2016 Leaflet

CONSERVATION TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jeanne B. Van Alen President/Executive Director Janice Murdoch Chairman V. Richard Eales Vice Chairman Alice E. Hausmann Vice Chairman

Willistown Countryside Forever A Campaign for Land, People, and Nature $10.5 Million $ 9.1 Million

JODI SPRAGINS/WCT

WILLISTOWN

The Leaflet WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Road Newtown Square, PA 19073

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOUTHEASTERN, PA PERMIT NO. 96

Our Goal Raised as September 14, 2016

N E W S B R I E F F R O M W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T | FA L L 2 0 1 6

Elizabeth C. Hucker Treasurer John F. Stoviak, Esq. Secretary Bryan D. Colket Assistant Secretary Timothy B. Barnard, Esq. Gary A. Cox Kathryn Kinkade Gord W. Anthony Hitschler William T. Howard George F. Krall, Jr. Leanne M. McMenamin Collin F. McNeil Elizabeth R. Moran* Christine S. Seving Peter S. Strawbridge Matthew E. Taylor Carolyn W. Turner James L. Van Alen II Tana Wall *Honorary Trustee STAFF Chelsea Allen Rushton Farm Assistant Field Manager Sue R. Costello GIS Coordinator Fred de Long Director of Community Farm Program Laura de Ramel Director of Development and Community Outreach Blake Goll Nature Education Coordinator Eliza Gowen Community Farm Outreach Assistant Noah Gress Rushton Farm Field Manager William R. Hartman, Jr. Director of Stewardship Kristen Henwood Stewardship Associate Eric Hetzel Director of Land Protection and Public Grants Lisa Kiziuk Director of Bird Conservation Program Stephanie Kuniholm Associate Director of Development Kelsey Lingle Communications Associate Susie MacDonnell Events and PR Coordinator Barbara McIlvaine Smith Administrative Assistant Joyce D. Spragins Communications and Technology Manager WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Rd. Newtown Square, PA 19073 610.353.2562 LAND@WCTRUST.ORG 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 Willistown Countryside Forever campaign is committed to ensuring the future of this remarkable countryside.

GET YOUR GIFT MATCHED and HELP FINISH THE CAMPAIGN! Through December 31, 2016, $1 will be matched for every $2 donation received through the John and Janet Haas $1 Million Challenge.

“That’s what the Trust does - it helps nature”.

- Carter Costello

Age 10

$ 3.2 M

Increase the Pace of Land Protection

$ 3.0 M

Support and Enhance Vital Trust Programs

$ 2.4 M

Complete the 86-acre Rushton Woods Preserve

ABOVE: Carter

$ 1.9 M

Build the Rushton Conservation Center

Kid Heroes Help Regenerate the Woods

$10.5 Million

JODI SPRAGINS/WCT STAFF

TO LEARN MORE OR TO MAKE A GIFT, CONTACT

Laura de Ramel, Director of Development, 610-353-2562, ext. 21 or lkd@wctrust.org ON THE COVER: A pony club rider enjoys the “best view in the world” (between a horse’s

ears) during the Chase for Conservation. The Chase is a trail ride through the Willistown countryside organized by Radnor Hunt Pony Club which raises funds to support the Trust’s open space programs. This year’s Chase is scheduled for Sunday, November 6. Photo by Julie Dopheide. ABOVE: Kirkwood Preserve is the new venue for this year’s Run-a-Muck, to be held on October 22, 2016. More info and registration at www.wctrust.org.

T he Leaflet

Costello, age 10, shown here with one of the 50 native trees and shrubs he helped plant and pay for with money he collected from birthday and Christmas gifts.

With acres of woodland understory suffering from years of damage from voracious deer, the Trust is actively working to give our woodlands a hand. It’s a big job, so when Carter Costello, a ten-year old local resident, and Aubrey Doherty, a college-aged summer intern, were looking for ways to get involved, Director of Stewardship Bill Hartman knew just where to direct them. He selected a half-acre site at Rushton Woods Preserve where Aubrey performed extensive research to design an understory restoration project, procuring an assortment of native trees and shrubs to regenerate the damaged plant community. Carter helped pay for the plants with money he collected from birthday and Christmas gifts in lieu of presents, and rolled up his sleeves to install 50 trees and shrubs alongside Aubrey and three other adult volunteers. The young plants are protected from deer with mesh cages, something that can easily be replicated by homeowners looking to improve the ecological health of woodlands on their own properties. As Carter explained, “These old trees aren’t going to live forever, and they haven’t had little ones coming up to replace them. Now the next generation can take over.” With Carter and Aubrey leading the charge, we couldn’t agree more!

