The Sycamore - Spring 2019

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SPRING 2019

KELSEY LINGLE/WCT

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WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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very now and then, I have to pinch myself to make sure that all of the incredible things happening at the Trust are a reality. Not a day goes by without Bonnie Van Alen calling or emailing me with exciting news about one or more of our programs or staff members. We continue to make progress protecting this very special place from development. Our reputation for leading-edge research is growing regionally and nationally as our Farm, Water, and Bird Conservation programs flourish. We are making great strides with our habitat restoration projects. And we continue to provide opportunities for growth and inspiration for the next generation of conservationists—from university scholars to school-age children. The pace is amazing; I can hardly keep up!

The Board of Trustees held a retreat in late October in anticipation of rolling out a three-year plan on January 1, 2019. The Trustees unanimously agreed that land protection remains our highest priority and along with it our commitment to keep it in stewardship forever.

Additional protected landscape will benefit our local community and we will use that land in myriad ways to make a much broader impact on conservation everywhere.

We look forward to 2019. It will be an even more exciting year with the opening of the Rushton Conservation Center. We anticipate that this new space will enable the Trust to improve upon its existing programs (if that is truly possible!) as well as assemble groups for conferences, workshops, and meetings on conservation topics. I encourage each of our supporters to try to participate in a program offering at the Rushton Conservation Center during this year. You won’t be disappointed.

Please join me in thanking Bonnie, the staff and volunteers for their dedication to making Willistown Conservation Trust a success.

Jeanne B. Van Alen President/Executive Director BOARD OF TRUSTEES Elizabeth C. Hucker Chair V. Richard Eales Vice Chair Alice E. Hausmann Vice Chair

FROM THE CHAIR

Beth Hucker Chair, Board of Trustees ON THE COVER: The Tomato Tasting at Rushton Farm celebrates conserved land, local food, and sustainable farming with tomatoes fresh from the fields.

RIGHT: Abington Friends School children explore the trail at Rushton Woods

Preserve.

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Mark T. Ledger Treasurer John F. Stoviak Secretary Bryan D. Colket Assistant Secretary Timothy B. Barnard, Esq. L. Clarke Blynn Catherine W. Etherington William T. Howard George F. Krall, Jr. Leanne McMenamin Elizabeth R. Moran* Peter S. Strawbridge**

Matthew E. Taylor Carolyn W. Turner James L. Van Alen II Tana Wall** Richard A. Warden Jason Weckstein Alejandro Zozaya

*Honorary Trustee **Trustee Emeritus

STAFF Todd Alleger Agroecology Project Coordinator Chelsea Allen Rushton Farm Assistant Field Manager Mary H. Armstrong Executive Assistant Sue R. Costello GIS Coordinator Fred de Long Director of Community Farm Program Regan Dohm Conservation Associate Alison Fetterman Bird Conservation Associate Blake Goll Nature Education Coordinator Kathryn Kinkade Gord Director of Rushton Conservation Center Eliza Gowen Outreach Coordinator Noah Gress Rushton Farm Field Manager William R. Hartman, Jr. Director of Stewardship

Kristen Henwood Associate Director of Stewardship Erik Hetzel Director of Land Protection and Public Grants Lisa Kiziuk Director of Bird Conservation Program Kelsey Lingle Communications Specialist Susie MacDonnell Events Coordinator Lauren McGrath Director of Watershed Program Steve Ryan Director of Communications and Marketing Jodi Spragins Communications and Technology Manager Molly Clark Tracy Rushton Farm Assistant Field & Production Manager Tripp Way Director of Development

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.

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Contents

THE SYCAMORE SPRING 2019 VOL. XX NO.1

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rogram

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LIFTOFF! New Rushton Conservation Center is open.

GAINING GROUND We have added 43 more acres to the Trust’s reservoir of protected lands.

AFTER PROTECTED LAND IS SOLD An essential aspect of the Trust’s mission is to uphold conservation easements forever.

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A YEAR OF BIRD BANDING Highlights from the Rushton Woods Preserve Bird Banding Station.

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JUST PASSING THROUGH Research shows that Rushton Woods Preserve is high quality stopover habitat for birds.

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ON THE MOVE New grant lets the Trust to expand the Motus wildlife tracking network.

LAND TO THE RESCUE Our research shows that open space benefits healthy streams.

PLANTING SEEDS We created an independent study in environmental science for two local high school students.

RUSHTON NATURE KEEPERS Highlights of our new children’s nature education program.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Staff, trustee, and intern news.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Sycamore is printed on 30% post-consumer FSC-certified recycled paper with soy-based inks by a landfill-free printing facility that follows the highest standards of sustainability.

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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s spring draws near in the Willistown countryside I share chair Beth’s excitement over ongoing successes at the Trust: Birds; Farm; Watersheds; Habitat; Research and Education; and the opening of the new Rushton Conservation Center earlier this year. These programs are thriving, thanks to your support and the dedication of our trustees and talented and hard-working staff.

They are why the Trust has evolved from a local community land trust to an organization increasingly recognized for its regional and national impact on critical issues of conservation concern.

But none of these accomplishments could have happened without the beautiful preserved land. In the final lines of his poem, Spring Walk at Kirkwood, Peter Strawbridge says it so eloquently: “… The land, the land, the land I want to immerse myself in it, inhale it Listen to its message forever.”

Land is fundamental to the human spirit and to the perpetuation of the web of nature upon which all life depends. Preserving land is, and always must be, the Trust’s highest priority mandate.

On that note, how fortunate we are that over the years nearly 200 area landowners have protected their lands by donating conservation easements, and more than 7,000 acres of Willistown’s beautiful rolling hills, mature woodlands and rich stream valleys are now preserved in perpetuity. To put that number in perspective, our protected acreage is more than double the size of Valley Forge National Park.

And the pace goes on. As you read this issue of The Sycamore please share our gratitude for the landowners who have recently worked with the Trust to preserve their lands. This wonderful list is highlighted by the best gift ever, the outright donation of an exquisite 33-acre property on Garrett Mill Road (story on page 13). This gift is from the heart, reflecting a passion for nature and desire to leave a special place untouched for future generations to enjoy.

I hope as this year progresses, I will see each of you here in the Willistown area. Whether at an event at the Rushton Conservation Center, Barns & BBQ , Tomato Tasting, or Run a Muck; as a volunteer at Rushton Farm or on the Trails Team; or enjoying a walk or sporting activity in the countryside; always remembering that it is the conserved land that makes it all possible.

With thanks and warm wishes, Bonnie Van Alen Executive Director

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LEAH SWOPE

A Wood Thrush takes flight after being banded at Rushton Woods Banding Station (note the tiny band on its left ankle). With its sustainably farmed fields, dense woodland, and myriad habitat types, Rushton is a powerful magnet for both migrating and nesting birds. The Trust’s bird-centric research and education initiatives will accelerate with the completion of the new Rushton Conservation Center.

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JODI SPRAGINS/WCT

LIFTOFF!

Rushton Conservation Center Is Launched

The Trust’s December meeting of the Board of Trustees was the first official function to take place in the newly completed Rushton Conservation Center.

From conferences and farm-to-table dinners to lectures from our staff and their colleagues, the beautiful gathering room is designed to be flexible.

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A The Rushton Conservation Center was designed to blend in with the agricultural structures at Rushton Farm.

The multi-purpose gathering room will facilitate meetings among our staff and their academic partners, from local school groups to university students conducting research. It can support groups of varying sizes and configurations, including those requiring conference tables, lecture-style seating and stand-up events as shown here.

The teaching and demonstration kitchen will showcase sustainable food systems and highlight healthy foods sourced from local sustainable agriculture, like Rushton Farm.

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fter five years of dreaming, planning ,and construction, we are thrilled to have the Rushton Conservation Center fully operational. Here we will bring together our community of conservationists to explore regional and national issues in conservation and to advance the mission of Willistown Conservation Trust.

We are busy planning activities that will take place at the Rushton Conservation Center in 2019. From culinary classes highlighting sustainably sourced ingredients to lectures and workshops from internationally renowned bird scientists, water scientists, and agroecologists to nature education programs for children of all ages, the Rushton Conservation Center will engage a broad range of groups and individuals.

An A-team of consultants, designers, and contractors came together to create the Rushton Conservation Center, many of whom donated their time on a pro-bono basis. John Milner Architects designed the building; Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects provided landscape design; Gardner/Fox provided construction consulting; and Barbara Gisel Design assisted with interior design. Cullen Construction provided pre-construction services, and Brian Houck skillfully led the Pancoast & Clifford general contracting efforts.

The project required over five years of planning and management, led by Trust Director of Stewardship Bill Hartman and assisted by numerous trustees, staff members, , and volunteers.

Watch for email and social media updates throughout the year as we roll out workshops, classes, and other events designed to explore and promote land, bird, farm and watershed conservation. In the meantime, we would love to hear your suggestions for programming.

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GAINING GROUND

Saving Stonehedge Farm SEEKING A CONSERVATION BUYER

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nce again the depth of generosity and commitment to conservation by our community appears to know no bounds. In January of this year the Trust’s sister organization, the non-profit conservation firm, Delchester Group, Inc. (DGI), acquired the 17-acre Stonehedge Farm on Plumsock Road that was slated for subdivision and development. To complete the acquisition, DGI organized a group of conservation-minded private investors from the community to purchase and hold the property until conservation buyers can be found.

Many a trail rider or foxhunter is familiar with the fieldstone jump at the southeast corner of Plumsock and Goshen Roads that marks the equestrian entrance to Stonehedge. It is a prominent

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BONNIE VAN ALEN/WCT

landmark leading to the well-traveled trail that runs along the western border of the farm, parallel to Plumsock Road. Surrounded on all sides by conserved land, Stonehedge has long been considered a critical unprotected property in the Trust’s focal area. The farm enjoys diverse habitat types with open meadow, undisturbed hedgerows, a patch of woodland, and a small tributary to the Ridley Creek known as Hibberd Run. Had the community partnership not stepped up, development of Stonehedge would have dramatically changed the rural character of this important corner in Willistown. Bounded by the scenic unpaved Plumsock Road to the west and Goshen Road to the north, the conservation plan for Stonehedge will protect its important natural

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features and preserve scenic views of the iconic landscape. Additional house sites permissible by zoning will be eliminated so that no more primary structures may be constructed. And the equestrian trail will be made permanent.

The Stonehedge acquisition is the 16th community conservation partnership resulting in nearly 2,000 acres of land protected in this way. The success of the project is a testament to the remarkable commitment of the Willistown community to preserve critical properties that might otherwise have been developed, so future generations may enjoy them as we do today.

Please let us know if you or a friend might have an interest in acquiring this special property.

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GAINING GROUND KATE ETHERINGTON

Rooster Run Farm is home to the Etherington’s three young daughters (including Maggie shown here) and a menagerie of animals, including dogs, chickens, turkeys, ponies, goats and a pig named Daisy.

10-Acre Rooster Run Farm FAMILY FARM ON GRUBBS MILL ROAD NOW PERMANENTLY PROTECTED

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he Trust added 10 more acres to our growing collection of permanently conserved lands when Kate and Ben Etherington granted a conservation easement in mid-October. The conservation of their idyllic ten-acre Rooster Run Farm, located within the 316-acre “Leopard Tract” on Grubbs Mill Road, is a true gift to the community.

