The Sycamore - Spring 2012

T h e Sy c a m o r e N E W S F R O M W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T | S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

FROM THE CHAIR This issue of the Sycamore presents me, as the newly elected Board Chair of WCT, with the opportunity to share a few thoughts about how the Trust warrants your interest, participation and support. No doubt you are aware of initiatives taking place at Rushton Farm, in bird conservation and habitat restoration, but you may not be fully aware of the extent to which these programs have spawned myriad related initiatives whose reach extend well beyond the greater Willistown area. Youth programs, environmental science research, education opportunities, local fresh

food initiatives, outreach to inner-city youth, and new farmer development are just a few of the ways in which WCT has come to serve and impact people and communities in much of Chester county and its neighbors.

All of this is made possible by combining four critical components: The precious, preserved and habitatrich open space in greater Willistown, our nature preserves with their rich natural features, the energetic, tireless and expert work of the extraordinary staff of WCT and, perhaps above all, your continued involvement and financial backing.

So please read on and recognize your ownership of the extraordinary grass roots programs that are a product of your loyalty and support.

Mark Ledger Chairman, Board of Trustees

WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST Jeanne B. Van Alen President/Executive Director BOARD OF TRUSTEES Douglas C. Walker Hon0rary Chairman Mark T. Ledger Chairman Alice E. Hausmann Vice Chairman Elizabeth C. Hucker Treasurer Langhorne B. Smith Secretary James L. Van Alen II Assistant Secretary Timothy B. Barnard, Esq. Bryan D. Colket V. Richard Eales W. Anthony Hitschler William T. Howard F. Arthur McMorris, Ph.D. Jennifer C. Moller Janice Murdoch Arthur E. Newbold Christine S. Seving Peter S. Strawbridge Anson W. H. Taylor, III Tana Wall STAFF Jim Boerckel Director of Finance Sue R. Costello GIS Coordinator Fred de Long Director of Community Farm Program

V I S I T U S AT W W W. W C T RU S T. O R G

Elaine C. Gilmartin Director of Development and Community Outreach Blake Goll Nature Education Coordinator Noah Gress Rushton Farm Field Manager William R. Hartman, Jr. Director of Stewardship Lisa Kiziuk Director of Bird Conservation Program

Birds

Farm

Susie MacDonnell Events and PR Coordinator Nancy K. Rosin Associate Director of Development Joyce D. Spragins Communications and Technology Manager John G. Turgeon Director of Land Protection and Public Grants Joannah Whitnah Rushton Farm Assistant Field Manager

Preserves ON THE COVER: Enjoying the Run-a-Muck trail.

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Lisa Wimble Rushton Farm Greenhouse Manager WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Rd. Newtown Square, Pa 19073 610.353.2562 LAND@WCTRUST.ORG Willistown Conservation Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)3 of the I.R.S. Code.

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

Contents

THE SYCAMORE SPRING 2012 VOL. XIII NO.1

N E W S F R O M W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T WWW.WCTRUST.ORG

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IT Belongs to all of us NOW Thanks to our remarkable community, our public funding partners and a challenge from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the extraordinary 80-acre Rushton Woods Preserve is complete.

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FOOD FOR ALL Rushton Farm’s nature-centric approach attracts and supports a diverse array of wildlife — and people.

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GAINING GROUND Our local trail network is growing by leaps and bounds...take a closer look!

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THE SCIENCE OF BIRD CONSERVATION New research on breeding and nesting birds strengthens the scientific focus of the Trust’s Bird Conservation Program.

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SHARING THIS TREASURE WITH STUDENTS Using the countryside to educate and transform lives.

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CALENDAR OF PROGRAMS & EVENTS

REPORT OF GIFTS

SGP Sustainable Green Printing Partnership

RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE

IT Belongs to all of Mary Hunt Davis

Many Partners , the Pew Challenge, and a June Celebration As many of you know, over the past thirty years our amazing Willistown community has come together over and again to acquire and preserve several thousand acres of our precious countryside that otherwise would have succumbed to development. And now, we are about to celebrate one of the most exciting and meaningful acquisitions of all - the recent completion of the 50-acre addition to our beloved Rushton Woods Preserve.