BLAKE GOLL/WCT STAFF

For Land’s Sake

A Sampling of Recent Willistown Conservation Trust Kids’ Program Activities

Kids Take it Outside!

•

Catching dragonfly nymphs

•

Banding baby Purple Martins

•

Counting bats using acoustic technology

•

Planting pumpkins in the spring; harvesting and carving them in the fall

•

Searching for pollinators

•

Writing poetry about a bird’s nest

•

Collecting stream water samples

•

Viewing macroinvertebrates under a microscope

•

Harvesting apples and making apple cider

RUN-A-MUCK & COUNTRYSIDE BASH

October 22, 2016* New T rail! N e Later Date! w Venue!

Lower Ticket

The Trust is part of a leading a growing national trend among land trusts using their conserved lands for children’s nature education. We recognize the programming as a critical priority not only for children’s well being, but also for the future of conservation. Simply put, children who are disconnected from nature will not fight to save it.

Our Bird, Farm and Stewardship staff members Blake Goll, Lisa Kiziuk, Fred de Long, and Bill Hartman are taking their love of nature and educational expertise and constructing a fun and powerful learning experience for children of all ages and backgrounds. And educators, scientists and experts from the community are adding variety and richness to the program offerings.

Now in its sixth year, the Junior Birding Club teaches children to appreciate birds and the importance of preserving open space, while developing valuable science skills. Centered at Rushton Woods Preserve, the program brings kids outside to enjoy wildlife, improve observation

skills, engage with other like-minded people and contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Spanning many nature and habitat conservation topics, activities include bird watching, bird banding, insect surveys, mammal tracking, poetry, art, wetland investigations, stream and woodland studies, native plants ecology, astronomy, and citizen science.

In response to greater need for outdoor eductation, the Carrot Club mission is to engage children in activities during a full season at Rushton Farm. With “hands on” experiences in the field planting, tending, harvesting, preparing, and eating fruits and vegetables, children learn more about food, gain a deeper appreciation for the land on which it is grown, and understand the effort and rewards of farming. In addition, kids learn about health, nutrition, and Rushton Farm as an ecosystem.

Throughout the year, in-depth ecology lessons for visiting school groups and partner programs are offered

ABOVE LEFT: A Junior Birder enjoys a quiet moment while catching dragonfly nymphs in Ridley Creek at Ashbridge Preserve.

ABOVE RIGHT: Boys’ Latin students learn about migrating birds and the science of bird banding at the Rushton Woods Preserve

on the area’s conserved lands. Each year Westtown School students visit the Rushton Woods Preserve Bird Banding Station to learn about spring migration firsthand. Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School has visited Rushton Woods Preserve and Farm several times to study the interconnections between the sustainable agriculture methods and nearby natural areas. Several outdoor poetry workshops have been conducted by Villanova professor Cathy Staples for Mighty Writers, a Philadelphia school enrichment program. These are just a few examples of the Trust’s unique nature education programming offered over 18 school visits each year.

Student Community Service Projects provide a wonderful opportunity for students to help the Trust while enjoying an outdoor educational experience. As Nature Education Coordinator Blake Goll says, “many hands make light work, and it is a fun and rewarding experience when we work together.” Students from area schools have helped create acres of wildflower meadows by planting thousands of native plant plugs on conserved lands in the Willistown

Banding Station.

area. While creating these beautiful spaces, they also learn about the importance of biodiversity, pollinators, native plants, and alternatives to the mowed lawn. Meanwhile thousands of feet of stream banks have been stabilized by student groups who have planted hundreds of trees alongside the Crum, Ridley and Darby Creeks, thus providing the perfect opportunity to learn about watersheds and stream ecology.

