm season native grass meadow. Other activities will include pumpkin painting, bird and bat box construction, live music, and a display of nature-inspired art.

Don’t be late—the first 30 families to arrive at the Festival will receive a free gift!

The outing will include a barbeque lunch, putting contest, silent auction and a buffet dinner. Proceeds from the event enable the Trust to further its mission to preserve natural areas for the benefit of people and wildlife. To receive an invitation or sponsorship packet, please contact Trisha Lambert at tld@wctrust.org or 610-353-2562 ext. 12.

For event information, please contact Susan Cooker at 610-644-9084 or Derek Stedman at dcsahs@verizon.net.

Spring

Have Fun and Support the Trust by joining us for a fabulous day of golf!

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Trustee and Staff News TRUSTEE NEWS

and been an invited speaker on numerous topics including organics, produce marketing and community supported agriculture. Fred has a deep understanding of sustainable farming practices, a desire to educate and engage the community in the program, and a passion for the natural world. Farming runs deep in his family, with two brothers actively farming at organic CSA’s.

JENNIFER MOLLER returns to the board after a one year break. Jennifer and her husband Chris moved to “Gramercy Farm” in Willistown in 1997 and placed a conservation easement on the 18 acre farm shortly thereafter. Their hillside on Goshen AARON DE LONG joined us Road (across the road from Rushton in February as the field manager Farm) was the site of a recent native at Rushton Farm, handling day grasses workshop and is a showcase to day operations including for how strikingly beautiful an explanting, cultivating and harvestpanse of native grasses can be. Jennifer spent nearly 20 years in ing all of the vegetables for the the PC software industry, including several start-up companies Community Supported Agriand Microsoft. She also has a background in the investment culture (CSA) program. Aaron banking industry and holds a BA in Architecture from Yale has a rich background in organic University and an MBA from University of Pennsylvania’s farming and environmental biology and most recently was a Wharton School. production manager and instructor at the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at the University of BILL HOWARD rejoins the California, Santa Cruz. Aaron spent his summers during high board after a brief hiatus. Bill school working on small farms throughout Chester County. has lived in our community since With a degree in natural resources from the University of 1979 and has been active in land Michigan, Aaron is an avid outdoorsman and has hiked the conservation since the Trust’s Appalachian and International Appalachian Trail continuously, inception as well as with the Branfrom Georgia to Quebec. dywine Conservancy, Tuckernuck Island Land Trust and Natural ASHLEY BRISTER joins the Lands Trust. Bill and his wife Lyn Community Farm Program donated a conservation easement staff as assistant field manager on their property to the Trust in 2002 and live near the Trust’s at Rushton Farm, where she will Ashbridge Preserve. Bill is one of the founders and owners be busy with all aspects of vegof Advanced GeoServices Corporation, an engineering and etable production. Ashley has consulting firm located in West Chester, PA. deep experience in community and organic farming, having STAFF NEWS recently served as an apprentice at the Center for Agroecology FRED DE LONG joined the and Sustainable Food Systems at the University of California, Trust staff in September and Santa Cruz. In addition to her experience in Santa Cruz, Ashley became full time Director of has worked in many areas of community farming on a number Community Farm Program in of Massachusetts farms, including greenhouse management, January. Fred brings over fifteen field and livestock management, educational outreach, and years of farming experience, the renewable energy usage. Ashley is a graduate of the College of last seven years of which were Wooster, and worked as an Outward Bound leadership, sailing spent at Pete’s Produce Farm in and backpacking instructor for three summers.

Westown. He has written about Spring

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Victoria (Tori) Strange, has graciously volunteered many hours to the Trust as an intern over the past several months. She has been especially helpful in working with the Stewardship and Land Protection staff to organize monitoring files and baseline documentation for recent easements.

Tori is a graduate of The Shipley School and Elon University

where she majored in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology. She has wide-ranging field experience in a variety of settings, including Tanzania and Washington State. We are extremely fortunate that Tori has decided to share her energy and experience with us!

Sigrid Berwind April 5, 1941–March 1, 2008

Friend, Advocate, Inspiration

with the child or his parents. One week after Sigi died, hugging this giraffe with yellow spots and droopy ears, the now five year old child asked his mother as he was being put to bed, “Do you know why Giraffy is so important?”