“I grew up on this farm, and I am truly fortunate to be able to raise my own family here. This conservation easement ensures that Rooster Run will remain intact forever, and continue to be home to creatures and wildlife for future generations,” said Kate Etherington. “And to be able to share it, by protecting the view of the landscape, and with an equestrian trail easement, is especially important to us.”

The conservation easement protects the scenic views of the landscape on the property and prevents future

subdivision or construction of additional primary residences.

The protection also includes an equestrian trail easement that will link to a future trail network envisioned for the area.

Kate and Ben live on the farm with their three young daughters. Rooster Run is also home to a menagerie of animals, including chickens, turkeys, ponies, goats and a pig named Daisy. Ben and Kate are keen vegetable gardeners, tending a large cultivated plot on the farm.

The Etheringtons have worked with the Trust to create an easement that can both protect their land and be used as a model by other Leopard Tract landowners, simplifying the process for those who wish to similarly conserve their land.

It is our hope that they will be inspired by the Etherington’s generosity and vision and follow suit, granting their own easements to further protect the ecological resources and rural character of the area.

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Land trusts like Willistown Conservation Trust have conserved a staggering 56 million acres across the nation, an area of protected land that is double the size of all the land in national parks across the lower 48 states. Learn more at wctrust.org.

Jean Preston colors her 5.6 acres green, adding it to the more than 7,200 acres of land already conserved and colored green on our protected lands map.

5.6 Acres Near Ridley Creek

NEW CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROTECTS SENSITIVE STREAMSIDE AREAS

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ast May, Jean Preston signed a Legacy Conservation Easement protecting 5.6 acres of land. Her scenic property, located on Dutton Mill Road in East Goshen Township, features a wooded area and pond that drains to the Ridley Creek. The easement protects the land from further development and limits the property to one primary residence.

The easement additionally recognizes Mrs. Preston’s land for its important riparian buffer area and woodland. Riparian buffer areas consist of the trees and woody vegetation near a stream that are crucial to the preservation and improvement of water quality. The woodland on Mrs. Preston’s property protects the Ridley Creek by shading the stream and filtering runoff water that feeds directly to the creek. This easement recognizes the important role that protecting the land has on the Ridley Creek.

The Trust’s Legacy Conservation Easements are designed for properties generally less than eight acres that are located within the Trust’s 28,000-acre focal area. A Legacy Easement is a streamlined solution for property owners who wish to

protect their land from development and to conserve its beauty, natural features, and vital habitat.

Legacy Easements also include terms that require a transfer fee to be paid to the Trust upon future sales of the property.

This future revenue stream will fund the Trust’s stewardship costs associated with the property and support the Trust’s ongoing land conservation work. Donors of Legacy Easements become members of the Trust’s Legacy Society—conservation supporters who have made the Trust a giving priority.

As with all conservation easements, the protection granted in these new easements will remain forever, even if the land is sold. As part of Willistown Conservation Trust’s mission, the land will be visited annually to monitor the condition of the properties and ensure that the terms of the easement are upheld.

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GAINING GROUND

The Rawson family’s new easement encompasses 780 feet of the Crum Creek, protecting its sensitive banks and floodplains.

10 Acres Near Kirkwood NEW CONSERVATION EASEMENT CREATES A TOTAL OF 35 PROTECTED ACRES

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nother 10 acres of land are now permanently protected from development, thanks to the generosity and foresight of David, Therese and Carter Rawson, who donated a conservation easement protecting the land on October 22. What is remarkable about the easement is that this is the second easement the Rawsons have donated to the Trust, creating a total of 35 contiguous acres of Rawson family land in permanent protection.

The newly protected 10-acre parcel includes 780 feet of Crum Creek and densely wooded floodplain near Kirkwood Preserve. The easement protects the sensitive areas near the creek, establishing a riparian buffer zone that ensures continuing protection of the area’s delicate ecology.

It also limits the size of the property’s single residence and prohibits the construction of additional primary residences and subdivision of the land. Restrictions on architectural details of future improvements, lighting, and fencing further ensure that the property will always be compatible

with Chester County rural architecture. The easement also encompasses an equestrian and pedestrian trail easement, which leads to the Crum Creek.

The Rawson’s generosity represents a significant gift to nature, contributing to clean water and providing healthy habitat for wildlife. As with all conservation easements, the protection granted in the easement will remain in perpetuity, even if the land is sold. As part of its mission, Willistown Conservation Trust will visit the land annually to monitor its condition and ensure that the terms of the easement are upheld.

People like the Rawson family, true heroes of the countryside, have permanently protected over 7,200 acres of the Willistown area from development.

A riparian buffer is an area of forest or vegetation along or near a waterway. The trees and plants provide shade and protect the water from the effects of developed land, including runoff of salt and vegetation.

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All preserved land, but especially an easement of this size, not only preserves beauty, but also protects vital habitat and allows the Trust to make an impact on conservation far beyond our region, through our work in bird, water, and farm science.

33 Acres

Gifted to the Trust The 33 acres of fields, woodland, and streams is located on Garrett Mill Road, in the heart of the Willistown countryside and surrounded by protected properties.

33 Acres Donated to the Trust THE TRUST RECEIVES A GIFT OF LAND FROM A LOCAL NATURE LOVER

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t is a rare and wonderful event when a landowner decides to give an exquisite property to a land trust.

The amazing news is that just such an event happened in January of this year, when a friend of the Trust donated her 33-acre property on Garrett Mill Road to the Trust.

Her motivation for the donation was her deep love for the land and nature, and wanting to assure that this special place would remain undeveloped and natural forever.

The donor had purchased the property back in 1986 as part of the successful community effort to acquire and preserve the 450-acre Delchester Farm, which had been managed as a dairy farm by the Ashton family for three generations. While several of the large conservation parcels that were part of the project have since been built upon, our friend has held her 33-acre portion of Delchester Farm with a dream of someday finding a way to assure its total preservation.

The property lies in the heart of the Willistown countryside, and is rich with an abundance of natural,

scenic and recreational features. Even when we visited on a frigid day in January, the beautiful winter ferns remained green along the banks of a small tributary to the Ridley Creek, and numerous winter birds were foraging and taking cover in the fields and woodlands. There was evidence that riders had recently used the trails that wind around the fields and through the woods, connecting with the larger network of trails on adjoining properties. What a glorious feeling it is to know that these 33 acres will be there to provide beauty, refuge, and recreation for all to enjoy forever.

We are thankful that our friend has chosen to carry out her dream by entrusting this special place to the Willistown Conservation Trust. Over the next few months our stewardship staff will be preparing a management plan for the property designed to preserve and enhance its abundant resources. When this is complete, we will welcome you all to enjoy our newest public preserve.

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KELSEY LINGLE/WCT

Partnerships and Protection in Perpetuity

What Happens After Land is Conserved?

This land is protected by a conservation easement donated to Willistown Conservation Trust in 2003. It was recently sold to new buyers who are obligated to uphold the easement’s conservation values, as will future owners. The Trust works closely with the new owners to help them understand the details of the easement and maintains an ongoing relationship with them, including annual monitoring visits to the property.

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ver wonder what happens after a landowner donates a conservation easement to the Trust like the ones on the previous pages? After formal documents are signed and the easement is recorded at the courthouse? Or after conserved land is sold? Let’s explore.

Conservation easements typically include language that preserves the significant natural, cultural, and scenic resources of a property and restricts its future development.

Because these easements are perpetual (typically expressed in the easement as “running wth the land in perpetuity”), the Trust’s and the landowner’s commitment to the protections afforded by the easement never ends.

When a landowner places a conservation easement on his or her property or purchases a property with an existing easement, both the Trust and the landowner assume responsibility for upholding its terms. We do so with the understanding that our role—whether as landowner or as the Trust—is simply one chapter of a perpetual commitment that will extend long beyond our tenure.

This long-term nature of conservation easements is one of their greatest intrinsic strengths, ensuring the permanent protection of our precious open spaces while reinforcing the bond between our easement community and the Trust.

When a conservation easement is donated, the Trust’s Stewardship staff assumes responsibility for the long-term oversight and enforcement of it and strives for mutual

respect, trust, and an open channel of communication with our easement landowners. Our priorities are to: • •

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Visit every easement property at least once a year to perform a physical inspection of the conserved land; Work closely with easement landowners who wish to make permitted improvements to their property (e.g., residential and agricultural structures, pools, riding rings, run-in sheds); Help new landowners who have purchased an easement property understand the conservation easement’s terms, restrictions, and benefits; Invite and answer questions about a landowner’s specific conservation easement. Because easements vary in scope and the degree of development restrictions, we openly welcome requests for clarification.

These relationships with our easement landowners— the heroes of the Willistown countryside—are some of the most enduring and important partnerships we hold as an organization, and we work tirelessly to honor and strengthen them. Over time as easement properties change hands and new landowners and families come into our community, Willistown Conservation Trust will be here to welcome them and ensure the permanent protection of the land that makes our community so special.

The Trust’s Stewardship staff helped us gain a complete understanding of the conservation easement on our property as we were in the process of purchasing it. They worked with us to make certain that improvements we were planning were in compliance with the easement while maintaining an environment healthy and beneficial to the land and the wildlife that enjoy it.

-Holly Spinner Conservation Easement Landowner SPRING 2019 | 15

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BIRD CONSERVATION

A Year at Rushton Woods Bird Banding S Highlights from the Bird Blog

2018 WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR at the Rushton Woods Bird Banding Station, thanks to our exceptional team of federally licensed bird banders, ornithologists, volunteers, students, and visitors from all over the world. The total of new birds banded at the station was 1,402 individuals of over 60 species. In addition, we banded 152 new Northern Saw-whet Owls, including two owls that were initially banded at other banding stations. Follow happenings at the banding station by subscribing to our Bird Blog at wctbirds.wordpress.com.

April In April, long distance migrants begin to arrive from Central and South America, like this stunning INDIGO BUNTING. The agroecological farming methods we use at Rushton Farm mean chemical-free plantings, unkempt hedgerows, and wild meadows surrounding the farm fields creating healthy places for these birds to nest and forage.

August The BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER is one of the first warblers to appear at Rushton during fall migration.

They nest in higher elevations of mixed hardwood and evergreen forests — the kind with yellow birch towering over thick tangles of mountain laurel and rhododendron.

May The BALTIMORE ORIOLE is an iconic neotropical migrant that nests in the woodland edges that Rushton offers. They can be seen flying over the farm and hedgerows during spring and summer, weaving their beautiful hammock nests, chasing each other, and whistling their rich songs.

September This photo captures a different kind of “farm to table” movement—banding table, that is. Bird banders Todd Alleger and Caitlin Welsh also work on the six-acre Rushton Farm.

These scientist-farmers further scientific understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the cultivated and natural areas of Rushton.

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ng Station

June During the summer months, the bird banding team shifts its efforts from banding migrants to measuring the productivity and survivorship of birds that breed and nest at Rushton, including small migratory ground nesting warblers like this OVENBIRD.

October Although this was undoubtedly a migrant, YELLOWBREASTED CHATS could theoretically breed at Rushton; we have everything a chat could ever want like dense shrubbery of blackberry bushes, sumac, multiflora rose, and honeysuckle. Perhaps on its return from the tropics it will remember Rushton and decide to start a family here.

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July This is the “super baby period� of summer banding during which we catch many newly fledged birds in the woodlands of Rushton, like this young VEERY. They are noticeably different from the adults with their speckled plumage that helps with camouflaging as they learn how to fly.