Years later these children can return to these special places and admire a field of blooming wildflowers or a sparkling stream shaded by mature trees, knowing that they played an important part in protecting nature.

Studies have shown that these lasting experiences boost the cognitive, creative, physical, social and emotional development of children and transform the way they conduct their lives in the future. By deepening children’s connection to the land and nature, we hope to inspire in them a love of nature and a lifetime commitment to conservation that will reap rewards far into the future of Willistown and beyond.

Prices !

Join us for a beautiful fall afternoon and evening celebrating Willistown’s conserved lands.

Run or muck (walk) the beautiful 5k or 1+ mile trail or just hang out to enjoy the live music, bonfire, star gazing with telescopes, beer, wine, and a country supper by Jimmy’s BBQ!

FRED DE LONG

CHRISTINE SEVING

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie and Seelaus County Lines Magazine

Make a Splash!

BLAKE GOLL/WCT STAFF

What is welcoming, inspiring, and fun for kids? Nature!

Who will care for and protect nature in the future? Kids!

Thanks to 40 years of land conservation, the Willistown area has tons of both!

Kreischer Miller

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN Saturday, October 22, 2016, 2:30 pm

WHERE Overlooking Kirkwood Preserve Parking at 6114 Goshen Road, Newtown Square

*Rain date: Sunday, October 23, 2016

Runners’ trail is mucky & wet! Leashed dogs welcome!

TICKETS at WWW.WCTRUST.ORG Adults (19 & Up) – $30 Kids (18 & Under) – $15 To be timed and eligible for race prizes,

ALL RUNNERS MUST REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE 11:55 PM WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, 2016.

Blue Water Home Griffiths Construction, Inc. John Milner Architects, Inc. Saul Ewing LLP Stratus Foundation with Fly Advanced Aqua America, Inc. Arader Tree Service Bartlett Tree Experts Benner & Sons, Inc. Brandywine Realty Trust Bryn Mawr Landscaping Bryn Mawr Trust Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Cherokee Construction Claytor/Noone Plastic Surgery Institute Country Barn Construction and Landscape Services Country Properties Countryside Consulting Cover & Rossiter E.C. Threthewey Building Contractors Inc. F.L. Bissinger FireCraft Gardner/Fox Associates GreenWeaver Landscapes, LLC Hawthorn - PNC Family Wealth James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air John B. Ward & Co. Arborists Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects King Construction Company LLC Mark D. Slouf Custom Building & Design Martin J. Cappelletti Custom Builders Inc. Missy Schwartz Berkshire Hathaway/Fox & Roach Realtors Oliver Heating Peter Zimmerman Architects Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC Reed Smith, LLC Shreiner Tree Care Sycamore Racing The Elite Group Warren Claytor Architects, Inc. Weeds, Inc. White Horse Village Lifecare Community

BLAKE GOLL/WCT STAFF

For Land’s Sake

A Sampling of Recent Willistown Conservation Trust Kids’ Program Activities

Kids Take it Outside!

•

Catching dragonfly nymphs

•

Banding baby Purple Martins

•

Counting bats using acoustic technology

•

Planting pumpkins in the spring; harvesting and carving them in the fall

•

Searching for pollinators

•

Writing poetry about a bird’s nest

•

Collecting stream water samples

•

Viewing macroinvertebrates under a microscope

•

Harvesting apples and making apple cider

RUN-A-MUCK & COUNTRYSIDE BASH

October 22, 2016* New T rail! N e Later Date! w Venue!

Lower Ticket

The Trust is part of a leading a growing national trend among land trusts using their conserved lands for children’s nature education. We recognize the programming as a critical priority not only for children’s well being, but also for the future of conservation. Simply put, children who are disconnected from nature will not fight to save it.

Our Bird, Farm and Stewardship staff members Blake Goll, Lisa Kiziuk, Fred de Long, and Bill Hartman are taking their love of nature and educational expertise and constructing a fun and powerful learning experience for children of all ages and backgrounds. And educators, scientists and experts from the community are adding variety and richness to the program offerings.