When the mother asked why, he said, “Because he reminds me of Sigi”.

He then fell contentedly to sleep.

It is with sadness that the Willistown Conservation

Trust honors its friendship with Sigi Berwind, who died March 1, 2008 after a valiant 17 year battle with cancer.

A Trust board member since 1998, Sigi was a resident of Willistown and an ardent supporter and advocate of open land. She and her former husband, Graham, bought their Willistown farm and with originality and a deep respect for natural beauty, together created an environment which serves as an architectural and horticultural inspiration for us all.

Sigi conducted her life with the same grace, originality and modesty that have become signatures of the Berwind farm. In countless ways she charmed and touched the hearts of so many people she encountered. The Radnor Hunt Pony Club members deliver cookies annually to landowners whose land Pony Club riders traverse in their Spring Paper Chase. Not expecting to see them, but as usual, nevertheless delighted to greet anyone who appeared at her farm, Sigi welcomed the children, enthusiastically pronouncing, “Cookies, cookies, we need cookies for our champagne!”

Sigi embraced life with vigor and fortitude, determined through her last moments never to let it go. In her tender remembrance, we cherish our friendship and love for her with a German saying that epitomizes her spirit. Translated, it is, “If you go looking for me, then look in your hearts. If you find me there, then I live further in you.”

As we look inside ourselves, then out to the beautiful countryside that Sigi loved and helped preserve, we are consoled by the richness of this life that Sigi taught us to celebrate.

A year or so ago Sigi gave a small stuffed giraffe to a neighborhood toddler just because she knew he loved animals and nature. She never discussed this kind gesture further

– Jennifer Moller Trustee

Spring

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Acknowledgements

The Board of Trustees and staff of the Willistown Conservation Trust extend a warm and gracious thank

you to those individuals, families, businesses and foundations who support our work. Land is precious and the window of opportunity for its preservation is brief. Thank you for partnering with the Trust as we move forward with our urgent charge to preserve the countryside. The following contributors have generously supported the conservation effort from January 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008. Thank you!

ANNUAL GIVING

Gifts to the 2007 Annual Fund totaled $301,991 and provided 38% of our operating budget.

Many heartfelt thanks to each and every supporter of our Annual Fund – you are the lifeblood of the Trust.

The Sycamore Society

The Sycamore Society was established in 2005 to recognize the most generous donors to our Annual Fund.

118 supporters joined the ranks in 2007 by making gifts of $1,000 or more. .

Platinum Sycamores ($10,000 or more)

Sycamores ($1,000 to $2,499)

Anonymous (2) Mrs. W. Perry Gresh Mr. and Mrs. M. John Ham Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran Mr. and Mrs. James M. Moran, Jr. Mr. Douglas C. Walker

Gold Sycamores ($5,000 to $9,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Peter O. Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler Kent-Lucas Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Moller Mr. and Mrs. Ralph H. Thurman Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen II

Silver Sycamores ($2,500 to $4,999)

Mr. Francis H. Abbott, Jr. and Mrs. Frances Moran Abbott Elizabeth G. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Bryan D. Colket Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Cox Dick and Nancy Eales GBH Foundation John and Chara Haas Beverly S. Hattersley Margot and Bob Keith Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Layden, Jr. Jean and Tim Lewis Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph Mullen Martha Geiger Papariello Donald and Jill Red Lang and Marilyn Smith Mr. Stephen Sordoni Mrs. William L. Van Alen, Sr. Mrs. Ethel Benson Wister

Spring

Anonymous Mrs. George R. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Timothy B. Barnard Caroline and Olin Belsinger Mr. Roger A. Bennett and Dr. Stephanie B. Bennett Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Bissinger, Jr. Betsy and Luke Block Mr. and Mrs. L. Clark Blynn Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Borgh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Brennan III Ms. Mary Ann Butcher Frank and Terry Buzan Diane and Greg Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Campbell, Jr. The Charles Engelhard Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Tristram C. Colket, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Cooker Mr. and Mrs. Craig W. Cullen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James M. Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Harold M. Davis Dr. and Mrs. Sanford H. Davne Dr. Ronald E. DiSimone and Dr. Patricia Ann Torna Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Donatucci III Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Drummond Mr. and Mrs. Patrick C. Egan Mr. and Mrs. Eric Y. Eichler Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Ewing Dr. and Mrs. Larry F. Feiner Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gansky Mr. Brook Gardner and Ms. Jodi Spragins Germeshausen Foundation Carol Young Gerry Mr. James E. Gerry Anne and Matt Hamilton

