WINTER 2006
T h e L e a fle t Newsbrief of W i l l i s t o wn C o n s er v a ti o n T r u s t
Oh Deer!
There Are Too Many
T he mass of preserved land in the Willistown area (6,000 acres and growing!) provides the Willistown Conservation Trust with a unique opportunity to promote good land management practices throughout our countryside. In that regard, the overabundance of white-tailed deer in the Trust program area is the greatest management challenge we have. The excessive number of deer threatens the natural resources, human health and quality of life in our community in the following ways: 1) Too many deer destroy native wildflowers, tree seedlings, woodland understory vegetation and other habitat upon which birds and other wildlife depend for both food and shelter; 2) Too many deer destroy millions of dollars worth of residential landscaping each year; 3) Too many deer cause extensive damage to farm crops; 4) Too many deer are responsible for the growing proliferation of deer fences; 5) Too many deer cause the spread of Lyme disease in humans and other animals; and 6) Too many deer are the cause of numerous automobile accidents.
Recognizing the urgent need for a solution to the deer dilemma, the Trust has committed to create and implement a deer management program that will ultimately bring the local deer herd back into balance with the natural resources of our area. To this end we will be consulting with a number of partners including our colleagues at Audubon Pennsylvania; natural resource specialists; township, county and state officials; and other land trusts. Specific strategies will include: (1) identifying and mapping a deer management focal area; (2) contacting landowners within the focal area to register with our program; (3) communicating with landowners and hunters within the focal area as to the need to increase the pace of deer management; and (4) working with landowners and hunters to implement and monitor a plan to reduce the herd using traditional hunting methods. We realize that bringing the local deer population back into balance with nature will not be easy nor will it happen overnight, but we believe that, with the help and support of the remarkable Willistown community, it can be done. We encourage your questions and comments and will keep you apprised as the deer management program is refined.
Land Stewardship...What is Important to You?
A flurry of October activities provided
the opportunity to celebrate and care for some of our recently protected land and community members came out in droves to support us. The Owl Prowl, a nighttime exploration of the Kirkwood Preserve, took a cadre of inquisitive children and adults to look for owls and other noctural wildlife. This educational offering for young children enjoyed great success. The following day volunteers planted native trees along the stream banks of Crum Creek at Kirkwood Preserve, the beginnings of a riparian restoration project
on this special waterway. On the same day, volunteers installed landscaping at our new offices at 925 Providence Road, consisting entirely of plants native to the mid-Atlantic United States. Earlier in the month, we had a tag-team of volunteers (continued on next page)
In late October, Trustee Tony Hitschler, along with a group of thirteen hard-working volunteers, planted native trees along the Crum Creek at Kirkwood Preserve. The stream bank restoration project was funded by a generous donation from Broadacres Trouting Association, made in memory of Charles R. Meyers.
T h e L e a fl e t is an interim publication to supplement our annual newsletter, The Sycamore. Through The Leaflet, the WCT staff brings you interesting and timely information about Willistown Conservation Trust activities, stewardship news and upcoming events.
The Leaflet (continued from previous page)
staffing our information booth at the Radnor Hunt International Three Day Event, educating spectators about the Radnor Hunt countryside and the protected open space that allows for such equestrian activities. As we approach the end of the year, the staff and Board of Trustees have been looking at plans for the future. We would like our direction to be a reflection of the interests of the community from whom we derive such faithful support. The size of the Trust and the mass of preserved lands we now oversee have both grown, providing many new opportunities. Continuing our focus on saving additional land and monitoring existing protected land in the Willistown area will always be our highest priorities. Concurrently, we are embarking upon stewardship programs such as deer management and bird habitat protection, and are actively exploring additional opportunities such as a community farm program. We welcome and value your opinions and want to know which initiatives you think are most important. Please help us by filling out the enclosed survey. Many thanks for your time and support!
Susan Cooker (whose husband Bernard is pictured above) and Derek Stedman spearheaded the design and installation of a native plant garden at the Trust headquarters. Special thanks go to Frank Herz of Ashbridge Landscape and Design Management for the donation of time and discounted plant material. Thanks, too, to Redbud Nursery for discounted plants as well as the many volunteers who helped install the gardens in October.