Now in its sixth year, the Junior Birding Club teaches children to appreciate birds and the importance of preserving open space, while developing valuable science skills. Centered at Rushton Woods Preserve, the program brings kids outside to enjoy wildlife, improve observation

skills, engage with other like-minded people and contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Spanning many nature and habitat conservation topics, activities include bird watching, bird banding, insect surveys, mammal tracking, poetry, art, wetland investigations, stream and woodland studies, native plants ecology, astronomy, and citizen science.

In response to greater need for outdoor eductation, the Carrot Club mission is to engage children in activities during a full season at Rushton Farm. With “hands on” experiences in the field planting, tending, harvesting, preparing, and eating fruits and vegetables, children learn more about food, gain a deeper appreciation for the land on which it is grown, and understand the effort and rewards of farming. In addition, kids learn about health, nutrition, and Rushton Farm as an ecosystem.

Throughout the year, in-depth ecology lessons for visiting school groups and partner programs are offered

ABOVE LEFT: A Junior Birder enjoys a quiet moment while catching dragonfly nymphs in Ridley Creek at Ashbridge Preserve.

ABOVE RIGHT: Boys’ Latin students learn about migrating birds and the science of bird banding at the Rushton Woods Preserve

on the area’s conserved lands. Each year Westtown School students visit the Rushton Woods Preserve Bird Banding Station to learn about spring migration firsthand. Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School has visited Rushton Woods Preserve and Farm several times to study the interconnections between the sustainable agriculture methods and nearby natural areas. Several outdoor poetry workshops have been conducted by Villanova professor Cathy Staples for Mighty Writers, a Philadelphia school enrichment program. These are just a few examples of the Trust’s unique nature education programming offered over 18 school visits each year.

Student Community Service Projects provide a wonderful opportunity for students to help the Trust while enjoying an outdoor educational experience. As Nature Education Coordinator Blake Goll says, “many hands make light work, and it is a fun and rewarding experience when we work together.” Students from area schools have helped create acres of wildflower meadows by planting thousands of native plant plugs on conserved lands in the Willistown

Banding Station.

area. While creating these beautiful spaces, they also learn about the importance of biodiversity, pollinators, native plants, and alternatives to the mowed lawn. Meanwhile thousands of feet of stream banks have been stabilized by student groups who have planted hundreds of trees alongside the Crum, Ridley and Darby Creeks, thus providing the perfect opportunity to learn about watersheds and stream ecology.

Years later these children can return to these special places and admire a field of blooming wildflowers or a sparkling stream shaded by mature trees, knowing that they played an important part in protecting nature.

Studies have shown that these lasting experiences boost the cognitive, creative, physical, social and emotional development of children and transform the way they conduct their lives in the future. By deepening children’s connection to the land and nature, we hope to inspire in them a love of nature and a lifetime commitment to conservation that will reap rewards far into the future of Willistown and beyond.

Prices !

Join us for a beautiful fall afternoon and evening celebrating Willistown’s conserved lands.

Run or muck (walk) the beautiful 5k or 1+ mile trail or just hang out to enjoy the live music, bonfire, star gazing with telescopes, beer, wine, and a country supper by Jimmy’s BBQ!

FRED DE LONG

CHRISTINE SEVING

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie and Seelaus County Lines Magazine

Make a Splash!

BLAKE GOLL/WCT STAFF

What is welcoming, inspiring, and fun for kids? Nature!

Who will care for and protect nature in the future? Kids!

Thanks to 40 years of land conservation, the Willistown area has tons of both!

Kreischer Miller

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN Saturday, October 22, 2016, 2:30 pm

WHERE Overlooking Kirkwood Preserve Parking at 6114 Goshen Road, Newtown Square

*Rain date: Sunday, October 23, 2016

Runners’ trail is mucky & wet! Leashed dogs welcome!

TICKETS at WWW.WCTRUST.ORG Adults (19 & Up) – $30 Kids (18 & Under) – $15 To be timed and eligible for race prizes,

ALL RUNNERS MUST REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE 11:55 PM WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, 2016.