The Hamilton Family Foundation Mr. John G. Harkins, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel G. Hartshorn Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Helm Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Hofmann Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Holloway Mr. and Mrs. J. David Hucker Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Hurley III Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hutchin John Milner Architects, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Henry A. Jordan Dick and Nancy Klavans The Larson Family Charitable Fund Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Ledger Mr. and Mrs. William D. Lenker Mrs. Lawrence E. MacElree Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Marsh, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mason Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClements, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John B. McGowan, Jr. Ms. Jean McManus Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. McMenamin Dr. F. Arthur McMorris and Dr. Joanna Balcarek McMorris Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. McNeely Mr. and Mrs. John D. Milner Mr. and Mrs. Eustace W. Mita Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Morse Mr. and Mrs. Britton H. Murdoch Naturescapes Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Newbold IV Tara and George Off Donna and Bill Oliver Mr. and Mrs. William J. Petrauskas Mr. and Mrs. Seymour S. Preston III Mr. John H. Richards III and The Reverend Susan M. Richards Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Scanlon, Jr.

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Acknowledgements (Continued) Mrs. Anne Faulkner Schoemaker Mr. Charles F. Seabrook II Deacon and Sheila Shorr Jim and Ellen Simmons Mrs. Tatnall Starr Mrs. George Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge Trevor and Sandie Sutherland Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Swift Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Taggart Mr. and Mrs. Anson W. H. Taylor III Mrs. Anson W. H. Taylor, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Alexander S. Van Alen Mr. James L. Van Alen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William G. Warden III Ms. Sabina Wister Paul and Marcia Woodruff Ms. Sherley Young Alejandro and Janine Zozaya

Conservationists ($500 to $999) Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. David M. Boucher Mr. and Mrs. George Cauffman III Mrs. Walter J. Cowan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William O. Daggett, Jr.

Mrs. Robert L. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Stephen E. Flynn II Ms. Wendy Garthwaite-DeMarco Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. Griffin III Mr. and Mrs. William J. Grim Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Harvey Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Leisenring Mr. and Mrs. Leroy M. Lewis, Jr. Ms. Victoria B. Mars and Mr. David R. Spina Mr. and Mrs. John Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Mecca Mrs. Margaret R. Nagy Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Nagy Mr. and Mrs. John J. Nesbitt III Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Quinn Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Roach, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan G. Schwartz Patrick Scullin and Giselle J. Geddes MD Julie and Robert Spahr Mr. H. Edward M. Stick Mr. and Mrs. Paul Thompson III Mrs. Anne F. Thorington Mr. and Mrs. Jack Thomas Tomarchio Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Van Alen Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Weaver Ms. Carolyn J. Wukitch Dr. Kathy Zoll and Mr. Joseph C. Zoll

Stewards ($250 to $499) Anonymous Mr. Jonathan C. Alderson and Ms. Ann Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Auten Dr. and Mrs. Steven W. Breecker Mr. and Mrs. W. Thacher Brown Jim and Stephanie Buysse Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cozzi Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Diliberto Mr. and Mrs. Saunders Dixon Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Dougherty Mr. and Mrs. M. John Ham Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert S. Hanse Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Jones Mr. Ralph W. Marsh Mrs. John B. McGowan, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. James C. Nelson III Mr. and Mrs. William H. Niblock, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Franco M. Nichini Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Parrish Mr. and Mrs. David W. Rawson Mr. and Mrs. Frederick T. Seving III Ted and Kitty Stokes Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Stuart A. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Vincent Mrs. Louis C. Washburn Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Weir Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Zimmerman

Protectors ($100 to $249)

Triangle Field at Kirkwood Preserve by Jim Simmons Inspired by the remarkable evening light at Kirkwood Preserve, Jim painted this canvas last fall and has generously donated it the Trust! Hanging in our entry hall, it is the perfect greeting to Trust visitors.