November The tiny NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL travels through our area during the cold months in search of a steady mouse supply. Northern boreal nesting species, these owls do not always venture this far south. We tend to see high numbers during autumns that follow productive summers in their breeding grounds. We captured 80 owls in a single night in November.

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Just Passing Through

Studying Stopover Habitat Quality for Migratory S

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magine you want to take a long road trip. It’s somewhere you go every year. So, you head off in your car. Now imagine that road you’ve chosen is desolate. There’s nowhere to refill your car with gas, rest, or get a bite to eat.

Life can be like that for migratory songbirds.

Declines in migratory songbird populations in North America have often been attributed to habitat loss where they breed and spend the winter. But what about habitat along migratory routes?

During migration, birds experience extreme energy demands as they try to avoid predators, deal with bad weather, compete with other birds for resources, navigate through unfamiliar habitats, and find suitable food to refuel and continue on their journey.

Migratory Logistics Research by David W. Mehlman et al. noted in 2005 the unpredictable nature of how migrants choose stopover locations and the need to create a kind of “land network,” made up of sites of different types to meet migrants’ needs. For instance, a small isolated site may be used infrequently by migrants, but can provide enough cover and resources for birds during an unpredictable event. In our road trip example above, this is like a freeway overpass where you can take shelter from a fierce storm. Another site may provide a limited but variable amount of suitable habitat, located within a matrix of unsuitable habitat used regularly year-round, much like finding a favorite convenience store in an unfamiliar town. And finally, the highest quality habitat will provide enough space, resources, and protection for many species during stopover consistently over many years, like a dependable five-star hotel.

Looking at it from this perspective, it makes sense that different types of stopover habitats are important to migrants to continue on a migratory journey.

for banding at RWPR (capture rates) and the relative fitness of those birds by evaluating rates of body mass change, which is an indicator of habitat quality.

Alison’s hypothesis was this: if high quality habitat attracts more migrants, then capture rates for each species should be positively correlated with habitat quality. Also, body mass gain can be viewed as evidence of not only abundant food resources but also a lower predator risk, which allows the migrants to forage without being eaten.

Rushton Woods and Beyond Alison’s results indicate that RWPR was used by a remarkably high number of different species-- 67 different species during the fall migratory periods she studied. The vast majority of the captures were Gray Catbirds and White-throated Sparrows, our most frequent fliers. Those two, and Hermit Thrushes, showed evidence of gaining mass. Importantly, she also found no evidence that any species lost mass. Bottom line: RWPR is a sufficient habitat for many migratory species to keep them going on their arduous migrations and some of them even thrived. Our 86acre Rushton Woods is positively contributing to a network of suitable habitat for migratory songbirds. And that’s good news for conservation science overall.

What Alison learned at Rushton not only contributes to a greater understanding of how important habitat quality is for songbirds, but also how important land preservation is. Watch for more updates on how the Trust’s local conservation efforts make a big impact.

Alison’s research was published in January 2018 by the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club’s Cassinia Number 76: http://bit.ly/RWPRbirds .

It’s All About Habitat At the Rushton Woods Preserve (RWPR) bird banding station, Alison Fetterman, Bird Conservation Associate at the Trust, studied the local habitat use during the fall 2014 and 2015 migratory periods. As part of her research for the University of Pennsylvania Master’s of Environmental Studies degree, she looked at numbers of various migrant songbird species that were captured

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CELESTE SHEEHAN

ry Songbirds at Rushton Woods Preserve

A Golden-crowned Kinglet perches on a tree at Rushton Woods Preserve. This is one of many of a remarkably high number of bird species that depend upon the conserved open spaces and high quality habitat found at the preserve. The combination of sustainable farming practices, careful management of natural areas, and a broad diversity of habitat types make it a healthy stopover location for migrating birds.

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BLAKE GOLL/ WCT

ON THE MOVE The Trust Expands the Motus Network With New Grant

The network employs a featherlight wireless transmitter attached to migrating species as shown on this female scarlet tanager’s back. It enables Motus receiving stations to track the bird’s movement in real time as it makes its way across the globe during spring and fall migration.

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NEARLY HALF OF ALL BIRDS ARE AT RISK OF EXTINCTION. THAT’S MORE THAN 4,500 SPECIES. BUT WHILE WE ARE SEEING RAPIDLY DECLINING POPULATIONS OF BIRD SPECIES, WE ARE ALSO MAKING GREAT PROGRESS IN OUR ABILITY TO GATHER THE DATA NEEDED TO HELP THEM— AND THAT IS GOOD NEWS.

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he Motus research collaboration led by Willistown Conservation Trust, in partnership with several state agencies and nonprofits, received a $500,000 grant in late 2018 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) to help collect critical data using the Motus migration tracking system (motus.org). The grant will be used to dramatically expand the Motus system (with more than 500 stations worldwide) across a five-state area.

Why the Grant Matters Migration is a high risk activity for birds (see sidebar).

The more we understand about how various species migrate, the better equipped we will be to take steps to protect the most threatened among them. The conservation of migratory animals is especially challenging because it requires the consideration of threats occurring at different stages of their life cycle that typically span multiple jurisdictions, habitats, and landscapes that are often thousands of miles apart.

What Does Motus Do? The Motus wildlife tracking system is an international collaborative research network that uses coordinated automated radio telemetry to study the movements of small migratory animals. It allows scientists to track migrants too small to tag with traditional transmitters. One Motus tracking example is a graycheeked thrush that made a remarkable 46-hour, 2,200-mile flight from Columbia in South America to Ontario in Canada!

Motus is a powerful tool helping researchers unlock innumerable mysteries about migratory animals, including where their populations may be threatened, and then prioritize where and what conservation actions may have the greatest impact.

Pinpointing exactly where the conservation of land is needed most to help migrating species is one of Motus’ greatest strengths.

How Are We Using the Grant?

The federal USFW grand is awarded to the Trust through the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The Trust will administer the grant on behalf of the Northeast Motus Collaboration (northeastmotus. com), which includes the Trust, the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, Project Owlnet, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Powdermill Nature Reserve.

We are focusing study on eight species of greatest conservation need in the Mid-Atlantic Region including Bicknell’s

and Swainson’s thrushes; blackpoll and Canada warblers; rusty blackbirds; American woodcock; and northern myotis bats.

Funding will establish 46 additional Motus receiver stations in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware, to enhance 30 placed in Pennsylvania over the past two years, including a station at Rushton Woods Preserve.

This original network was funded by private donors as well as grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

These advances in collaborative wildlife tracking will provide the Trust and our many academic, government and non-government partners with a robust range of new tools and possibilities to fuel research and conservation science well into the future.

What We Don’t Know Can Hurt Them Despite estimates that birds spend as much as 95% of their time resting and refueling during migration, rather than actively migrating1, scientists know very little about migratory stopover and staging of birds, and even less about bats2.

Migration is also dangerous, accounting for an estimated 85% of annual adult bird mortality—a remarkable percentage considering the compressed nature of migration timing3. Stopover habitat can have a profound effect on migratory performance4, survival5, and success during subsequent periods of the annual cycle5 (e.g. breeding,). In light of increasing population declines of many migrant songbirds, and rising rates of habitat degradation and destruction7, understanding stopover behavior and dynamics is a critical need for migratory bird conservation8. The Motus network is accelerating scientists’ ability to do just that.

For a clear example of how our permanently conserved land fosters much-needed habitat for migrants, see Just Passing Through on page 18.

McGuire et al. 2012 Cohen et al. 2017, Stuchbury et al. 2011 3.

Sillett and Holmes 2002 4.

Cohen et al. 2017, Stuchbury et al. 2011

Angelier et al. 2009 Rockwell et al. 2012 7.

Faaborg et al. 2010 8.

Mehlman et al. 2005

1

5.

2

6.

USFW Grant Motus Collaborators Pennsylvania Game Commission; Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Willistown Conservation Trust; Carnegie Museum of Natural History (Carnegie Institute); University of Maine; Audubon Society of New Hampshire; Ohio University; Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, Rochester Institute of Technology; University of Rhode Island; Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program

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LAND TO THE RESCUE Our research shows that natural landscapes, free of development, help keep pollutants out of Ridley Creek.

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HEALTHY WATER BEGINS WITH HEALTHY LAND. WHERE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT DISMANTLES THE NATURAL PROCESSES THAT KEEP WATERWAYS CLEAN, LAND PROTECTION CAN HELP RESTORE THESE SYSTEMS TO BENEFIT ALL WHO RELY ON THE WATERSHED.

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Watershed Watershed

Watershed

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From

Watershed

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WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST FOCAL AREA

E AT W

ere especially, in the headwaters of Ridley, Crum, and Darby Creeks, we have a critical responsibility to protect the health of our waterways for our downstream neighbors.

Last year the Trust’s Watershed Protection Program began monitoring water quality across the headwaters of these three creeks.

Each month, the watershed team dons their waders and travels to 10 monitoring sites to collect water samples and establish baseline water quality data – a dataset describing the normal or expected water quality conditions in a watershed.

In the headwaters of the watersheds, where their streams originate, the baseline data we are establishing are critical reference points for future comparisons. Any changes in water quality in the headwaters will be reflected downstream. This makes baseline monitoring essential not only for maintaining local water quality, but also for continuing to provide healthy water downstream to the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean. This includes the 391-acre Springton Reservoir that supplies drinking water to 200,000 local homes.

And here’s the good news: after 12 months of collecting baseline data, our team’s preliminary analysis suggests that our streams are in good condition. Most of the monitoring sites report low levels of contaminants, low temperatures, and high dissolved oxygen concentrations required to meet the Pennsylvania DEP “cold water fisheries” designation, indicating very good stream health.

While overall water quality across the monitoring sites was good, there was some variability between the watersheds. These differences reflect the impact of human development on watershed health such that water quality tended to be lower in developed areas indicating disturbance from human activity and impervious surface cover.

What is impervious surface cover? Surfaces like streets, sidewalks, and even lawns prevent rain from filtering down into the soil. Instead, the rain surges across these surfaces picking up contaminants, like nitrogen and phosphorus from lawn fertilizers or road salts applied before a snowstorm, which flow directly into waterways.

Fortunately, given the opportunity, aquatic systems have the amazing ability to recover. As water travels away from pollution sources and through natural, undeveloped areas, degraded water can start to improve. This is called a “rescue effect”; instead of water quality issues compounding as the contaminated water flows downstream, natural stream processes can begin to repair the degradation.

In our monitoring, we witnessed a rescue effect between two

Creek to River to Ocean

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ABOVE: The Chester, Ridley, Crum, and Darby watersheds flow south to the Delaware River and then west to the Atlantic Ocean. Water on the surface of the land can either flow downstream through the watershed, soak into the ground, evaporate into the atmosphere or can be taken up and used by plants or animals. Human impacts to that process degrade the water quality, but conserved land and natural areas have a “rescue effect” that can improve water quality.

sample sites in Ridley Creek. Where the upstream site suffered from warm water temperatures and elevated levels of salts and nutrients, the site immediately downstream enjoyed a much healthier water chemistry. Between the two sites, Ridley Creek flows through a corridor of completely forested or protected open space - a natural landscape that is filtering stormwater runoff and improving water quality in the creek.

Each and every person can make a positive impact on our waterways, contribute to the rescue effect, and improve the lives of everyone living downstream. Some of the things you can do include planting native plants and trees; picking up garbage; limiting use of salt during winter; and helping to preserve open space.