This acquisition increases the Preserve to 80 acres and has taken more than three years and a team of dedicated partners to complete — beginning with the original investors in the Rushton Land Associates partnership who, in 2008, bravely stepped up to acquire the land on behalf of the Trust at a bargain sale price of $3.9million.

By the fall of 2011, thanks to extraordinary commitments from the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and several private donors, the Trust had raised $2.7 million - leaving $1,200,000 needed to complete the acquisition. That is when we met Tom Curren, Executive Director of the Northeast Land Trust Consortium of the Pew Charitable Trusts. Tom presented us with the magnificent “Pew Challenge” through which Pew agreed to contribute $200,000 if we could successfully raise an additional $1 million from private donors by March 31, 2012. We are proud to announce that, thanks to Tom’s help and the remarkable generosity of many of our most loyal supporters, the Pew Challenge has been met. We are now looking forward to a grand celebration of this beautiful Preserve with Pew, our many partners and all of you.

Looking ahead, it is especially wonderful to know that the Rushton Woods Preserve’s rich natural resources, prime agricultural soils and miles of riding and hiking trails will continue to provide the perfect site for people to learn about and enjoy nature and for the Trust’s core programs to flourish. The Rushton Community Farm, now in its fourth year, is thriving and, in addition to providing healthy food for the local community, has become an important regional resource to teach and demonstrate the many benefits of sustainable farming. The Farm Program along with our Bird Conservation and Habitat Restoration Programs will continue to engage people and nourish the spirits of many generations for years to come. For this we are so grateful to all of those who helped make it happen.

I look forward to seeing all of you out in the fields and in the woods at our Rushton Woods Preserve.

PS: Be sure to save the date, June 2, when we will be Celebrating Rushton , honoring our partners, and enjoying a special summer evening replete with entertainment and a gourmet “Field to Table” dinner at Rushton Farm!

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Illustration by Elizabeth Stokes

of us NOW

A Community Comes Together

Funding Sources for the 50-acre Addition to Create the Extraordinary 80-acre Rushton Woods Preserve

Chester County Preservation Partnership Pennslyvania Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources Private Donations Pew Charitable Trusts Challenge Grant

$2,000,000 500,000 1,200,000 200,000 -----------$3,900,000 SPRING 2012 | 5

Food for All

RUSHTON FARM’S NATURE-CENTRIC APPROACH ATTRACTS AND SUPPORTS DIVERSE WILDLIFE

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Letting some crop fields go to seed, creating smaller crop fields with wide swaths of unmown borders, proximity to undisturbed hedge rows, adjacency to 75 acres of protected grassland and woodland, and a commitment to chemicalfree cultivation are just a few of Rushton Farm’s nature-centric practices that produce food and shelter for a dazzling array of critters.

ABOVE LEFT: Insects

that are considered pests to the farm are often kept in balance by the thriving bird population which feeds on them. ABOVE RIGHT: Unmown borders surrounding the crop fields play host to a diverse array of plantlife, providing cover and food sources for an equally diverse array of wildlife.

In late March of 2008 the newly hired Rushton Farm staff walked out into the grassy meadow that was about to be converted to farm fields for crop production. A heavy fog blanketed the land and shadows lurked in the woods beyond.

As the first patch of ground was broken with our walkbehind tiller, a call was heard and two shadows were seen darting across in the distance. It was our introduction to two fox who would become the first regular visitors to Rushton Farm.

That season featured frequent appearances from the two fox who would sit idly on the north hill above the fields casually observing the transformation of the land below.

Morning walks of the turned ground would reveal their prints alongside rabbit tracks, evidence of a midnight chase through the farm fields and a welcome sight for farmers looking for a little help in protecting their crops.