Spring

Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. E. Page Allinson Mr. and Mrs. Edgar E. Andrews III Archer & Buchanan Architecture Ltd. Ardrossan Beagles, Inc. Ms. Hazel E. Arnold Arrowhead Day Camp, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey E. Baena Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Baglini Mr. and Mrs. John Barbis Mr. and Mrs. R. Gregory Barton Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Baxter Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Berman Dr. and Mrs. Michael P. Bibbo Mr. and Mrs. William T. Black, Jr. Sally and Nagle Bridwell Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. Brotzge Mr. and Mrs. George A. Buckland Dr. and Mrs. Barry H. Burkhardt Mr. and Mrs. John Butterworth Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Caspar Mrs. George Cauffman, Jr.

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Acknowledgements (Continued) Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Chagares Mrs. Wiley F. Corl III Mr. and Mrs. Douglas K. Davis Mrs. Ruthellen Pyle Davis Daylesford Abbey Mr. and Mrs. Terence R. Decker Ms. Joanne R. Denworth Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey P. Donaldson Mr. George Elser and Ms. Angela M. Scully Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Erdman Ms. Virginia G. Fanfera Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Fastuca Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm E. Flint Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Foerster Mr. and Mrs. John W. Frazier IV Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Friedman Mr. and Mrs. John M. Gaadt Dr. and Mrs. Brent S. Gartner Mr. and Mrs. Eric D. Gerst Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Gilpin, Jr. Ms. Mary Sun Gordon Ms. Marjorie T. Goulding Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Grace, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James A. Grant Jeff and Diane Groff Mrs. K. Deane Groves Mr. and Mrs. J. Marshall Hamilton Andrea Hanaway, MD Mr. and Mrs. John A. Harris IV Mrs. Joseph C. Hastings Mr. Adam Hausmann Mr. Frank E. Hurley Mr. and Mrs. L. Stockton Illoway Mr. and Mrs. G. James Jarratt III Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clay Johnson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McB. Johnston III Dr. Charles F. Kelemen and Dr. Sylvia B. Kelemen Mr. David S. Kelso Mr. and Mrs. James F. Kisela Mr. and Mrs. William Kommer, Jr. Anne and Maurice Koningstein Mr. and Mrs. Eleftherios Koutsiouroumbas Mr. and Mrs. Ronald T. Kuehn Dr. George L. Lasota and Dr. Jeanne A. Hanache Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Latyak Mr. and Mrs. David P. Lavins Dr. and Mrs. N. Blair LeRoy Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Lindsley Mr. and Mrs. John F. Link, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Lockwood Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Lownes, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas S. Ludington, Jr. Ms. Deborah A. Mathes Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. McCarthy Bob and Annamaria McElroy

Spring

Mr. and Mrs. James E. McErlane Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. McKenna, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. James S. Milne Anne and Gary Murphy Ms. Judith A. Myers Mr. and Mrs. James R. Nolan Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. O’Shea Mr. David W. Palmer and Ms. Laura Sauer Palmer Ms. Edith G. Parnum Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Peck Mr. George R. Peel Mr. and Mrs. William J. Pellicano Mrs. Eleanor R. Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Ronald D. J. Ploeg Mr. and Mrs. H. Clifford Reves Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Richter Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Timothy R. Rubin Dr. Robert A. Ruggiero, Jr. and Dr. Mary C. Penrod Ruggiero Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Schaefer Dr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schaumann Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Schellenger Mr. Carter L. Schelling Mrs. Dorothy F. Sellers Drs. Joseph and Suzanne Seltzer Mr. and Mrs. Gary T. Sheehan Mr. William T. Spane Mrs. Georgianna H. Stapleton Mr. and Mrs. Lewis V. Stephenson Ms. Sarah B. Stokes Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Stopford Mr. and Mrs. David R. Strange Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Taylor Mr. Frank L. Tobin and Ms. Ilene M. Chester Mr. and Mrs. Robert Toland, Jr. Mr. James T. Toner Trull Building Company LLC Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Ulmer Mr. and Mrs. James F. Van Valkenburg Mr. and Mrs. Theodore M. Volz Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Waitneight Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. A. Ward Mr. and Mrs. William Y. Webb Lisa M. Whitcomb and John H. Krick Mrs. Robert D. White, Jr. Mrs. Marjorie H. Willits Mr. and Mrs. David R. Wilmerding, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Winsor Mr. and Mrs. William R. Wood William Wood Co. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Wrenn, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Minturn T. Wright III