At the Willistown Conservation Trust, we will continue to protect vital land in these important headwaters, monitor the water in our focal area, and share the data and insights we gain to contribute to the science of water conservation.

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Farming for the Future

Planting Seeds

THE BEST WAY TO LEARN IS TO TEACH SOMEONE ELSE. LAST YEAR A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM STRATH HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL SHOWED US HOW EFFECTIVE THIS “PROTÉGÉ EFFECT” TRULY IS.

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ne of Willistown Conservation Trust’s primary goals is to educate youth about the value and importance of conservation in its many forms, with handson study of many topics, including protecting land from development; planting trees near streams to protect watersheds; defending bird habitat; choosing to eat local food; removing invasive species; and promoting sustainable agriculture, to name a few.

In 2018, we raised our education game. With Rushton Farm and Rushton Woods Preserve as a living laboratory, we partnered with Strath Haven High School in Wallingford, Pennsylvania so their students could get their hands dirty and study real-life sustainable agriculture and its impact on the environment. This partnership kicked off with a field trip by students in teacher Kathleen Freeman’s senior AP Environmental Science class. The class attended a Rushton 360 program where students learned about the bird banding, pollinator studies, and sustainable farming practices that take place at Rushton. The session introduced the topic of

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agroecology—the science of food production and its impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Two of the students, Gage Bailey and Graeme Prown, took a keen interest in the agroecology introduction and asked Ms. Freeman if they could do an independent study at Rushton Farm in the spring semester. Fred de Long, our Community Farm Program director, agreed to develop a curriculum that combined self-study (February - March) with hands-on work experience at Rushton Farm (April - May), culminating in a final project. This approach gave the students a theoretical foundation in farming and agroecology before heading out to apply their knowledge in the greenhouse and fields.

Through readings by author/environmental activists Michael Pollan and Wendell Berry, and papers from the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Gage and Graeme got a solid introduction to the interrelationship of food production and nature. Then in early April they started their hands-on apprenticeships at Rushton Farm, working with the staff who

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ABOVE: Environmental Science students from Strath Haven

High School learn about the interrelationship between food production and nature at Rushton Woods Preserve and Farm.

instructed them on a range of sustainable farming practices used at the beginning of a season, from greenhouse seeding and field preparation to planting and harvest planning.

In May, at the end of their spring semester, Ms. Freeman brought the advanced placement Environmental Science class from Strath Haven back to Rushton. Gage and Graeme led a tour of the farm, teaching them much of what they had learned in the previous four months, concluding their independent study.

To quote Ms. Freeman: �It was apparent that Gage and Graeme were deeply challenged and engaged by their independent study at Rushton Farm. It enriched their knowledge in a way that could not have been gained in the classroom. When I watched them speak knowledgably and confidently about sustainable farming and conservation during a field trip they led at the farm for their classmates it became even more evident.�

-Kathleen Freeman Strath Haven High School AP Science Teacher

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This work with the Strath Haven students nurtured a spark of interest enabling two of them to make a deeper exploration into agroecology. And it gave us great hope for the next generation who will go out into the world, embrace the cause of conservation, and lead us toward a more sustainable future. With this seed planted, we look forward to engaging with more students.

Although many of our programs are funded by donations from Trust supporters, this partnership was funded thorough the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). The EITC provides Pennsylvania state tax credits to businesses that make a donation to a qualified educational program like the one described here. Thanks to the EITC, Gage, Graeme and their Strath Haven classmates were able to get an in-depth understanding of agroecology and Willistown Conservation Trust was able to create curriculum that will be used as a framework for future students.

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Rushton Nature Keepers

A New Chapter of Children’s Nature Education Uses Our Conserved Lands to Inspire the Next Generation

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n the midst of today’s chaotic pace, children need those timeless moments in nature that are so crucial to their imaginative rejuvenation, problem solving skills, and emotional development more than ever. Launched in 2018, Rushton Nature Keepers (RNK) is a membership program seeking to do just that and more. Its purpose is to provide children ages 7-12 with opportunities for real connections to nature that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. In doing so, we hope to help build a corps of earthconscious adults who will value the land and understand the importance of

conservation, and advance its cause.

RNK is structured around the Trust’s four programmatic themes: birds and wildlife; sustainable farming; watersheds; and healthy habitat. Each of the 25 sessions offered throughout the year covered one or more of the themes. Any child who attended a satisfactory number of programs across each of the themes (tracked through their nature journals) would be eligible for their Rushton Junior Naturalist certificate at the end of the year.

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competition.

The results were heartening with over 85 kids participating in RNK events throughout the year, including 20 dedicated Keepers who earned their Rushton Junior Naturalist title. The Junior Naturalists attended a “graduation ceremony” during which they played a simulated land protection game. The game required them to verbally defend Rushton Woods Preserve and Rushton Farm from a barrage of development scenarios, using the knowledge they had gained throughout the year. The children valiantly spoke for the birds that use Rushton during migration, the wildflowers that promote pollination of the farm crops, and the forest that protects and cleans the watershed as they vehemently opposed plans for 20 townhomes, conventionally farmed soybean

“You are the future keeper of our natural world. It will be up to you to protect it, cherish it, and teach others about it. With our rapidly growing human population, nature will need all the help she can get.”

-Blake Goll Trust Nature Education Coordinator

fields, and parking lots.

Rushton Nature Keepers’ first year of programming presented children with extraordinary life experiences rooted in nature that is protected by Willistown’s conserved lands. Birding with renowned naturalists; searching for moths and other insects at night with a University of Delaware entomologist; meeting ornithologist and author Rob Bierregaard; drawing wildlife with professional illustrator Kate Garchinsky; and writing poetry with award-winning poet from Villanova University, Cathy Staples are just a few examples. Not only did they meet experts in various fields, they also had the chance to exercise those important senses that are at the very core of being a kid—the sense of wonder, discovery, and imagination. Turn the page for some highlights from 2018.

MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION AT http://bit.ly/KIDDOS Photos by Blake Goll/WCT.

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Rushton Nature Keepers’ First Year Highlights of 2018

BIRDS

BA N D I N G S C I E N C E Rushton Nature Keepers flooded the banding station in April and September to see the amazing birds that use Rushton Farm as a place to refuel on their perilous migration journeys. Children got a chance to help release the wild birds after banding and even practice extracting toy birds from a net during the September Open House.

After measuring the wings, weight, and legs of these stuffed-animal birds, they gained an understanding of what it is like to be a field scientist.

B I R D S A S D I N O S AU R S Rushton Nature Keepers visited the Academy of Natural Sciences where they discovered bird specimens from around the world with ornithologist, Matt Halley.

They learned that birds are really living dinosaurs and even got to see an extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

HABITAT

WILDFLOWERS & WAT E RC O L O R S In the heat of August, Nature Keepers explored the Trust’s inspiring native wildflower meadow, observed butterflies and caterpillars, and learned about pollination. Then they created watercolor designs for their “dream meadow” and included illustrations of the creatures it would support.

Photos by Blake Goll/WCT.

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FARM SHEEP SHEARING Nature Keepers attended a sheep shearing at a Willistown farm where they learned about the history of sheep and how wool is a more sustainable fabric than polyester or nylon. Such synthetic fabrics are produced from nonrenewable oil and are technically forms of plastic that ultimately contribute to toxic plastic pollution in the ocean and elsewhere.

P O TAT O P L A N T I N G In May, Nature Keepers created beautiful works of poetry at Rushton Farm with Catherine Staples, Villanova professor and published poet. They also planted potatoes and worked with agroecologist Todd Alleger to find a variety of insects that live on the farm. Later in August they got the full-circle opportunity to harvest the potatoes during the Discover Rushton camp.

MEET THE BEES Nature Keepers had the chance to taste honey from Rushton and compare it to vintage honeys from Farmer Noah’s secret stash. We learned about the fascinating world of honey bees and how they must visit two million flowers to make just one pound of honey.

WATER S T R E A M E X P L O R AT I O N In June, exploration of the stream at Ashbridge Preserve with our watershed team taught Rushton Nature Keepers all about what makes a stream healthy and how native trees and shrubs near the banks keep it clean. We found bioindicator species like mayflies and caddisflies, which can only thrive in non-polluted streams.

MONSTER NIGHT In October, Nature Keepers learned to identify different invasive species in our waterways and experienced first-hand through creative games how introduced species make life tough on the native species.

MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION AT http://bit.ly/KIDDOS

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STAFF NEWS

Movers and Shakers

TOP ROW: Todd Alleger, Chelsea Allen, Molly

Clark, Sue Costello, and Fred de Long.

SECOND ROW: Alison Fetterman, Blake Goll, Kristen

Henwood, Erik Hetzel, and Lisa Kiziuk.

BOTTOM ROW: Lauren McGrath, Steve Ryan and Tripp Way.

Steve Ryan became the Trust’s Director of Communications and Marketing in October. In this position Steve will lead efforts to promote the Trust’s work with vibrant and inspiring content and messaging. He has extensive experience in marketing and brand strategy, content marketing and design, and media relations in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Steve is an active volunteer and docent at the John James Audubon Center and is passionate about conservation and environmental issues, especially bird conservation. Steve and his wife Linda live in King of Prussia with their two dogs and two cats and have a daughter in college.

Tripp Way joined the Trust as Director of Development in February. Tripp will direct all fundraising activities

for the Trust. He comes with has a deep passion for the outdoors and wildlife, and has extensive experience raising money to create and maintain open spaces and habitat in a nine-state region for the Ruffed Grouse Society. Tripp grew up in the Philadelphia area and lives with his wife and two German Wirehaired Pointers in Valley Forge.

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Staff Presentations, Awards, and Professional Advancement

Annual Earth Day Celebration, Westtown-Thornbury Elementary (May 2018) Blake Goll (Presenter) The Big Year, presented to the Lifelong Learning Institute at Immaculata University (January 2018) Blake Goll (Presenter) “The Bluebird Keeper”, County Lines Magazine (September 2019) Blake Goll (Author) A Comprehensive Motus Workshop for Conservation Organizations, Biologists, and Government Agencies in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut and Massachussetts, New Hampshire Audubon McLane Center (March 2018) Lisa Kiziuk, Alison Fetterman, Todd Alleger (Co-presenters with Northeast Motus Collaboration Conservation Gone Wild, West Chester Garden Club (January 2018) Lisa Kiziuk and Fred de Long (Co-presenters) Delaware River Watershed Environmental Leadership Program (May 2018) Lauren McGrath (Fellowship Recipient) Ears to the Sky: How the Motus Network is Revolutionizing SmallAnimal Telemetry, Pennsylvania Chapter of the Wildlife Society Annual Conference (March 2018) Lisa Kiziuk and Alison Fetterman (Co-presenters) Eastern Bird Banding Association Blake Goll (Council member, 2018-2019) Annual Conference At Schoodic Institute, Maine (June 2018) Todd Alleger, Alison Fetterman, Blake Goll, and Lisa Kiziuk, (Attendees) EnviroDIY Sensor Stations, Stroud Water Research Center (June 2018) Lauren McGrath (Award Recipient) Growing Transplants for Farm and Market, CRAFT PASA (April 2018) Fred de Long, Noah Gress, and Chelsea Allen (Co-presenters) “Habitat Quality for Stopover Migrants at Rushton Woods Preserve, Chester County, Pennsylvania”, Delaware Valley Ornithology Club’s Cassinia Magazine #76 (January 2018) Alison Fetterman (Author)

Introduction to Motus Wildlife Tracking System, A Two-Day Workshop (October 2018) Alison Fetterman and Todd Alleger (Co-presenters with Powdermill Avian Research Center) Mapping Technologies for Land Trusts: Three Perspectives, Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference (April 2018) Sue Costello (co-presented with Brandywine Conservancy and Natural Lands) Pennsylvania Land Trust Association Conference, Malvern, Pennsylvania (May 2018) Erik Hetzel (Planner and host with other Delaware Valley land trusts) Complex Land Deals Erik Hetzel (Panel discussion speaker) Growing Food for the Community On Conserved Land While Expanding and Enhancing Habitat, A Field Trip to Rushton Farm Erik Hetzel (Organizer and Co-Host) Stone Barns Young Farmers Conference in Tarrytown, New York (December 2018) Molly Clark (Selected Attendee) University of Pennsylvania, College of Liberal & Professional Studies Master of Environmental Studies Program Creating Gateways to the Land With Smarter Conservation (Fall 2018) Lisa Kiziuk (Instructor) and Fred de Long (Guest Lecturer) Avifaunal Ecology (Fall 2018) Alison Fetterman (Guest lecturer) Grid Magazine and Website (September 2018) Kristen Henwood profiled as an example of a successful career path for a Master of Environmental Studies graduate University of Pennsylvania, School of Design, Department of Landscape Architecture Avian Ecology: Birds and Their Landscapes (October 2018) Alison Fetterman (Guest lecturer.