Tax Incentives Are Expanded for Conservation Easements
In August 2006, the President signed into law an expansion of the tax incentives for conservation easement donations. This is a great victory for conservation!
The new law: • Raises the deduction a landowner can take for donating a conservation easement from 30% of their income in any year to 50%; • Allows qualifying farmers and ranchers to deduct up to 100% of their income; and • Extends the carry-forward period for a donor to take tax deductions from 5 to 15 years. It is important to note that this only applies to easements donated in 2006 and 2007. Donations of conservation easements to the Trust have been the most important conservation tool for protecting land in the Willistown area. These additional tax incentives provide landowners with an even more powerful economic incentive to protect their land in perpetuity. For more information, contact Chris Thompson, Director of Land Protection: cat@wctrust.org or (610) 353-2562 ext. 21.
A Special Message from a Little Conservationist
I just wanted to say thanks for your concern and thoughtfulness after my recent accident. I missed my house, my animals and my brother Cole, but now I’m back home and going to school. My mom and dad said that many of you prayed for me and helped our family more than you could ever imagine. They said we are really lucky to have people like you in our lives. So I just wanted to thank you so much and let you know that... Jack’s back! Love, Jack Vandegrift
The Leaflet
Another great day of “Golf and Good Nature” Fourth Annual Outing presented by Devon Hill BMW
On September 25th, the Trust
hosted the 4th annual “Golf and Good Nature” outing at Waynesborough Country Club. It was a gorgeous fall day, and we would like to thank all players, sponsors, silent auction donors and committee members for their support. Shipley School’s varsity golf team, sponsored by Al and Loralee West, had an impressive Donna Oliver, co-chair of round and won the low gross by “Golf and Good Nature”, 3 strokes! Co-chairs Margot Keith congratulates Clyde Beer, and Donna Oliver deserve special winner of the putting contest recognition for lining up so many sponsored by The Elite Group. corporate sponsors as the outing raised over $47,000 for the Trust’s ongoing land protection and stewardship activities.
Donatucci Kitchens of Philadelphia; JetDirect Aviation; George F. Kempf Supply Co., Inc.; The McKee Group; Oliver Sprinkler Co., Inc.; PREIT, Inc.; Charley & Peggy Roach Charities; and UMAC, Inc. We had a silent auction this year, and appreciated donations received from Walter J. Cook Jeweler; Lunar Eclipse Design; Donna and Bill Oliver; Lorraine and George Rubin; Stonewall Golf Club; Viwinco Inc.; and Waynesborough Country Club. And finally, a warm thanks to those who donated or discounted items for the event: Brandywine Signs, Inc.; Walter J. Cook Jeweler; MetLife; and Donna and Bill Oliver.
Fifth Annual Outing will be September 24, 2007
We would especially like to thank our Presenting Sponsor, Cortie Wetherill and Devon Hill BMW. Not only did Devon Hill make a major contribution to the event, but also provided the opportunity for players to win a 325Ci convertible through a hole-in-one competition. “Golf and Good Nature” would like to give a special thanks to its Eagle Sponsor who asked to be recognized simply as “A friend of the Willistown Conservation Trust”. In addition, we are grateful to our corporate sponsors at the Kestrel level: Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie & Seelaus; Brandywine Realty Trust; Claneil Foundation, Inc.; and TL Ventures; as well as our Putting Sponsor, The Elite Group. Bluebird Sponsors included James Brown Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning; Radnor Research & Trading Company; Siepser Laser Eyecare; Viwinco Inc.; and Al and Loralee West. We had a great group of Bobolink Hole Sponsors, including: The Academy of Natural Sciences; Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.; Warren Claytor Architects; Walter J. Cook Jeweler;
The Claneil Foundation has supported “Golf and Good Nature” from the outing’s inception in 2002. Pictured (left to right) are James Lisa, Bob McNeil, Ken Jones and Lang Smith.