Friends (up to $100)

Anonymous (3) Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Augusterfer Mr. Timothy M. Beadle Ms. Amy E. Broaddus Mr. and Mrs. James T. Carson Ms. Lee McIlvaine Churchman and Mr. Simon Manonian Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Cobb Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Cooke, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. C. George Currie Mr. and Mrs. John S. Custer, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Francis X. DeLone, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney B. Elston, Jr. Mrs. Diana T. Garson Genuardi’s Family Markets Ms. Pamela Gougeon Mr. Joseph M. Helyenek Mr. and Mrs. Jack Henn Mr. and Mrs. James W. B. Hole Mr. and Mrs. Francis B. Jacobs II Mr. Arthur E. Jones, Jr. Ms. Gabriella Kecskes Ms. Leslie F. Kurtas Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. Lee Dr. and Mrs. W. Steven Mark Mr. and Mrs. James J. McGough Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. McHugh Ms. Deborah S. McKechnie Ms. Ellen F. Millick Mr. and Mrs. John Day Mohr Mr. and Mrs. George A. Mossman III Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Murphy Ms. Catherine Patton Ms. Jamie Picardy Mr. and Mrs. J. Permar Richards III Mr. and Mrs. Chad Rosenberg Dr. and Mrs. Keith L. Sharkan Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. David D. Stephens Ms. Marian Stevens Ms. Elizabeth Stokes Mr. Edward J. Swager III Mr. and Mrs. Eric Swanson Mr. and Mrs. Aaron R. Thurlow Mr. Andrew B. Ulichney II Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. Welch Mrs. Steven R. Woodman

Matching Gifts General Electric Foundation GlaxoSmithKline Plc. Lyondell Chemical Company Microsoft Corp.

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Acknowledgements (Continued) Preserve Endowment

Memorial Gifts In Memory of George Atterbury

Mr. Michael Feil and Ms. Virginia Simon

In Memory of Carolyn Thomas

Arena, Snyder, Theis & Dunlap LLP Mr. and Mrs. John H. Donaldson Mr. and Mrs. Harold Green Anne and Matt Hamilton Ms. Janet Riddle Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rose Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Stopford Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wood

The Preserve Endowment provides funds for the ongoing management and maintenance of Willistown Conservation Trust preserves, including Ashbridge Preserve, Kirkwood Preserve and the Okehocking Barn.

The Moorwood Fund designated for Kirkwood Preserve

Grants for Program

In Memory of Daniel Bryce O’Brien Anonymous

Easement Endowment The Easement Endowment is funded by landowners who place easements on their properties and provides funds for the maintenance and defense of such easements in perpetuity.

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hutchin Mr. and Mrs. Jerome R. Keough Mr. and Mrs. Christopher K. McHugh Donna and Bill Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Rohr Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Roskamp Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Stolper Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Turner, Jr.

The following grants were designated for the Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area Model Conservation and Restoration Initiative: Germeshausen Foundation The William Penn Foundation The following grants were designated for Land Protection and Deer Management: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development The William Penn Foundation The following grants and gifts were designated for Community Farm Program: Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A Mr. and Mrs. Peter O. Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen, II The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas D. Watkins

Benficiary Income We are fortunate to have been chosen as a beneficiary of the following events in 2007: Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance Radnor Hunt Pony Club Paper Chase

Other Donated and Discounted Goods and Services

American Institute Arader Tree Service Artful Framer Ed Brennan Mary Hunt Davis Photography Edgmont Country Club ESRI Gary Gimbert Great Valley Nature Center Adam Hausmann Bill Keyser Bruce Park Radnor Hunt Charles Schwab Co., Inc. Marilyn Smith Lang Smith Tweetyville Birdhouses R. Weinrich Bakery

Special thanks to all our volunteers who have diligently worked at events and on mailings. We truly appreciate your time, effort and dedication – thank you! This list reflects volunteer activities between April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008.