Blue Water Home Griffiths Construction, Inc. John Milner Architects, Inc. Saul Ewing LLP Stratus Foundation with Fly Advanced Aqua America, Inc. Arader Tree Service Bartlett Tree Experts Benner & Sons, Inc. Brandywine Realty Trust Bryn Mawr Landscaping Bryn Mawr Trust Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Cherokee Construction Claytor/Noone Plastic Surgery Institute Country Barn Construction and Landscape Services Country Properties Countryside Consulting Cover & Rossiter E.C. Threthewey Building Contractors Inc. F.L. Bissinger FireCraft Gardner/Fox Associates GreenWeaver Landscapes, LLC Hawthorn - PNC Family Wealth James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air John B. Ward & Co. Arborists Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects King Construction Company LLC Mark D. Slouf Custom Building & Design Martin J. Cappelletti Custom Builders Inc. Missy Schwartz Berkshire Hathaway/Fox & Roach Realtors Oliver Heating Peter Zimmerman Architects Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC Reed Smith, LLC Shreiner Tree Care Sycamore Racing The Elite Group Warren Claytor Architects, Inc. Weeds, Inc. White Horse Village Lifecare Community

BLAKE GOLL/WCT STAFF

For Land’s Sake

A Sampling of Recent Willistown Conservation Trust Kids’ Program Activities

Kids Take it Outside!

•

Catching dragonfly nymphs

•

Banding baby Purple Martins

•

Counting bats using acoustic technology

•

Planting pumpkins in the spring; harvesting and carving them in the fall

•

Searching for pollinators

•

Writing poetry about a bird’s nest

•

Collecting stream water samples

•

Viewing macroinvertebrates under a microscope

•

Harvesting apples and making apple cider

RUN-A-MUCK & COUNTRYSIDE BASH

October 22, 2016* New T rail! N e Later Date! w Venue!

Lower Ticket

The Trust is part of a leading a growing national trend among land trusts using their conserved lands for children’s nature education. We recognize the programming as a critical priority not only for children’s well being, but also for the future of conservation. Simply put, children who are disconnected from nature will not fight to save it.

Our Bird, Farm and Stewardship staff members Blake Goll, Lisa Kiziuk, Fred de Long, and Bill Hartman are taking their love of nature and educational expertise and constructing a fun and powerful learning experience for children of all ages and backgrounds. And educators, scientists and experts from the community are adding variety and richness to the program offerings.

Now in its sixth year, the Junior Birding Club teaches children to appreciate birds and the importance of preserving open space, while developing valuable science skills. Centered at Rushton Woods Preserve, the program brings kids outside to enjoy wildlife, improve observation

skills, engage with other like-minded people and contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Spanning many nature and habitat conservation topics, activities include bird watching, bird banding, insect surveys, mammal tracking, poetry, art, wetland investigations, stream and woodland studies, native plants ecology, astronomy, and citizen science.

In response to greater need for outdoor eductation, the Carrot Club mission is to engage children in activities during a full season at Rushton Farm. With “hands on” experiences in the field planting, tending, harvesting, preparing, and eating fruits and vegetables, children learn more about food, gain a deeper appreciation for the land on which it is grown, and understand the effort and rewards of farming. In addition, kids learn about health, nutrition, and Rushton Farm as an ecosystem.

Throughout the year, in-depth ecology lessons for visiting school groups and partner programs are offered

ABOVE LEFT: A Junior Birder enjoys a quiet moment while catching dragonfly nymphs in Ridley Creek at Ashbridge Preserve.

ABOVE RIGHT: Boys’ Latin students learn about migrating birds and the science of bird banding at the Rushton Woods Preserve

on the area’s conserved lands. Each year Westtown School students visit the Rushton Woods Preserve Bird Banding Station to learn about spring migration firsthand. Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School has visited Rushton Woods Preserve and Farm several times to study the interconnections between the sustainable agriculture methods and nearby natural areas. Several outdoor poetry workshops have been conducted by Villanova professor Cathy Staples for Mighty Writers, a Philadelphia school enrichment program. These are just a few examples of the Trust’s unique nature education programming offered over 18 school visits each year.