Rushton Farm takes up just six acres within the 80-acre Rushton Woods Preserve. Farming within a nature preserve is a unique experience for any farmer who is used to vast, wide open crop fields with little wildlife habitat. With our smaller crop fields, intentionally unmown areas, and location within a large mature woodland, we witness the delicate balance between predators and prey, that helps control animal pests such as rabbits and groundhogs.

At Rushton, we recognize that we are growing food for people, but in that process we acknowledge and, in most cases, encourage the intricate web of wildlife that also finds food sources of all kinds in and around the farm.

Our initial fear in farming within a preserve was the large deer population that existed around the farm. The Trust’s Deer Management Program had helped to reduce those numbers considerably in the first years of Rushton Farm’s existence. The addition of low voltage electric fencing around each of the fields prevented deer from infiltrating the crops while allowing a viewshed of the farm that is unimpeded with large obtrusive fencing. To date there has been very little damage to crops at the farm, a sure sign that effective management can deter deer damage.

While the deer present an unwanted presence at the farm, the bird population continues to be a wonder season after season. When the farm work starts up in late March, the Rushton Farm staff is already bearing witness to the first of the magnificent migratory species that visit the farm through spring. In fall these migratory birds stop by again to glean the seeds and insects in the crop fields. The Trust’s Bird Conservation Program has been banding and tracking these birds since the inception of the farm and has seen a clear correlation between the management practices at the SPRING 2012 | 7

We recognize that we are growing food for people, but in that process we acknowledge and encourage the intricate web of wildlife that also finds food sources in and around the farm.

ABOVE: An Indigo Bunting selects a large sunflower at Rushton Farm for its nest. BELOW RIGHT: A Goldfinch surveys the farm for its next meal, primarily seed from milkweed and thistle, both of which are abundant in the unmown areas around the crop fields at Rushton Farm.

farm and the increase in the bird population at the preserve.

Rushton Farm presents a unique model for how a sustainable farm can not only effectively manage wildlife but benefit from it. Over the past four years we have observed birds helping to control the insect pressures in the field, just as fox help to manage the rabbit population. A recent sighting of a hawk swooping in to snag a wayward field mouse reminds us of this balance. It is a balance that says a lot about the way we manage our land and grow our food. It shows that both can exist and benefit the farm and the areas surrounding it.

LEARN MORE Visit wildfarmalliance.org to learn more about how community farms like Rushton help to protect and restore wild nature.

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Whether it be wandering the mowed trails through the grasslands at Kirkwood Preserve, skipping the new stepping stones at Ashbridge Preserve, or exploring the woodland at Rushton Woods — the allure of trails leads us deeper into nature and the possibility of new discovery. John Muir captured it perfectly: “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out to sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.”

BIT BY BIT, OUR LOCAL TRAIL NETWORK IS GROWING

Gaining Ground TRAIL CLEARING TEAM MAKES HEADWAY

Once on a trail it is hard for us to turn back — we want to keep “going in,” to unlock its secrets and follow it around the next bend. Perhaps it was sentiments like these that brought our Trail Clearing Team out this past winter.

Or, more likely, it was because (a) there really was not much winter, (b) the trails were badly in need of clearing, and (c) trail clearing is so much fun!

Whatever the reason, our enthusiastic and dedicated Trail Team of more than 30 volunteers spent Sunday afternoons during January, February and March clearing miles of trails through the Willistown countryside. What a team!

BONNIE VAN ALEN

THORNCROFT ADDS A CRITICAL LINK

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We dream of a day when we have riding and walking trails connecting our protected places throughout the Willistown area.

Congratulations to our friends at Thorncroft Equestrian Center and French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust (F&PCCT) for partnering to complete the preservation of 70 acres of the Thorncroft and Dixon family lands along Line Road in East Goshen Township. This new conservation and trail easement will complete a critical link in the Trust’s Upper Ridley Creek Greenway project — a planned corridor of open space stretching from East Goshen Township Park in the north to Ridley Creek State Park and Tyler Arboretum eight miles to the south.