IRA Donations Get the Green Light
Congress recently approved direct contributions from
IRAs to charity. This year and in 2007, if you are at least 70 years old, you may donate up to $100,000 a year from your retirement account, and count the gift toward your required minimum distribution. There is no charitable
deduction, but you will enjoy a tax benefit because the donation is not included in your taxable income (as it would be if you withdrew funds for other purposes.) Ask your financial advisor if this might be an effective way for you to support the Willistown Conservation Trust.
The Leaflet ANNUAL DINNER LECTURE
Sycamore Society
The Native Grasslands and Meadows of Pennsylvania Past, Present and Future
It’s Not Too Late!
Friday, February 23, 2007 6 to 9 p.m. Edgmont Country Club
Last year, the Board of Trustees formed the Sycamore Society to recognize leadership donors to our Annual Fund. The response was remarkable: 124 supporters joined the ranks and the Annual Fund total rose by 46%! Doug Walker hosted a wonderful party in April to thank this special group and celebrate their role in raising over the $300,000 for the Annual Fund, a major milestone for the Trust.
Dr. Roger Latham, an ecologist and conservation biologist, will speak on the history and current condition of native grasslands and meadows in Pennsylvania. This topic is of particular importance to the Willistown community as our efforts to restore and manage native grasslands will greatly benefit declining grassland bird species, such as the Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink, as well as other wildlife. Please save the date for an informative evening program that will include dinner. An invitation will be mailed in January.
As you think about your year-end support of the Trust, please consider joining the Sycamore Society— or renewing your membership—by making a gift of $1,000 or more before the end of December. You will be invited to a special gathering next spring and we will acknowledge your generosity on an “Honor Roll” of donors at the WCT office. Most importantly, your financial support will allow us to continue our critical land conservation and stewardship activities into 2007 and beyond. To learn more about making a donation to the Trust, please contact Betsy Block, Director of Development and Public Relations: 610-353-2562 Ext. 13 or bhb@wctrust.org.
CALL TO ALL FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION
Sign Up Today to Become a Conservation Advocate What is a Conservation Advocate?
Conservation Advocates communicate with public officials about issues relevant to the Willistown Conservation Trust’s mission.
If I sign up what are my responsibilities?
The Trust will provide you with updates on relevant public policy affecting land protection and land management. As a Conservation Advocate, you can get involved as little or as much as you want. We contact our Conservation Advocates when important local, state and federal legislation issues affecting our conservation mission are at stake. We provide you with
contact information for the elected officials involved and outline specific steps you can take to communicate a position. If you have a personal relationship with a governmental leader, we might ask that you call, write or visit in person, depending on the significance of the policy issue.
How do I sign up?
There are two ways to sign up: 1. Go to our web site (www.wctrust.org) and press the Get Involved button. Click on the Sign up to become a Conservation Advocate link. 2. Call Chris Thompson, Director of Land Protection, at (610) 353-2562 extension 21.
The Leaflet
“Campaign for the Countryside” in the Homestretch
Join your friends and neighbors and help us meet the goal by December 31st
With a few weeks remaining
in our ambitious $7 million Campaign for the Countryside, we are pleased to report that 68 members of our community have already contributed to the effort. A generous $500,000 challenge gift from Ruth and Tris Colket jump-started the public phase of the campaign in April and inspired seventeen friends and neighbors to show their support for the Trust by making gifts of $15,000 or more. With the Colket Challenge fulfilled, we still must raise $700,000 by December 31!
Board Chairman Peter Strawbridge officially announces the historic $7 million Campaign for the Countryside at the Sycamore Society party hosted by Doug Walker in April 2006.
The campaign will address the compelling need to preserve another five thousand acres of ecologically critical lands that remain vulnerable to development in our program area, while responsibly stewarding those lands which have already been
protected. The objectives are: (1) to assure the future of the Willistown Conservation Trust and its land protection, land stewardship, educational and outreach activities by strengthening the operating fund; (2) to pay for renovations at 925 Providence Road, providing a long-term functional office and workspace for Trust staff; and (3) to support a 23-acre addition to the Kirkwood Preserve that includes a headwater tributary to Crum Creek and expands the preserve to 83 acres.