Student Community Service Projects provide a wonderful opportunity for students to help the Trust while enjoying an outdoor educational experience. As Nature Education Coordinator Blake Goll says, “many hands make light work, and it is a fun and rewarding experience when we work together.” Students from area schools have helped create acres of wildflower meadows by planting thousands of native plant plugs on conserved lands in the Willistown

Banding Station.

area. While creating these beautiful spaces, they also learn about the importance of biodiversity, pollinators, native plants, and alternatives to the mowed lawn. Meanwhile thousands of feet of stream banks have been stabilized by student groups who have planted hundreds of trees alongside the Crum, Ridley and Darby Creeks, thus providing the perfect opportunity to learn about watersheds and stream ecology.

Years later these children can return to these special places and admire a field of blooming wildflowers or a sparkling stream shaded by mature trees, knowing that they played an important part in protecting nature.

Studies have shown that these lasting experiences boost the cognitive, creative, physical, social and emotional development of children and transform the way they conduct their lives in the future. By deepening children’s connection to the land and nature, we hope to inspire in them a love of nature and a lifetime commitment to conservation that will reap rewards far into the future of Willistown and beyond.

Prices !

Join us for a beautiful fall afternoon and evening celebrating Willistown’s conserved lands.

Run or muck (walk) the beautiful 5k or 1+ mile trail or just hang out to enjoy the live music, bonfire, star gazing with telescopes, beer, wine, and a country supper by Jimmy’s BBQ!

FRED DE LONG

CHRISTINE SEVING

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie and Seelaus County Lines Magazine

Make a Splash!

BLAKE GOLL/WCT STAFF

What is welcoming, inspiring, and fun for kids? Nature!

Who will care for and protect nature in the future? Kids!

Thanks to 40 years of land conservation, the Willistown area has tons of both!

Kreischer Miller

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

WHEN Saturday, October 22, 2016, 2:30 pm

WHERE Overlooking Kirkwood Preserve Parking at 6114 Goshen Road, Newtown Square

*Rain date: Sunday, October 23, 2016

Runners’ trail is mucky & wet! Leashed dogs welcome!

TICKETS at WWW.WCTRUST.ORG Adults (19 & Up) – $30 Kids (18 & Under) – $15 To be timed and eligible for race prizes,

ALL RUNNERS MUST REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE 11:55 PM WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, 2016.

Blue Water Home Griffiths Construction, Inc. John Milner Architects, Inc. Saul Ewing LLP Stratus Foundation with Fly Advanced Aqua America, Inc. Arader Tree Service Bartlett Tree Experts Benner & Sons, Inc. Brandywine Realty Trust Bryn Mawr Landscaping Bryn Mawr Trust Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Cherokee Construction Claytor/Noone Plastic Surgery Institute Country Barn Construction and Landscape Services Country Properties Countryside Consulting Cover & Rossiter E.C. Threthewey Building Contractors Inc. F.L. Bissinger FireCraft Gardner/Fox Associates GreenWeaver Landscapes, LLC Hawthorn - PNC Family Wealth James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air John B. Ward & Co. Arborists Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects King Construction Company LLC Mark D. Slouf Custom Building & Design Martin J. Cappelletti Custom Builders Inc. Missy Schwartz Berkshire Hathaway/Fox & Roach Realtors Oliver Heating Peter Zimmerman Architects Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC Reed Smith, LLC Shreiner Tree Care Sycamore Racing The Elite Group Warren Claytor Architects, Inc. Weeds, Inc. White Horse Village Lifecare Community

CONSERVATION TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jeanne B. Van Alen President/Executive Director Janice Murdoch Chairman V. Richard Eales Vice Chairman Alice E. Hausmann Vice Chairman

Willistown Countryside Forever A Campaign for Land, People, and Nature $10.5 Million $ 9.1 Million

JODI SPRAGINS/WCT

WILLISTOWN

The Leaflet WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Road Newtown Square, PA 19073

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOUTHEASTERN, PA PERMIT NO. 96

Our Goal Raised as September 14, 2016

N E W S B R I E F F R O M W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T | FA L L 2 0 1 6