Villanova University Versions of Pastoral (September 2018) Fred de Long and Noah Gress (Co-presenters)

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TRUSTEE NEWS

Movers and Shakers

ABOVE: Kate Etherington and Rick Warden. Both were elected to the Board of Trustees in October.

APRIL

Kate Etherington was elected to the Board of Trustees in October. She and her husband Ben have been

active supporters of the Trust for a number of years, and recently donated a conservation easement permanently protecting their 10-acre Rooster Run Farm in Easttown Township. Kate has served as co-chair of Barns & BBQ , the Trust’s largest annual fundraising event, from 2016 to 2019, and has been an active member of the Rushton Farm CSA since 2013. Kate has an MS degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Nonprofit/NGO Leadership and a BA from Colgate University. She comes to the Trust with both professional and volunteer nonprofit leadership experience. The Etheringtons live on Grubbs Mill Road with their three young daughters and an assortment of animals, including dogs, ponies, goats, chickens and a pig named Daisy.

Rick Warden was elected to the Board of Trustees in October. Rick grew up in Willistown on Plumsock Road and together with his wife Kathy has been a loyal volunteer and supporter of the Trust for many years. He and Kathy have been co-chairs of Run-a-Muck, the Trust’s largest event of the year, from 2017 to 2019. They have also been members of the Rushton Farm CSA for two years. Rick’s professional background is in real estate operations, environmental management, and small business management. He graduated from Denison University. Rick and Kathy live on Hillview Road in Willistown with their two dogs, and have eight children between the ages of 19 and 30.

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2019

FEATURED EVENTS

BLAKE GOLL/WCT

Go to WCTRUST.ORG for up-to-date happenings

APRIL

JULY

SEPTEMBER Fall Migration Banding Begins Tuesday, September 3, Sunrise to early afternoon Rushton Woods Preserve Come meet Willistown’s most colorful inhabitants up close. To receive field notes from the banding station subscribe to our bird blog at wctbirds.wordpress.com.

Spring Songbird Open House Saturday, April 27, 6:00 – 10:30 am Rushton Woods Preserve Bring a friend to the banding station anytime between the operating hours of 6:00 am and 10:30 am to observe the inspiring science of bird banding, meet field biologists, and see beautiful migrant birds up close.

Tomato Tasting Saturday, July 27, 5:00 – 7:00 pm Rushton Farm Tomatoes are the stars! Enjoy wine, beer & fabulous tomato preparations from Rushton Farm. Advance reservations only at wctrust.org.

Fall Songbird Open House Saturday, September TBD, 6:00 – 10:30 am Rushton Woods Preserve Bring a friend to the banding station anytime between the operating hours of 6:00 am and 10:30 am to observe the inspiring science of bird banding, meet field biologists, and see beautiful migrant birds up close.

MAY

Run-a-Muck

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Wildflower Tour Thursday, July 18, 4:30 – 7:30 pm 925 Providence Road, Newtown Square Visit several private wildflower meadows in Willistown during the height of their florescence. Advance registration only at wctrust.org.

TERRI BOYER

Spring Migration Banding Begins Thursday, April 18, Sunrise to early afternoon Rushton Woods Preserve Come meet Willistown’s most colorful inhabitants up close. To receive field notes from the banding station subscribe to our bird blog at wctbirds.wordpress.com.

OCTOBER

Plant Sale Saturday & Sunday, May 4-5, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Rushton Farm Organically started early vegetable and annual flower seedlings, raspberrycanes, and a limited supply of wildflowers and perennials.

Run-A-Muck & Countryside Bash Saturday, October 19, 2:30 pm – dusk Donegal Farm 2702 White Horse Rd. Berwyn You can Run or Muck (walk) on a beautiful crosscountry trail this Fall, and stay for the Countryside Bash! There’s nothing like it! Many volunteers needed.

Email land@wctrust.org to register.

Barns & BBQ Saturday, May 11, 3:00 -10:00 pm Tour of five barns followed by a bountiful BBQ. Space is limited, by advance reservation only. More information at wctrust.org.

Sycamore Society Party An evening in October A local Willistown property.

Supporters who donate $1,500 or more per year to Willistown Conservation Trust will receive an invitation to this special celebration thanking the Trust’s leadership giving society.

Barns & BBQ

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MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Donor Support

The Sycamore Society P L AT I N U M S YC A M O R E S ($25,000 or more)

Anonymous Elizabeth G. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. Warren Claytor Dick and Nancy Eales

Tucker C. Gresh Dr. Janet F. Haas and Mr. John Otto Haas Beverly S. Hattersley Barbara M. Jordan

George F. Krall Otto Haas Charitable Trust Bob and Carolyn Turner Alex and Janine Zozaya

G O L D S YC A M O R E S ($10,000 to $24,999)

1976 Foundation Anonymous Clarke and Barb Blynn Bryn Mawr Trust Company Dr. and Mrs. Robert R. Corrato Mr. Mitchell Davis Anthony and Linda DiValerio

Ray Dombroski and Colleen DeMorat Jim and Cherie Gerry Shaina and Nat Hamilton Alice and Peter Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler Francis Jennings & Terri Cappelli

Kent Van Alen Fund Leo Model Foundation, Inc Mrs. R. James Macleer Nia and Colin McNeil Mr. Allen J. Model & Dr. Roberta Gausas Mr. and Mrs. Seymour S. Preston III

Quaker City Foundation Conrad and Amanda Radcliffe The RJM Foundation Mr. Matthew Taylor Mr. and Mrs. James Van Alen Don and Nancy Weaver Ethel B. Wister

S I LV E R S YC A M O R E S ($5,000 to $9,999)

Anonymous CardConnect Jon and Tracey Costello Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Ebmeyer Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Etherington Kimberley & Russell Galligher The Giving Tree Foundation Kat and Steve Gord Ms. Linda Gordon

Steve and Christina Graham Ms. Charlotte Hamilton The Hamilton Family Foundation Beth and David Hucker John Milner Architects, Inc. Ms. Susan Kokat Mr. and Mrs. Robert McMenamin Chris & Jennifer Moller Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morse

Britt and Janice Murdoch Peter Zimmerman Architects, Inc. Pinemar, Inc. Radnor Hunt Horse Trials Donald E. Red, MD Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Thurman Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr

Alice M. Sharp Lang and Marilyn Smith John F. and Holly H. Stoviak Stratus Foundation with flyAdvanced Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Lance Turner Thomas and Penelope Watkins Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wein

B RO N Z E S YC A M O R E S ($2,500 to $4,999)

Franny and Franny Abbott B&W Family Foundation Mr. Timothy Barnard Mr. Charles J. Bernard and Ms. Lisa Ann Hatcher Brandywine Conservancy Brandywine Realty Trust Mr. and Mrs. W. Morgan Churchman III Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Colket

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Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cox Crumdale Partners Cullen Construction Dr. and Mrs. Sanford Davne Ronald E. DiSimone and Patricia A. Torna Donald Pell Gardens Michael E. and Elizabeth S. Drummond Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Etherington Mr. Brook Gardner and Ms. Jodi Spragins

Charles A. and Patricia Genuardi Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hofmann Mr. and Mrs. William Howard James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Kenworthy III King Construction Company, LLC Kraut Family Kreischer Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Lawson Mr. and Mrs. Mark Ledger Mayer Family Michigan Audubon Society James and Joan Moore Caroline Moran Mrs. Anne Moran Ms. Cynthia Negrey Mr. and Mrs. John J. Nesbitt III

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We are grateful for all of these donors who have generously supported the Trust’s conservation efforts from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018.

The Sycamore Society honors individuals and organizations who annually contribute $1,500 or more to the Trust. Gifts listed below include contributions to the Annual Fund, Willistown Countryside Forever capital campaign, and other special gifts from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

Bryn Mawr Trust was the underwriter of the Sycamore Society party, held in October.

Many Sycamore Society members sponsored the sixth annual Barns & BBQ tour, our largest fundraising event of the year.

B RO N Z E S YC A M O R E S - C O N T ’d ($2,500 to $4,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Newbold Donna and Bill Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Robert Patterson Radnor Hunt Pony Club Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rohr Shreiner Tree Care Simkiss Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John Simkiss, Jr. Stephen Sordoni

Stroud Water Research Center Jeanne & Doug Swope Mr. and Mrs. David Thayer The Bank of New York Mellon

Mr. Gilbert Weisman and Ms. Alane A. Becket White Horse Village Mr. and Mrs. Jerold Wright Ms. Lida Wright

S YC A M O R E S

($1,500 to $2,499) Anonymous (2) Mr. Jonathan Alderson Audi Devon Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Barnes Caroline and Olin Belsinger Joanne M. Berwind Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Bissinger, Jr. Peter Bohn and Ali Hettinger Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Briggs Broadacres Trouting Association Mr. and Mrs. John Brown Cherokee Construction Mr. and Mrs. Tristram Colket, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Collins Cover & Rossiter Creative Financial Group Vince and Kali Curran Mr. and Mrs. Anthony D’Alessandro Daley Family Foundation Jim and Jan D’Arcy Mr. and Mrs. James Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Neil H. Davis Emery and Bonnie Davis Carol and J.R. Delich E.C. Trethewey Building Contractors, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Amir Ecker Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Eldredge Dennis & Charlotte Elko Ann Ercolani and Drew Conboy Ms. Anne Faust

Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, LLP Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Flaherty Dr. Stephanie Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gansky Dr. and Mrs. Robert P. Good Dale and Kris Goodman Dr. Janice Gordon Mr. and Mrs. John Grady Dr. George Graham Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Graham Mrs. Yolanda Gray Griffiths Construction, Inc. Jeff and Diane Groff Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hanssens Mr. and Mrs. J. Wesley Hardin Philip J. and Elizabeth A. Harvey Ryan and Lori Heenan Karen K. and Thomas B. Helm Tom Hogan & Victoria Silbey Gary and Patricia Holloway Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hurley III Stock and Eleanor Illoway Jackson Lewis P.C. Mr. Francis Jacobs II Mr. Bradford Johnson Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, Inc. Margot and Bob Keith James and Amanda Kennedy