For nearby residents and visitors, the Thorncroft easement combined with the Trust’s new stepping stone crossings at Ashbridge will make possible a permanent trail connection between East Goshen Park and Ashbridge Preserve providing a local network of two miles of publically accessible walking, riding and hiking trails. (see map). Thanks to Thorncroft and F&PCCT for this wonderful gift to our community and the region.

TOP: The new Thorncroft easement makes possible a future trail

corridor linking Ashbridge Preserve and points south to East Goshen Township Park, Willisbrook Preserve, and points north. MIDDLE: New stepping stone crossings at Ashbridge Preserve create new trail possibilities. BOTTOM: Art Strawbridge, Max Van Schaijik, Jim Van Alen, and Stephan Maclachlan, work on clearing the trail of fallen trees.

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MAPS REVEAL TREASURE IN RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE

THE SCIENCE OF BIR When the Rushton Woods Preserve Banding Station was established in 2009, its primary focus was on migrating spring and fall neo-tropical songbirds, along with Northern Saw-whet Owls during the fall. While these programs have provided enormous benefit to our educational outreach (attracting over 1,000 visitors) we decided to add new programming to expand and deepen our contribution to scientific research.

Led by our experienced consultant, Doris McGovern, the Rushton Bird Banding Team organized and began operation of a MAPS (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship) station in the summer of 2011.

The MAPS station complements our migratory banding activities because it focuses on birds that breed and nest in the Willistown area.

Establishing the station was a daunting task, but it is now up and running and is one of only 500 MAPS banding stations in North America.

The MAPS protocol, developed by the Institute for Bird Populations

(www.birdpop.org ) is rigorous in that it requires a large and sustained commitment of time and effort. The program enables the Rushton Banding team to make the most scientifically significant contribution possible to the study of birds, and generates a wealth of high-quality scientific data on bird populations for use by other important agencies.

WHAT IS MAPS? MAPS focuses on capturing songbirds on their breeding grounds and monitoring fluctuation of birds captured over a number of years. Using this banding data that includes the number of adults and young birds captured and recaptured in subsequent years, it is possible to determine how Rushton Woods’ bird populations are faring in comparison to other areas of similar habitat.

The Institute for Bird Populations uses MAPS data to examine changes in bird populations and provide possible indicators as to why a species is either increasing or decreasing. With many

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songbird species in decline, this is a powerful tool when developing conservation initiatives which will help protect species in peril.

WHAT IS A MAPS STATION? A MAPS station is a specific location where birds are captured each year during the summer (the focus is breeding birds as opposed to migrating birds). Typically ten mist nets (large fine nets used to capture songbirds) are placed in exactly the same spots each year. During the summer, the nets are set up once every ten days, for six sessions between June and August. Each session starts a half hour before sunrise and ends six hours later. Birds are gently captured in the nets, banded and quickly released. Data including sex, age, weight, and molt are collected during this time.

WHY MAPS AT RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE? The Rushton Woods Preserve is unique in its location near a densely populated metropolitan area, yet surrounded by protected open space

RD CONSERVATION and contiguous woodland. Bird species we expect to capture include Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Veery, Gray Catbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Common Yellowthroat, and Eastern Towhee. Less common species we hope to capture include Brown Thrasher, Scarlet Tanager, and Kentucky Warbler. This wide variety of species gives us a great opportunity to learn about these birds, while contributing valuable data to help understand their population trends.

Overall, the study of birds provides insights to help us assess and promote effective wildlife and habitat management. How do they respond to reduced mowing of certain areas? How do they respond to the reduction of the deer herd? How do they respond to the reduction of an invasive species like Garlic Mustard?

Knowing the answers to questions like these will help us toward our conservation goal of managing fully functioning ecosystems that sustain the greatest diversity and abundance of birds and other wildlife here in greater Willistown and beyond.

RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE

Visitors 1,000 Birds Banded 3,200 Species Banded 65

2011 Bird Banding by the numbers

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Sharing this Treasure

Urban Youth Program Reaches Beyond our Borders It is often said that to truly understand food you need to walk the fields of a farm, see how the crops are grown and taste the fruits of the land fresh from the field. The impact of this is lasting — particularly on the young. Do you remember tasting your first freshly picked apple, strawberry or peach? For most of us, that experience happened as a child.

Not long after Rushton Farm was established in 2008, we met a special group of children who had never had this fresh food experience, and did not even have access to basic foods we take for granted. These students were part of The Achievement Project (TAP), an organization that helps young people in Chester succeed in high school with the ultimate goal of admission to and completion of college.

TAP students come from a “food desert” where grocery stores do not exist and violence and school closings are the norm. Under the direction of TAP Executive Director, Nicola Jefferson, these students are able to learn outside the classroom in enviroments that help promote a greater understanding of possibilities and opportunities available beyond their neighbohood in Chester.

Rushton Woods Preserve and Farm has been the perfect place to introduce these kids to the wonder and beauty of nature over the course of regular visits through the seasons.

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the farm or other locations in the Willistown area, under the direction of Trust Community Farm and Stewardship staff members Fred de Long and Lisa Kiziuk. Hesitant at first, the students have been transformed by all of the new and varied experiences that have been offered to them through this program.

The first year of the TAP-WCT program was spent learning about fresh food and nutrition using Rushton Farm as the classroom where students grew, harvested and tasted food straight from the fields. In subsequent years additional elements focused on ecology, nature, wildlife and poetry.

This year TAP students will connect with the vibrant diversity of birds that bring Rushton to life with their beautiful colors and songs. They will discover the importance of birds to the environment, gain an understanding of the trials they must overcome during migration, and experience up-close the strength and beauty of these amazing creatures.

Sharing the treasure of Rushton Farm and Rushton Woods Preserve has always been central to our mission.

Sharing it with such a special group of young people from TAP has been a wonderful opportunity for all. In the process, friendships have been created and a place of muchneeded safety and peace has been established for a very deserving group of students.

with Students A Confluence Of Ecology, Nutrition And Friendship Sample TAP - WCT Activities

Each session includes individual journaling and ends with a harvest, cooking and eating together

Bouquet making Saw-whet Owl banding Nature hikes Seeding Planting Weeding Harvesting Composting Insect science Plant sale planning Vegetable identification Poetry workshop

Future sessions Art in nature Bird biology and behavior Soil science Preserving fresh foods Pollination Bees and honey production CSA business analysis

LEAVING THE CONFINES OF THE CLASSROOM From completing their community service requirements to using the Trust’s nature preserves as living classrooms, local school students are getting outdoors and learning from the Trust’s knowledgable staff.

The Trust has developed strong, lasting partnerships with a number of local schools, providing excellent opportunities for students to tackle their community service requirements while providing much needed assistance with the upkeep and care of the Trust’s preserves.

As part of our effort to strenghten the educational dimension of our school partnerships, the Trust is working to use our preserves and farm as outdoor classrooms that reinforce their “indoor” classroom curriculum. Seeing the dynamics of nature at work in the field can bring words and concepts to life for a student. An emotional connection is created.

Last October, this idea was put to practice when nearly 100 Environmental Science Honors students from Conestoga High School ventured off campus to visit Rushton Woods Preserve. These students ambled through farm fields, explored the woodlands, and participated in bird banding. Designated stations along the way allowed Trust staff, Conestoga faculty and the students to explore topics directly from their curriculum such as biodiversity, soil disturbance, succession and native vs. nonnative species. Farm staff reinforced the concept of “agroecology” and included a discussion of sustainable farming

practices. Cell phones turned off and smart boards left silent at school, these students connected directly with the natural world around them.

