/SycamoreSpring2006

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THE SYCAMORE Vol. VII, Issue 1

Newsletter of

Spring 2006

W I L L I ST OW N C O N S E RV AT I O N T R U ST

Announcing the “Campaign for the Countryside” A $7 million campaign to protect our remaining critical lands.

A

s I write, it is early Statistics show that one acre every hour, every day, spring in the Willistown countryside and, as is my is lost to development in the region, so it is urgent custom, I took a walk that we act now to preserve today over to the pond at Rushton Farm. I was these precious resources... before it is too late. rewarded by the sight The objectives of of a hundred or so waterfowl milling and the Campaign for the Countryside, under the chatting on the pond and guidance of co-chairs counted six separate Doug Walker and Jennifer species of migratory Moller, are: 1) to assure ducks that had chosen the financial stability this place as a stopover of the Willistown Conseron their way north. Haywagon ride at Kirkwood Preserve...We’re on a roll! vation Trust and the I thought of their remarkable beauty and endurance and felt exceedingly continuence of its land protection, land stewardship, grateful for the many individuals and organizations that, over educational and outreach activities; 2) to renovate the farmthe past twenty-six years, have helped permanently preserve house at 925 Providence Road to provide a long-term places like Rushton and nearly six thousand acres in the Trust functional office and workspace for Trust staff and program area. It is a profound thought that these lands will community volunteers; and 3) to support a 23 acre addition continue to provide a safe haven for migrating waterfowl and to the Kirkwood Preserve that includes a headwater tributary a myriad of other flora and fauna for years to come ... just as to the Crum Creek and expands the preserve to 83 acres. The good news is that during the “quiet phase” of they have for thousands of years in the past. While it is a pleasure to dwell on past successes, the Campaign, our Board of Trustees and many of the Trust’s I am even more excited to let you know of the Trust’s major loyal supporters have contributed an amazing $5 million commitment to the future of conservation in the Willistown toward the $7 million goal, leaving $2 million to be raised by area by announcing our ambitious $7 million Campaign for the close of the campaign at the end of 2006. The generous the Countryside. The campaign will address the compelling need Colket Challenge, described on page two, will hopefully to preserve another five thousand acres of ecologically critical provide the impetus to take our campaign over the top. You lands that remain vulnerable to development in our program will be hearing more about the Campaign in the coming area, while responsibly providing stewardship to those lands months and when you do, I hope you will consider your own which have already been protected. The distinctive character commitment to the future of this glorious countryside. of the Willistown countryside and the beauty of our upper Crum, Ridley and Darby Creek watersheds are at stake. Bonnie Van Alen, President

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


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