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Knauer Mr. and Mrs. Karl Kyriss L. S. Stone Masonry, Inc. Catherine LaFarge Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Layden, Jr. Helen and Dick Leaman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leisenring Dr. and Mrs. N. Blair LeRoy Mrs. Lawrence MacElree Ms. Victoria Mars John and Nima Marsh Mary and Jay McElroy John and Melissa McGlinn Stephanie and John McGowan Wendy W. McLean Dr. F. Arthur McMorris Mr. and Mrs. Peter McNeely Mullen Family Foundation Pam and Pete Nagy Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Naylor Mr. and Mrs. Steven Oblack Sandra and Warren Ormerod Period Architecture, Ltd. Precise Buildings, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Przybylowski Claudia & Marc Rash Mr. and Mrs. Gerald B. Rorer Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Rorer Ms. Samantha Settembre

Fritz and Christine Seving Mr. and Mrs. Keven Shanahan Bob & Julie Spahr Mr. and Mrs. Steven Spinner Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Stapf Mr. and Mrs. Randal Steinhoff Stoltzfus Construction of LanChester, LLC Elizabeth Stone Stoney Bank Nurseries, Inc. Art and Doris Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Steven Strawbridge Mr. George Strawbridge, Jr. Dylan and Anne Supina Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Taggart Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Anson Taylor III Dr. Sharon Taylor and Mr. Joe Cannon Mr. Gary M. Tocci Tom and Melissa Trala Ms. Paige Turner U.S. Trust, Bank of America Mr. and Mrs. Richard Warden

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Ted and Susan Wentz White Horse Construction, Inc. Margaret and Tom Whitford Ms. Josephine Winsor Ms. Carolyn Wukitch Dr. Kathy & Mr. Joseph C. Zoll

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Donor Support

Rushton Conservation Center

The following donors contributed to the creation of the Rushton Conservation Center during 2014-2018. Fundraising efforts to fully fund the project continue. Contact Tripp Way at development@wctrust.org for more information.

Anonymous (2) Franny and Franny Abbott Mr. Timothy Barnard and Ms. Meredyth Patterson Clarke and Barb Blynn Chester County Preservation Partnership Program Mr. and Mrs. Warren Claytor Mr. Mitchell Davis and Ms. Carolyn Lindheim Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Ebmeyer Germeshausen Foundation The Giving Tree Foundation Tucker C. Gresh Otto Haas Charitable Trust Dr. Janet Haas and Mr. John Otto Haas Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Hamilton, Jr. Mrs. Beverly S. Hattersley Alice and Peter Hausmann Beth and David Hucker Francis Jennings and Terri Cappelli Kirby Foundation George F. Krall, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Layden, Jr. McLean Contributorship Mr. and Mrs. Robert McMenamin Mullen Family Foundation Britt and Janice Murdoch Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program The Pew Charitable Trusts Conrad and Amanda Radcliffe Radnor Hunt Horse Trials Fritz and Christine Seving Lang and Marilyn Smith Holly and John Stoviak Mr. and Mrs. Peter Strawbridge Jim and Bonnie Van Alen Veritable, LLC Stephen and Allison Walsh Kathy and Rick Warden Thomas and Penelope Watkins

CONSERVATIONISTS ($1,000 to $1,499) Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Barnes Broadacres Trouting Association Mr. and Mrs. John Brown Cherokee Construction Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Collins Vince and Kali Curran Daley Family Foundation Mr. J. R. Delich Diamond Ice Foundation E.C. Trethewey Building Contractors, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Amir Ecker Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Eldredge Dennis & Charlotte Elko Ms. Anne Faust Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, LLP Dr. Stephanie Fuller Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gansky Germeshausen Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John Grady Mr. and Mrs. Richard Graham Griffiths Construction, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John Groff Mr. and Mrs. S. Matthews Hamilton, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hanssens Ryan and Lori Heenan Mr. and Mrs. Gary Holloway Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hurley Mrs. Eleanor Ingersoll* Mr. Francis Jacobs Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Klavans L. S. Stone Masonry Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Layden Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J. Richard Leaman Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leisenring The Le Vine Family Foundation Mrs. Lawrence MacElree Ms. Victoria Mars Mr. and Mrs. R. John Marsh Mr. and Mrs. John McElroy Dr. F. Arthur McMorris Mr. and Mrs. Peter McNeely Mr. and Mrs. Carl G. Morgan Mr. and Mrs. John Mullen Dr. Pamela Nagy Sandra and Warren Ormerod The Pencoyd Foundation Period Architecture, Ltd. Precise Buildings, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Przybylowski Mr. and Mrs. Keven Shanahan Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Smith Mr. and Mrs. Steven Spinner Mrs. Elizabeth Stone Stoney Bank Nurseries Inc. Mr. George Strawbridge Dr. and Mrs. Robert Taggart Dr. Sharon Taylor Mr. Gary Tocci Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Trala Ms. Paige Turner U.S. Trust Bank of America Mr. and Mrs. Robert Van Alen Vinton Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Brock Vinton Mr. and Mrs. Richard Warden Mrs. William Warden White Horse Construction Inc.

*Deceased

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The Annual Fund provides annual operating support for the Trust’s Land Protection, Bird Conservation, Community Farm, Habitat Restoration, and Watershed Protection Programs.

*Deceased

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STEWARDS ($250 to $499) Anonymous (3) Abington Friends School Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Addis Mr. and Mrs. Keith Aleardi Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson Barbara Gisel Design Drs. Thomas and Melanie Boerner Dr. and Mrs. Steven Breecker Dr. and Mrs. Barry H. Burkhardt Mr. and Mrs. Cummins Catherwood

Tom Cobb Helen Corkhill Pamela Costanzi Ron D’Angeli Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. DiLIberto Mrs. Elisabeth Duffy Mr. and Mrs. John A. Eichman IV Michael Erdman Ms. Laura Jane Favela Mr. Edward Frank Dr. Heather French Steve & Debra Gautier

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Gillis Mr. and Mrs. James Gowen Mr. and Mrs. John Griffin Mr. and Mrs. Harry Groome Christina Hack Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hahn Mrs. John Harris Heritage Metalworks, Ltd. Jamie and Hollie Holt Rick and Sharon Jones Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Keane Jerome R. Keough

Ordinary People. Extraordinary Impact.

We see our role as temporary stewards of the land that is a part of the community to which we all belong. The Willistown Conservation Trust is an integral partner of ours in that role, and it seemed natural for us to join the Legacy Society to support those efforts to preserve it beyond our time for the benefit of future generations.

- Catharine and Gary Cox MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

“

“

NATURALISTS ($500 to $999) AAnonymous Altus Partners Anne Stroud Hannum Charitable Fund Aqua America, Inc. Benevity Community Impact Fund Benner & Sons Painting and Wallcovering Mr. and Mrs. W. Thacher Brown Alice and Christian Bullitt Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Charlesworth Frank Tobin and Ilene Chester Comcast Corporation Conlin’s Digital Print and Copy Center Countryside Consulting Inc. Mr. and Mrs. William Daggett Mr. John Devereux Deb and John Donaldson Energy Management Systems, Inc. The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co. John and Dolly Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Warren Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fox Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Gaffney Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Gallagher Mr. John Goodman Julie S. and K. David Graham Mr. and Mrs. James Gross Gil and Tracey Hanse Meg and Chris Hardesty Mr. William Hartman Hawthorn PNC Family Wealth Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Hedrick Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hendrickson Mrs. Karen Iacobucci Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jacobs Juniper Networks Foundation Fund Dr. Martha Nolte Kennedy Mr. Thomas Lewis, Jr.* Main Line Overland McCausland Keen & Buckman Linda and Chris McIsaac Jim and Judy Milne Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morris Jay and Nancy Mossman Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Nichols Oliver Heating Cooling Plumbing Pancoast & Clifford Mr. and Mrs. R. Anderson Pew Mr. and Mrs. Mark Piro Dr. Amanda Ryan Cynthia M. and Steven A. Sansone Ms. Nancy-Beth Sheerr Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shreiner John and Fay Snyder Ms. Morgan Stoviak Ms. Anne Stroud Morris and Boo Stroud Eric and Susan Swanson Mr. and Mrs. Justin N. Thompson Rick and Elise Torpey Gerry Tuten Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Van Alen Mary Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Bayard Walker Lee and Bill Warden Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Warzecha Weeds, Inc. Willcox Builders Inc. Ellyn Spragins and John Witty Drs. Gary and Karen Zimmer

Please consider joining the Legacy Society by adding some simple bequest language to your will, or by making Willistown Conservation Trust a beneficiary of your life insurance or retirement plan.

For more information contact Tripp Way at (610)353-2562 or development@wctrust.org.

W I L L I S T OW N

CONSERVATION TRUST

Legacy Society 2/6/19 8:04 AM

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Run-a-Muck co-chairs (left to right) Carolyn Thompson, Justin Thompson, Tim Staph, Jamie Staph, Susan Kokat and Rick Warden take a breather during last year’s event that raised $67,000 for the Trust’s programs. The 2019 Run-a-Muck will take place at a new venue—Donegal Farm overlooking the beautiful Kirkwood Preserve.

Charles Kurtzman La Cabra Brewing Karen P. Lenker Nick and Cass Ludington Mary E. MacLachlan Ralph W. Marsh Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McDermott McEvoy Family Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McGovern Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Morris Jim and Kayo Nolan Orion General Contractors, Inc. Laura Sauer Palmer and David Palmer Bob and Susan Peck William & Tracy Pellicano Mariana and Andrew Pesthy Mr. and Mrs. William J. Petrauskas Kate & Travis Peyton Avery Rome & Jeff Price Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Ramsey Mr. and Mrs. George Rubin Mary and Rob Ruggiero Nate and Edda Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Smith Eric and Genevieve Snyder Cathy and Jim Staples Michael G. Starecky Mr. and Mrs. Jack Taylor Pete and Christina Townsend

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Vincent David E. Watt Stuart and Jane Weisman Bradford F. Whitman Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson Mr. and Mrs. R. Kurt Williams Eliza and Peter Zimmerman PROTECTORS ($100 to $249) Anonymous (9) Mr. and Mrs. John Adams Page and Betsy Allinson Ardrossan Beagles Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Baena Norman and Sidne Baglini Elizabeth N. Barnett Greg and Suzanne Barton Dr. William Baxt James Beam Dr. and Mrs. Michael P. Bibbo Barbara Bird Betsy and Luke Block Ms. Jean Bomm Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Borgh, Jr. Boyance Family James and Karen Brecker Margaret Sooy Bridwell Ms. Marnie Briggs

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Ms. Elaine Brody Dr. A. Michael Broennle Betty & George Buckland Laura Burgess Mr. Leonard Busby Polly and Steve Carpender Denise A. Carpenter Deborah Cascarino Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Caspar Mr. and Mrs. Mike Castiglione Mr. and Mrs. George Cauffman III Ms. Debra Charlesworth Christina Clayton Mrs. Patricia Clement Sandy Collins Hank and Rika Conlan Doug Corrigan Mr. and Mrs. Paolo Costa Mr. and Mrs. Donald Coulston Bill and Colleen Cranney Mr. and Mrs. John Custer Robin and Alan Crawford III Paul and Caroline Davis Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davis Dr. and Mrs. Francis DeLone Fred and Paula de Long Ms. Laura De Ramel Sallie and Saunders Dixon Mr. and Mrs. Albert Doering Gerry and Laura Dolan