Elizabeth C. Hucker Treasurer John F. Stoviak, Esq. Secretary Bryan D. Colket Assistant Secretary Timothy B. Barnard, Esq. Gary A. Cox Kathryn Kinkade Gord W. Anthony Hitschler William T. Howard George F. Krall, Jr. Leanne M. McMenamin Collin F. McNeil Elizabeth R. Moran* Christine S. Seving Peter S. Strawbridge Matthew E. Taylor Carolyn W. Turner James L. Van Alen II Tana Wall *Honorary Trustee STAFF Chelsea Allen Rushton Farm Assistant Field Manager Sue R. Costello GIS Coordinator Fred de Long Director of Community Farm Program Laura de Ramel Director of Development and Community Outreach Blake Goll Nature Education Coordinator Eliza Gowen Community Farm Outreach Assistant Noah Gress Rushton Farm Field Manager William R. Hartman, Jr. Director of Stewardship Kristen Henwood Stewardship Associate Eric Hetzel Director of Land Protection and Public Grants Lisa Kiziuk Director of Bird Conservation Program Stephanie Kuniholm Associate Director of Development Kelsey Lingle Communications Associate Susie MacDonnell Events and PR Coordinator Barbara McIlvaine Smith Administrative Assistant Joyce D. Spragins Communications and Technology Manager WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Rd. Newtown Square, PA 19073 610.353.2562 LAND@WCTRUST.ORG 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 Willistown Countryside Forever campaign is committed to ensuring the future of this remarkable countryside.

GET YOUR GIFT MATCHED and HELP FINISH THE CAMPAIGN! Through December 31, 2016, $1 will be matched for every $2 donation received through the John and Janet Haas $1 Million Challenge.

“That’s what the Trust does - it helps nature”.

- Carter Costello

Age 10

$ 3.2 M

Increase the Pace of Land Protection

$ 3.0 M

Support and Enhance Vital Trust Programs

$ 2.4 M

Complete the 86-acre Rushton Woods Preserve

ABOVE: Carter

$ 1.9 M

Build the Rushton Conservation Center

Kid Heroes Help Regenerate the Woods

$10.5 Million

JODI SPRAGINS/WCT STAFF

TO LEARN MORE OR TO MAKE A GIFT, CONTACT

Laura de Ramel, Director of Development, 610-353-2562, ext. 21 or lkd@wctrust.org ON THE COVER: A pony club rider enjoys the “best view in the world” (between a horse’s

ears) during the Chase for Conservation. The Chase is a trail ride through the Willistown countryside organized by Radnor Hunt Pony Club which raises funds to support the Trust’s open space programs. This year’s Chase is scheduled for Sunday, November 6. Photo by Julie Dopheide. ABOVE: Kirkwood Preserve is the new venue for this year’s Run-a-Muck, to be held on October 22, 2016. More info and registration at www.wctrust.org.

T he Leaflet

Costello, age 10, shown here with one of the 50 native trees and shrubs he helped plant and pay for with money he collected from birthday and Christmas gifts.

With acres of woodland understory suffering from years of damage from voracious deer, the Trust is actively working to give our woodlands a hand. It’s a big job, so when Carter Costello, a ten-year old local resident, and Aubrey Doherty, a college-aged summer intern, were looking for ways to get involved, Director of Stewardship Bill Hartman knew just where to direct them. He selected a half-acre site at Rushton Woods Preserve where Aubrey performed extensive research to design an understory restoration project, procuring an assortment of native trees and shrubs to regenerate the damaged plant community. Carter helped pay for the plants with money he collected from birthday and Christmas gifts in lieu of presents, and rolled up his sleeves to install 50 trees and shrubs alongside Aubrey and three other adult volunteers. The young plants are protected from deer with mesh cages, something that can easily be replicated by homeowners looking to improve the ecological health of woodlands on their own properties. As Carter explained, “These old trees aren’t going to live forever, and they haven’t had little ones coming up to replace them. Now the next generation can take over.” With Carter and Aubrey leading the charge, we couldn’t agree more!