Mike Allard Toby Atterbury Sid Baglini Erich Barchi Maureen Barry Donald Barshinger Priscilla Baysinger Barb Blynn Melanie Boerner Stevie Boulden Ed Brennan Jeannie Brennan Sally Bridwell Angelo Brutico Susan Brutico Mary Ann Butcher Bob Campbell Kathy Campbell Alex Chen Simon Chen

Grant Clark Susan Cooker Bethann Coradino Chris Cryer Alicen Davis Caroline Davis Paige Davis Spencer Davis Colleen Demorat John Dickson Noel Dickson Steve Dittmann Janet Ebert Larry Feiner Keith Fox Kevin Fryberger Ainsley Gardner Brook Gardner Kris Goodman Eliza Gowen

Diana Lorine Willy Lynn Norman MacQueen Gary Masiello Martha Masiello Carson McClain Mary McLoughlin Angel Mecca Christina Mecca Nick Mecca Nick Mecca, Jr. Kate Meschter Paul Morano Cindi Myers Austin Myers Tara Off Marc O’Neill Rachel Owen Martin Paige Sallie Palm

Mark Hamilton Barbara Hartman Billy Hartman Piper Hartman Ben Hayward Tom Helm Frank Herz Barbara Hill Irene Hill Kate Hollos Jack Holt David Hucker Fran Hundt Lynn Hitschler Marybeth Hurley Pat Johnson Todd Jones Jim Lambert Bob Lindsley Linda Locke

Bruce Park Edie Parnum Tom Pascocello Ginny Pusey Judy Radano David Rawson Don Red Jill Red Janet Riddle Galen Ross Bill Schew Kathy Schwartz Christopher Shaddock Jill Shaddock Catherine Smith Gary Smith Marilyn Smith Derek Stedman David Strange Lynn Strange

Tori Strange Bob Taggart Pam Taggart Marilyn Taylor David Thayer Doug Tietbohl Annette Toebe Patty Torna Juan Torres Amy Turgeon Dave Turkheimer Elizabeth Unger Colby Van Alen Rob Van Alen Judy Vantiem Jeff Vincent Lisa Waitneight Eileen Weir Sherley Young

This list may be incomplete, please forgive any omissions or errors.

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The Willistown Conservation Trust is dedicated to preserving the open land, rural character, scenic, historic and ecologically significant resources of the Willistown area and nearby communities, with particular emphasis on the Crum, Ridley and Darby Creek watersheds.

Jeanne B. Van Alen President and Executive Director

Board of Trustees Hoof Print Images 2007

Peter S. Strawbridge Chairman Alice E. Hausmann Vice Chairman

Timothy B. Barnard, Esq. Vice President and Assistant Secretary Donna F. Oliver, Esq. Secretary James L. Van Alen II Treasurer

Hoof Print Images 2007

W. Anthony Hitschler William T. Howard Elizabeth C. Hucker Mark T. Ledger F. Arthur McMorris, Ph.D. Jennifer C. Moller Timothy D. Schaeffer, Ph.D. Richard A. Shorr Langhorne B. Smith Jeanne B. Van Alen Douglas C. Walker Tana Wall

Staff

Betsy H. Block Director of Development and Public Relations Dee Ann Bowman Business Manager Sue R. Costello GIS Coordinator Fred de Long Director of Community Farm Program William R. Hartman, Jr. Director of Stewardship Patricia D. Lambert Event and Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Kiziuk Rubin Associate Stewardship Manager Jodi Spragins Communications and Technology Manager

Riders enjoy a glorious day in the Willistown countryside last November during the Radnor Hunt Pony Club Paperchase. The Pony Club donated the entire proceeds from the event, a whopping $2,000, to the Trust for its continued work protecting open space and trails for equestrians.

W i l l i s t o w n C o n s e rva t i o n T r u s t 925 Providence Road 路 Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073 (610) 353-2562 ~ Fax: (610) 325-0869 ~ www.wctrust.org ADDRESS Service REQUESTED

Elizabeth A. Stokes Assistant Director of Development Christopher A. Thompson Director of Land Protection John G. Turgeon Associate Director of Land Protection Willistown Conservation Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)3 of the I.R.S. Code.

Donations are tax-deductible. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

The Sycamore is printed on recycled paper.

nonprofit org u.s. postage paid southeastern, pa permt no. 96