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dougherty Walter Dowling Mr. and Mrs. Ford B. Draper, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dunn EK Yoga of Gladwyne Mr. and Mrs. John Familetti Wendell & Jenny Fenton Mr. and Mrs. Ronald W. Fenstermacher Jr. Sharon and Tony Fernandes Theodore and Debra Fetterman Jeff and Karen Fleming Surrey & Malcolm Flint Dona and Thomas Foerster Four Counties Garden Club Diana & Matt Funchion John and Suzanne Gaadt Brent and Karen Gartner Barbara and Jack Geltosky Germantown Academy Rob and Kristi Gilfillan Mr. and Mrs. James Grant Mr. and Mrs. Perry C. Gresh Kathleen and Rick Hagan Marshall Hamilton Andrea Hanaway, MD Paul Nigel Harris The Herr Family Barbara and David Hillmeyer Mr. and Mrs. James W. B. Hole

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Mr. and Mrs. John Hoopes Ms. Madeline Iacobucci Mr. and Mrs. Terence Jarman Sandy Jarratt Mrs. Hugh Johnston Dr. Keith and Kim Kennedy Rex Kessler Mr. William Keyser George Knoell Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kreuzberger Mr. and Mrs. Robert Latyak Mr. and Mrs. David P. Lavins Mr. and Mrs. John Lear Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lee John and Kathy Link Kristine and Jason Lisi Ms. Denise Liszewski Mr. Tristram MacDonnell Joan W. Mackie Macy’s, Inc. Mr. Kevin Mahoney Joan and David Martin Margaret McDowell Robbi and Jim McErlane Mr. James Meehan Arthur P. and Marjorie L. Miller Mr. and Mrs. John D. Mohr Bob and Joanne Moser Anne and Gary Murphy Diane Murray The National Bank of Malvern Maria V. Nelson Mr. and Mrs. Kevin O’Rourke Gulia and Akpo Omene Elizabeth Evert and Andy Orr Judy and Rick Owens Mr. and Mrs. Martin Page Margo and Mac Patterson Jane G. Pepper Barbara Pettinos Mrs. Eleanor Peterson Heidi S. Phelan Judy & Joseph J. Radano Mrs. Gale Rawson Mrs. A. Lee Reeser Mr. Peter Richardson David and Faye Rogers Bonnie Schaefer Rosen Mark and Emily Saks Anne Satterthwaite Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schellenger Mr. and Mrs. Karl Schoettle Mr. and Mrs. David Shaman Ken and Wendy Silverwood Mr. and Mrs. John Skrocki Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Smith Mr. Alastair Southwell R. John and Susan Stedman Liz and Ken Tankel Joan G. Thayer Scott Tuttle Twin Valleys Garden Club Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Tyler Mr. and Mrs. Dale Vandegrift Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. A. Ward Deborah Warden Washburn Family Foundation William Y. Webb Mrs. Nancy Wessells West Chester Garden Club Mr. H. Drake Williams Mr. James Willson Mr. David Wilmerding Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wilmerding Sarah A. Willig and Family Skip & Kathy Withrow Christopher and Jean Wright Minturn J. Wright III

Ben & Debbie Wolf Sally Wood FRIENDS (Up to $99) Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baker Mr. Timothy Beadle Debbie Beer and Adrian Binns Lisa Bittner

Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Caniglia Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Cantlin Ms. Patricia Carson Ms. Mindy Clearfield Jonna D. Coachman Ms. Xena Colasante Bernard and Susan Cooker Ms. Debra Copit Mr. and Mrs. Peter Craig William J. Curry

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davis Mr. Eric Delss Ms. Lisa Dudash Mark and Jen Fifer Jody and Alan Fitts Mr. and Mrs. John Finkbiner The Frankenheimer Family Sandra Gargus and Robert Batt Ms. Glenna Geiger Mr. and Mrs. Eric Gerst

Peter Strawbridge was named

Emeritus Trustee at the December meeting of the Board of Trustees. Peter was a founding trustee and retired after 23 years of inspired leadership, passion, and dedicated service. During that time he served as board chair from 2003 to 2009 and chair of the $10.5 million Willistown Countryside Forever capital campaign that was completed in 2017. With his inimitable warmth and humor, he helped shape the Trust’s evolution from small community land trust to recognized leader in agroecology, bird conservation, watershed protection, and conservation research and education.

We look forward to seeing Peter out on the trails with his wife Liz and beloved dog, Dixie and take comfort knowing that he will continue to take part in Trust activities..

Spring Walk at Kirkwood

by Peter Strawbridge

The rhythm of my footsteps shaping themselves To the changing contour of the greening earth.

The softly rattling brook by the winter wrecked willows.

Coal black crows scolding By the white-walled bank barn-empty for decades.

Two evil looking vultures leering from their black walnut perches Dixie, my ever-present four-legged partner, sensing their menace Canada geese gliding across the meadow pond surface Honking warnings of the dog’s looming presence Sand colored corn stalks-forlorn, broken, leafless and silent So distant in time from fall’s leafy green rustlings A red tail perched high surveying his domain V-shaped raptor circling, diving, soaring on gentle spring breezes The twittering and chattering of birds seen but unknown The glorious undefinable scent of the rebirthing land The land, the land, the land I want to immerse myself in it, inhale it Listen to its message forever.

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TRIBUTES In Honor of Blake Goll Liz and Ken Tankel In Honor of Barbara Vincent Liz and Ken Tankel

Members of Radnor Hunt Pony Club present a check representing proceeds from the 2018 Chase for Conservation to the Trust’s Jodi Spragins. The Chase is an organized trail ride on Willistown’s trails crossing hundreds of acres of protected lands.

Ms. Pamela Gougeon Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Groux Mr. and Mrs. William Harrigan Ms. Suzanne Helme Carol H. Henn John and Linda Hicks Timothy Holland Mr. and Mrs. Robert Howard Mrs. Frances Hundt Ms. Mary Hundt McLoughlin Mr. Peter S. Illoway Ms. Elizabeth Johnson Ms. Isabel Johnson Dennis Kane Bruce Killen Marjorie P. Kinkead Ms. Leslie Kurtas Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kvetan La Bella Vita Event Company Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Leininger Hugh J. Lofting Mr. and Mrs. Karl Malessa Anne Marie Matteo Mr. and Mrs. John Maxwell Dan P. McHugh Mr. and Mrs. Scott Miller Ms. Akiko Mitsui and Mr. James Heath Ms. Kristin Morsman Jacoby Judi Myers Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nero Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Parnell John Plonski and Carol Meinhardt Rick and Nancy Richards Sheila Sciocchetti The Schlegel Family Dr. and Mrs. Keith L. Sharkan John R. Silverthorne Dr. and Mrs. W. John Smith Ms. Sara Smyth Mr. and Mrs. Charles Steele Mr. and Mrs. Edward Steidle David and Jo-Ann Stephens Ms. Carmella Tallarida Craig and Judy Thomas Bobbi Tower Bruce and Caron Ulmer Dr. David Velinsky Jane Vyverberg Mr. and Mrs. Michael Warner Mrs. Sharon Wible-Mankovich Jean G. Zeien

CORPORATE, FOUNDATIONS, and MATCHING GIFTS 1976 Foundation Anne Stroud Hannum Charitable Fund Joint Masters of the Ardrossan Beagles, Inc. B&W Family Foundation Benevity Community Impact Fund Brandywine Conservancy Broadacres Trouting Association Comcast Corporation Creative Financial Group DCNR, Bureau of Recreation & Conservation Daley Family Foundation Diamond Ice Foundation EK Yoga of Gladwyne Germantown Academy The Hamilton Family Foundation Hugh Lofting Timber Framing Johnson & Johnson Juniper Networks Foundation Fund Kent Van Alen Fund La Bella Vita Event Company La Cabra Brewing The Le Vine Family Foundation Leo Model Foundation, Inc. Macy’s, Inc. Michigan Audubon Society The National Bank of Malvern Orion General Contractors, Inc. Otto Haas Charitable Trust Quaker City Foundation The RJM Foundation Radnor Hunt Pony Club, Inc. The Rorer Foundation The Simkiss Family Foundation Stroud Water Research Center The Bank of New York Mellon Twin Valleys Garden Club The Vanguard Group Foundation Vinton Family Foundation Voya Foundation Washburn Family Foundation West Chester Garden Club

In Memory of Karen Rush Elko Charlotte and Dennis Elko In Memory of Justin Brooks Fisher Susan Kokat In Memory of Patricia Jacobs Pam and Fred Jacobs In Memory of Lucy Kiziuk Edward Bardzik Jean Bomm Ms. Dorothea Beebe and Ms. Jennifer Beebe Beverly Brennan Pat Chestnut George R. Edgerly Elizabeth and John Gorman, III Cindy and Mark Hegarty Sean Mick Mr. and Mrs. Brian Monahan-Pastuszek Mr. and Mrs. William Pastuszek Mountain Vector Energy Christina O’Reilly Mr. Lawrence Render and Mrs. Susan A. Hogan-Render Lorraine and George Rubin Nancy Ruggles Marie Welc Sally and Hugh Willig

MEMORIAL GIFTS

In Memory of Charles Evan Pusey, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baker Mr. and Mrs. John Hoopes Margaret McDowell Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nero Mr. and Mrs. Charles Steele Jane Vyverberg Stuart and Jane Weisman

In Memory of Jacqueline Cobb Anonymous Rebecca and John Adams

In Memory of Louis C. and Barbara R. Washburn Washburn Family Foundation

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Ms. Margaret Burke and Ms. Christine Dawn Hesser Marlene and Gerry Chachkin Tom Cobb Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Dorval Valerie and John Maxwell Milot Underwood

SPECIAL GIFTS Mr. and Mrs. Lance Turner Bird Conservation Program Dick and Nancy Eales Germantown Academy Mr. and Mrs. Carl Morgan The Pencoyd Foundation Twin Valleys Garden Club Cathy and Jim Staples Community Farm Program Vince and Kali Curran GBH Foundation Mr. Scott Hattersley Cathy and Jim Staples Educational Programs The Gardeners Henry’s Garden Barbara M. Jordan Land Acquisition The Merz Family Foundation Motus Fund Norman and Sidne Baglini Dorothea Beebe & Jennifer Beebe Debbie Beer and Adrian Binns Dr. and Mrs. Ernest Charlesworth Christina Clayton Anne Stroud Hannum Charitable Fund Meg and Chris Hardesty Mrs. R. James Macaleer Michigan Audubon Society Mr. Allen J. Model & Dr. Roberta Gausas Leo Model Foundation Cynthia M. and Steven A. Sansone The RJM Foundation Starrett Foundation Trail Fund Anonymous Ms. Xena Colasante Ms. Debra Copit Ms. Lisa Dudash E. Murdoch Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gansky Dr. and Mrs. Robert P. Good Ms. Pamela Gougeon Andrea Hanaway, MD Alice and Peter Hausmann The Herr Family Mr. and Mrs. Terence Jarman Sandy Jarratt Rick and Sharon Jones Mr. and Mrs. Tom Kreuzberger Mr. and Mrs. Edward Leisenring Nia and Colin McNeil Caroline Moran Britt and Janice Murdoch Mr. and Mrs. Mark Piro Claudia and Marc Rash