CONSERVATION TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jeanne B. Van Alen President/Executive Director Janice Murdoch Chairman V. Richard Eales Vice Chairman Alice E. Hausmann Vice Chairman

Willistown Countryside Forever A Campaign for Land, People, and Nature $10.5 Million $ 9.1 Million

JODI SPRAGINS/WCT

WILLISTOWN

The Leaflet WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Road Newtown Square, PA 19073

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOUTHEASTERN, PA PERMIT NO. 96

Our Goal Raised as September 14, 2016

N E W S B R I E F F R O M W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T | FA L L 2 0 1 6

Elizabeth C. Hucker Treasurer John F. Stoviak, Esq. Secretary Bryan D. Colket Assistant Secretary Timothy B. Barnard, Esq. Gary A. Cox Kathryn Kinkade Gord W. Anthony Hitschler William T. Howard George F. Krall, Jr. Leanne M. McMenamin Collin F. McNeil Elizabeth R. Moran* Christine S. Seving Peter S. Strawbridge Matthew E. Taylor Carolyn W. Turner James L. Van Alen II Tana Wall *Honorary Trustee STAFF Chelsea Allen Rushton Farm Assistant Field Manager Sue R. Costello GIS Coordinator Fred de Long Director of Community Farm Program Laura de Ramel Director of Development and Community Outreach Blake Goll Nature Education Coordinator Eliza Gowen Community Farm Outreach Assistant Noah Gress Rushton Farm Field Manager William R. Hartman, Jr. Director of Stewardship Kristen Henwood Stewardship Associate Eric Hetzel Director of Land Protection and Public Grants Lisa Kiziuk Director of Bird Conservation Program Stephanie Kuniholm Associate Director of Development Kelsey Lingle Communications Associate Susie MacDonnell Events and PR Coordinator Barbara McIlvaine Smith Administrative Assistant Joyce D. Spragins Communications and Technology Manager WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Rd. Newtown Square, PA 19073 610.353.2562 LAND@WCTRUST.ORG 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 Willistown Countryside Forever campaign is committed to ensuring the future of this remarkable countryside.

GET YOUR GIFT MATCHED and HELP FINISH THE CAMPAIGN! Through December 31, 2016, $1 will be matched for every $2 donation received through the John and Janet Haas $1 Million Challenge.

“That’s what the Trust does - it helps nature”.

- Carter Costello

Age 10

$ 3.2 M

Increase the Pace of Land Protection

$ 3.0 M

Support and Enhance Vital Trust Programs

$ 2.4 M

Complete the 86-acre Rushton Woods Preserve

ABOVE: Carter

$ 1.9 M

Build the Rushton Conservation Center

Kid Heroes Help Regenerate the Woods

$10.5 Million

JODI SPRAGINS/WCT STAFF

TO LEARN MORE OR TO MAKE A GIFT, CONTACT

Laura de Ramel, Director of Development, 610-353-2562, ext. 21 or lkd@wctrust.org ON THE COVER: A pony club rider enjoys the “best view in the world” (between a horse’s

ears) during the Chase for Conservation. The Chase is a trail ride through the Willistown countryside organized by Radnor Hunt Pony Club which raises funds to support the Trust’s open space programs. This year’s Chase is scheduled for Sunday, November 6. Photo by Julie Dopheide. ABOVE: Kirkwood Preserve is the new venue for this year’s Run-a-Muck, to be held on October 22, 2016. More info and registration at www.wctrust.org.

T he Leaflet

Costello, age 10, shown here with one of the 50 native trees and shrubs he helped plant and pay for with money he collected from birthday and Christmas gifts.

With acres of woodland understory suffering from years of damage from voracious deer, the Trust is actively working to give our woodlands a hand. It’s a big job, so when Carter Costello, a ten-year old local resident, and Aubrey Doherty, a college-aged summer intern, were looking for ways to get involved, Director of Stewardship Bill Hartman knew just where to direct them. He selected a half-acre site at Rushton Woods Preserve where Aubrey performed extensive research to design an understory restoration project, procuring an assortment of native trees and shrubs to regenerate the damaged plant community. Carter helped pay for the plants with money he collected from birthday and Christmas gifts in lieu of presents, and rolled up his sleeves to install 50 trees and shrubs alongside Aubrey and three other adult volunteers. The young plants are protected from deer with mesh cages, something that can easily be replicated by homeowners looking to improve the ecological health of woodlands on their own properties. As Carter explained, “These old trees aren’t going to live forever, and they haven’t had little ones coming up to replace them. Now the next generation can take over.” With Carter and Aubrey leading the charge, we couldn’t agree more!