Please consider how you may play a role in securing our countryside’s future. For more information about the Campaign or to make a contribution, please contact Betsy Block, Director of Development and Public Relations: 610-353-2562 Ext. 13 or bhb@wctrust.org.
The Homestretch Challenge
A small group of committed conservationists has collectively pledged $350,000 to match gifts of $15,000 or more
Double the Value of Your Gift All new gifts and pledges of $15,000 or more made by December 31, 2006 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to a maximum of $350,000. Pledges toward the Homestretch Challenge may be paid over a period of up to five years. By meeting this challenge, you ensure the successful conclusion of the Campaign for the Countryside.
We urge all who care for our magnificent environment to take advantage of this generous offer and double the impact of your gift. If you’ve already given, consider making another gift. If you haven’t yet made your commitment, please do so as soon as possible.
Campaign contributors as of November 15, 2006 Anonymous (2) Carol Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Timothy B. Barnard Mr. and Mrs. Olin M. Belsinger Mrs. Sigrid Berwind Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Briggs Frank and Terry Buzan Mr. and Mrs. Tristram C. Colket, Jr. Mrs. Walter J. Cowan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Alan Crawford, Jr. The Darling Fund Sandy and Lisa Davne Carol and J.R. Delich Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Doyle III Dick and Nancy Eales Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gansky Mr. Brook Gardner and Ms. Jodi Spragins Mr. and Mrs. James E. Gerry
Lori and Gary Gorton Steven C. Graham Family Charitable Fund Dr. Leslie J. Green and Dr. Ethel M. Ziselman Mrs. W. Perry Gresh Otto Haas Charitable Trust #2 Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A Mr. and Mrs. Peter O. Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey P. Heft Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler Ms. Kate S. Hollos Mr. and Mrs. William T. Howard Mr. and Mrs. J. David Hucker Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Keith, Jr. The Kent Lucas Foundation George and Lois Krall Mark and Ann Ledger
Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Leisenring Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Leisenring, Jr. The McLean Foundation The Emmeline McIlvain Family Drs. F. Arthur and Johanna Balcerak McMorris Mr. and Mrs. Robert John Marsh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Moller Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Morse Mr. and Mrs. Britton H. Murdoch E. Murdoch Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Newbold IV Tara and George Off Donna and Bill Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Seymour S. Preston III Lisa and Tim Rubin Dr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Schaeffer
Deacon and Sheila Shorr Lang and Marilyn Smith Mr. H. Peter Somers Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Sordoni Julie and Robert Spahr Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Stolper Mrs. George Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Anson W.H. Taylor, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Thompson Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen II Mrs. William L. Van Alen, Sr. Mr. Douglas C. Walker Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wall Mr. and Mrs. William G. Warden III Mr. and Mrs. Alfred P. West, Jr. Mr. Peter Williams and Family Ms. Sherley Young
The Leaflet 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.
The “Countryside Bash” Returns! Sunday, June 24, 2007 5 to 9 p.m.
Staff Jeanne B. Van Alen President and Executive Director
The wildly successful
Elizabeth H. Block
2004 Countryside Bash
Director of Development and Public Relations
drew 550 community members of all ages for a barbecue dinner, country music and celebration of our countryside. Our 2007 event promises to be just as fun, so save the date now!
Dee Ann Bowman Business Manager
Sue R. Costello GIS Coordinator
Patricia D. Lambert
Event and Volunteer Coordinator
Lisa Rubin
Sponsorships are available
Associate Stewardship Manager
Jodi Spragins
Development Associate
Christopher A. Thompson
Cowboys Cole Vandegrift and Jake Prevost enjoying the 2004 Countryside Bash.
Director of Land Protection
Please contact Betsy Block at 610-353-2562 ext. 13 or bhb@wctrust.org for details
John G. Turgeon Associate Director of Land Protection
Alexander S. Van Alen
Land and Easement Stewardship Manager
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, 1 (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
W i l l i s t o wn C o n s er v a ti o n T r u s t 925 Providence Road · Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 19073 (610) 353-2562 ~ Fax: (610) 325-0869 ~ www.wctrust.org
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