Afterwards, Environmental Science teacher Kevin Strogen reported, “The students had a great time at the preserve.

Everything that was presented tied in very nicely to what the students are learning in class.” Plans are underway to bring another environmental science class back to the preserve this spring.

Rushton Farm has also been the site of curriculum-based community service, or service learning, for students from nearby Westtown School. An advanced science course has been enhanced to include activities at Rushton Farm where these young adults work and learn alongside our farmers. Examining scientific, nutritional and social justice issues related to food and agriculture, students also keep journals to nurture self-reflection as well as fulfill academic requirements for writing and communication.

Sharing our knowledge and the incredible natural resources of the Willistown countryside with these groups is certainly one of the greatest gifts we can give back to the community.

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A n A tmosphere of S ensitive D is c over y

Young Birders Combine Natur I excitedly flipped over one last rock in the backyard before Mother began calling me for dinner. There it was! A mysterious little salamander timidly looking up at me before diving into the nearest crevice.

This would certainly be another night’s sleep filled with salamander dreams…

— BLAKE GOLL, WCT NATURE EDUCATION COORDINATOR

This is the type of magic the Trust’s Junior Birding Club strives to replicate in the lives of the children

who participate. These precious nature memories will be with them all their lives, and remind them of who they are and what it is that feeds their soul.

The desire to be connected to the natural world is evident in every child’s innate thirst for adventure, discovery, freedom and exploration. Nature satisfies all of these needs and enriches childrens’ lives.

Joseph Cornell said it beautifully: “When we, as leaders, can provide an atmosphere of sensitive discovery and direct experience, nature is able to

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change people’s lives spontaneously, in wonderful ways.”

The Trust’s Junior Birding Club aims to do just that. It connects children with nature on an intimate level. They explore through educational activities timed to the seasons, learn how to use binoculars, go on bird hikes, create poetry and art, and even hold wild birds while observing bird banding.

Going strong since last spring, our Junior Birding Club is now the Chester County division of the statewide

If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it.

Perhaps this is what Thoreau had in mind when he said, “the more slowly trees grow at first, the sounder they are at the core, and I think the same is true of human beings.”

-DAVID SOBEL BEYOND ECOPHOBIA

re and Fun program, PA Young Birders (PAYB).

The Rushton Woods Preserve is one of only two statewide sites, the other being Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.

Monthly meetings consistently draw a dozen kids, ages 8–12, from Willistown and surrounding communities. Last October’s meeting, “Owls and their Night World,” was wildly successful with over 50 children in attendance.

Adrian Binns and Debbie Beer of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club as well as wonderful volunteers like Lou Hahn have been instrumental

in orchestrating the PAYB monthly meetings. The sessions are always filled with surprises for the leaders as well as for the children. Their deep thoughts and nature-inspired art creations provide wonderful evidence of the impact of the program, and make us hopeful about the kind of people they will grow up to be.

It all starts with those childhood memories of running freely through the meadow, searching for salamanders under stones in the woods, or feeling the heartbeat of a wild bird in the palm of your hand.

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PROGRAMS & EVENTS March

Beer for Birds Friday March 2 6 – 8pm Home of Stephen Sordoni

Ancient Ale tasting and talk with Patrick McGovern, the world’s foremost beer archaeologist.

PA Young Birders Coffee, Chocolate & Birds Saturday March 24 9:30 – 11:00 am Rushton Farm

Bird fun for kids ages 8 – 12.

Email lkr@wctrust.org to sign up.

April Spring Bird Banding Begins Most Tuesday and Wednesdays beginning mid April Sunrise – Early Afternoon Rushton Woods Preserve

Come meet Willistown’s most colorful inhabitants up close. To express interest and to receive regular banding schedule updates, email lkr@wctrust.org.

Historic Sugartown Day Saturday April 21 Sugartown and Spring Roads

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Saturday May 5 7pm Radnor Hunt Club

Meet The Farmers

Come Get Saucy with the Willistown Young Friends at their innaugural event. Food by Jose Garces!