2/6/19 8:05 AM

Deborah Warden Liz and Ken Tankel Quaker City Foundation Beneficiary Income AmazonSmile Foundation EVENTS 2018 Barns & BBQ Barn Hosts Alice & Peter Hausmann The Leisenring Family Rachel & Ned Owen Sea Horse Farm Karen & Randy Thurman Barns & BBQ Co-Chairs Tracey & Jon Costello Kate & Ben Etherington Kat & Steve Gord Presenting Sponsors John Milner Architects, Inc. Pinemar, Inc. Community Farm Sponsor Arader Tree Service, Inc. Bird Conservation Sponsors CardConnect Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP flyADVANCED/flyGateway Habitat Restoration Sponsors Brandywine Realty Trust Bryn Mawr Trust BHHS Country Properties Office Rob Van Alen / Jody Vandegrift Crumdale Partners Cullen Construction Donald Pell Gardens E.C. Trethewey Building Contractors, Inc. Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc. James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC King Construction Company, LLC Peter Zimmerman Architects

Woodlands Sponsors Jackson Lewis P.C. U.S. Trust Auction Supporters Joint Masters of the Ardrossan Beagles Tracey Freeman Hetzel Brothers Heritage Metalworks John and Penny Hunt Malvern Buttery Peachtree Catering and Events Radnor Hunt Brian Storey Supporter of the Trust Victory Brewing Company 2018 Run-a-Muck Hosts Janice & Brit Murdoch Land Hosts Barb & Clarke Blynn Lindsay & Ted Leisenring Heather & Matt Naylor Carolyn & Bob Turner Janine & Alex Zozaya Run-a-Muck Co-Chairs Susan Kokat Jamie & Tim Stapf Carolyn & Justin Thompson Kathy & Rick Warden Crum Creek Sponsor Kreischer Miller Meadow Sponsors Audi Devon Barnard Mezzanotte Pinnie & Seelaus Cover & Rossiter, PA Wells Fargo Advisors

Countryside Sponsors Altus Partners Aqua America Bartlett Tree Experts Benner & Sons Painting and Wallcovering BHHS Country Properties Office Rob Van Alen / Jody Vandegrift Brandywine Realty Trust Bryn Mawr Landscaping, Inc. Bryn Mawr Trust CardConnect Conlin’s Digital Print & Copy Center Countryside Consulting Crumdale Partners Cullen Construction Donald Pell Gardens E.C. Trethewey Building Contractors, Inc. Energy Management Systems, Inc. flyADVANCED/flyGateway Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc. Glennbrook Farm GreenWeaver Landscapes, LLC Hawthorn, PNC Family Wealth Jackson Lewis P.C. James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC John Milner Architects, Inc. King Construction Company, LLC KPW Productions Main Line Overland McCausland Keen + Buckman Oliver Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, & Electrical Peter Zimmerman Architects Pinemar, Inc. Quadratec Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP Shreiner Tree Care Sycamore Racing U.S. Trust Warren Claytor Architects, Inc. Weeds, Inc. White Horse Village Willcox Builders

Sycamore Society Party Hosts Holly & Steve Spinner Sponsor Bryn Mawr Trust EVENT PATRONS Anonymous Joanne M. Berwind Fred Bissinger Barb and Clarke Blynn Polly and Steve Carpender Katie and Jonnie Charlson Jayme and Bryan Colket Laurie and Jeff Collins Donna and Rob Corrato Catharine and Gary Cox Claire and Gary Daniels Colleen DeMorat and Ray Dombroski Margaret and Bob Duprey Melissa & Steve Eldredge Kate and Ben Etherington Kimberley and Russell Galligher Esther and Paul Gansky Kat and Steve Gord Mr. and Mrs. J. Wesley Hardin Alice and Peter Hausmann Andrea and David Herr Lynn and Tony Hitschler Grace and Spencer Holland Beth and David Hucker Marybeth Hurley Madeline Iacobucci Francis Jennings & Terri Cappelli Susan Kokat The Kraut Family Charles Kurtzman Ann and Mark Ledger Sharon Mankovich Mayer Crew Ashley McEvoy Leanne and Rob McMenamin

Lists may be incomplete.

Please forgive omissions or errors.

BLAKE GOLL/WCT

Potato harvest at Rushton Farm in Rushton Woods Preserve.

Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC Shreiner Tree Care Sycamore Racing Warren Claytor Architects, Inc. White Horse Village

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The Trust’s education programs serve more than 1,000 individuals, including 500 schoolchildren, each year. From pre-school children through graduate level university students, the Trust uses the protected Willistown countryside as an outdoor classroom for students of all ages and backgrounds.

Abington Friends School Abington, PA The Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University Philadelphia, PA Cheyney University, Hotel Restaurant Management School Cheyney, PA Drexel University, Ornithology Program Philadelphia, PA Episcopal Academy Newtown Square, PA Germantown Academy Fort Washington, PA Haverford School, Crew Team Haverford, PA Mighty Writers Philadelphia, PA University of Pennsylvania, Master of Environmental Studies Program Philadelphia, PA University of Pennsylvania Department of Landscape Architecture Philadelphia, PA Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA Swarthmore College Swarthmore, PA The Shipley School Bryn Mawr, PA Strath Haven High School, A.P. Environmental Science Wallingford, PA Temple University Philadelphia, PA Villanova University Villanova, PA Westtown School West Chester, PA Westtown- Thornbury Elementary School West Chester, PA

Nia and Collin McNeil Joan and Jim Moore Caroline Moran Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morse Joan and John Mullen Amy Plourde Tracy and Joe Przybylowski The Quaker City Foundation Amanda and Conrad Radcliffe Claudia and Marc Rash Fritz and Christine Seving Mr. Stephen Sordoni Ellyn Spragins Doris and Art Strawbridge Peter and Liz Strawbridge Jane and Stuart Taylor Elise and Rick Torpey Carolyn and Bob Turner Bonnie and Jim Van Alen Kathy and Rick Warden Penny and Thomas Watkins Ethel B. Wister Ethel Benson Wister Janine and Alex Zozaya FORGET-ME-NOTS Laura Jane Favela Heather and Charles French Anne and Gary Murphy

IN-KIND DONATIONS Amerasport, Inc. Amos Esh Hay Sales Arader Tree Service, Inc. Alane Beckett Benner & Sons, Painting & Wallcovering Braxton’s Animal Works Maripeg Bruder Bryn Mawr Landscaping Co., Inc. Bryn Mawr Trust Chester County Astronomical Society Catharine & Gary Cox Warren Claytor Concord Pet Foods & Supplies / Frazer Stephanie Fuller Jean Good Green Weaver Landscapes, LLC Hetzel Brothers Karen’s K9 Care Kari & Tony Keane Susan Kokat Linger Longer Farm On Point Farm Out There Outfitters Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines Christine and Fritz Seving Taylor Rental, Malvern Rick Torpey Victory Brewing Company Wooter’s Dog Training

BELOW: Examining an insect during a Rushton Nature Keepers session.

ELIZA GOWEN/WCT

EDUCATION AT THE TRUST Partnership Schools and Programs

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volunteers Elizabeth Allgood Mary Jo Apakian Joy Atwell Sid Baglini Tim Barnard and Meredy Patterson Katie Bartling Deb Beer Mark Bliss Betsy and Luke Block Barb and Clarke Blynn William Brennan Linda Brook Bracken Brown Susan and Angelo Brutico Alice Bullitt Laura Burgess Paula Callahan Tim Callahan Terri Capelli Molly Clark Caroline and Warren Claytor Jayme and Bryan Colket Sandy Collins Deb Copit Beth Coppola Judy Corr Dr. and Mrs. Robert R. Corrato Tracey and Jon Costello Olenia Czerwoniak Chase Davis Fred de Long Laura de Ramel Julie Diamond Linda and Anthony DiValerio Regan Dohm Amanda Dunbar Nancy and Dick Eales Kate and Ben Etherington Liz Feinberg Sharon Fernandes Allison and Andy Fetterman Andy Fetterman Meredith Fetters Lisa Flanagan Carol Forte Tracy and Sam Freeman Heather Gaglione Kim and Russ Galligher Kate Garchinsky

Our sincere thanks to the following individuals who offered their time and talents to help the Trust. List reflects volunteer activities between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018.

Beth Gardner Brook Gardner Sandy Gargas Becca Garlinger Barbara Geisel Girl Scout Troup 4996 Blake Goll Kat and Steve Gord Ben Gord Eliza and James Gowen Fig, Henry, and Camilia Gowen Julie Graham Christina Graham Mark Gregan Lyn Groome Shaina Hamilton Andi Hanaway Meg and Chris Hardesty Suzanne Harrigan Pam Harrison Sarah Hart Bill Hartman Meg Hauler Alice and Peter Hausmann Lori and Ryan Heenan Kristen and Matt Henwood Chase Herz Erik Hetzel Mark Hetzel Jennifer Horan Brian Houck Meg Houder Gene Hough Lyn and Bill Howard Beth and David Hucker Sarah Hutchin Virginia Jackson Torben Jenk Sheryl Johnson Kristen Johnson Marilee Jones Denis Kane Andrea Kaufmann-Berry Tony Keane Keith Kennedy Maryanne and Gene Kern Jesse Klinghoffer Donn Knobb

Susan Kokat Joanne Kostick Stephanie Kuniholm Sally Layden Ann and Mark Ledger Ted Leisenring Danny Leicht Linda LeRoy Pam Lewis Kelsey Lingle Debbie Lortie Brian Lortie Bob MacDonnell Tristram MacDonnell Mary and Stephan MacLachlan Norm Macqueen Nancy Maffia Doris and Pat McGovern Michael McGraw Leanne and Rob McMenamin Allyson McTear Bridget McTear Hagen McTear Holly Merker Katherine Monroe Christina Morin Fred Nocella Roberto O’Reilly Lindsay and Ned Owen Bruce Park Kristen Paulson Sandie Perkowski-Sutherland Karen Petrauskas Meta and Mark Poustaldi Jason Racey Charlie Rahr Krystal Reinhard Tom Rieter Avery Rome Amanda and Steve Ryan Anne Satterthwaite Win Schaffer Cindy Scheeler Cooper Schlegel Louise Schorn Smith Elaine Scott Jessica Shahan Celeste Sheehan

Rachel Shoemaker Lauren McGrath and Nate Simesak Lang and Marilyn Smith Paul Spiegel Holly and Steve Spinner Ellyn Spragins Jodi Spragins Tom Stanley Jamie and Tim Stapf Lila Stapf Cathy Staples Randall Steinhoff Brian Storey Holly Stoviak Doris and Art Strawbridge Liz and Peter Strawbridge Jackie Sweeney Jeanne and Doug Swope Leah Swope Pat Taggert Liz Tankel Jane and Stuart Taylor Carolyn and Justin Thompson Karen and Randy Thurman Mellissa Trala Carolyn and Bob Turner Paige Turner Bonnie and Jim Van Alen Jody and Dale Vandegrift Ruth Van Tassel Barbara and Jeff Vincent Tana Wall Kate and Steve Ward Deb Warden Kathy and Rick Warden Nicki Warden Caitlin Welsh Ann-Charlotte Westerberg Bjorn Westerberg Max White Jim Willson Josephine and Henry Winsor Nelson Wicas Effie Wister John Witty Vicki Wooters Abbie Wysor Janine and Alex Zozaya

This list may be incomplete. Please forgive any omissions or errors.

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The Sycamore

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Road Newtown Square, PA 19073 www.wctrust.org

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

October 19, 2019 Come out for a beautiful fall afternoon and evening celebrating Willistown’s conserved lands.

Run or muck (walk) the beautiful 5k or 1+ mile trails, or just hang out to enjoy the live music, bonfire, stargazing, and a country supper by Jimmy’s BBQ. Leashed dogs welcome! More info at wctrust.org.

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