Proceeds benefit WCT.

Sunday April 22 5:00 pm Rushton Farm CSA members meet the farm staff and hear about the upcoming season.

May Potato Planting A Saturday in May tbd Rushton Farm

Come join this fun family activity and get your hands dirty placing little seed potatoes into the ground.

Wednesday “Just Show Up” Volunteer Days at the Farm Begin Every Wednesday through October beginning Wednesday May 2 9am – 4pm Rushton Farm

Here’s a great way to get your hands dirty, help the farm, and learn about sustainable agriculture.

Plant Sale Saturday & Sunday May 5 & 6 11am – 3pm Rushton Farm

Warbler Walk Sunday May 6 7:30 am at Rushton Woods Preserve

Come see some of our most beautiful spring migrants. RSVP to bhg@wctrust.org

Pretty Big Bird Day Saturday May 12 Greater Willistown

Join this friendly competition for the most birds species identified. Party at 6pm.

Email REales@gmail.com for more info.

PA Young Birders Spring Songbird Migratory Banding Saturday May 19 9:30 – 11:00 am Rushton Farm

Bird fun for kids ages 8 – 12.

Email lkr@wctrust.org to sign up.

First CSA Pickup Of The Season Tuesday May 29 2 – 7pm Rushton Farm

June

Early vegetable and annual flower seedlings, raspberry canes, and a limited supply of perennials.

PA Young Birders Migratory Bird Project Saturday April 21 9:30 – 11:00 am Rushton Farm

Bird fun for kids ages 8 – 12.

Email lkr@wctrust.org to sign up.

Celebrating Rushton Saturday June 2 Evening Rushton Farm Creek Week - Stream Clean Up Saturday May 5 9am – 11am Randolph Woods, Malvern

Help us clean up the stream as we participate in the Chester-Crum-Ridley Creek Watersheds Association’s annual Creek Week event.

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A fancy farm dinner with dancing. Email invitation and more details to follow.

Check wctrust.org for updated calendar NO LIMIT$ – Fortunes, Tastings & Bluegrass…Pony Up!!

Saturday June 23 7:00 pm at Delchester Farm

Party by Radnor Hounds Foundation with a portion of the proceeds to benefit Willistown Conservation Trust. For more information email jenn@proservevents.com.

Veggies and Venison Saturday June 30 5:00 pm Rushton Farm

Tomato Gleaning A Saturday in August tbd Rushton Farm

Help harvest the last tomatoes on the vines before nighttime temperatures ruin their flavor. All produce from the gleaning will be donated to the families and individuals in need via West Chester Food Cupboard.

September

Radnor Hunt Horse Trials & Pig Roast Saturday October 13 Competition: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Pig Roast: 5:00pm Radnor Hunt Pony Club and Radnor Hunt This “horse triatholon” has been taking place in the Radnor Hunt countryside for over 40 years. Proceeds benefit organizations that support the local equestrian community, including Willistown Conservation Trust.

Potluck supper for CSA members and participants in the Trust’s Deer Management Program.

July Dedication of this special garden created in memory of Henry Jordon, produce from which will be donated to the hungry.

Run-A-Muck & Countryside Bash Saturday September 22 Heartwood Farm 2:30 – 9pm

You can Run or Muck (walk) on the beautiful crosscountry trail again this Fall, and don’t miss this Countryside Bash! Young, old or canine — all gather in this spectacular setting for a day of running, mucking and raucous fun. There’s nothing like it! Registration required.

October

Tomato Tasting Saturday July 28 5 – 7pm Rushton Farm

Tomatoes are the stars!

Gardening without skills

August

Owl Banding Begins October – tbd Rushton Woods Preserve

By reservation only. Adorable little Saw-whet Owls are banded at Rushton Woods Preserve as they migrate through our area. For reservations email lkr@wctrust.org.

Harvest Celebration Saturday October 27, rain date Sunday Rushton Farm 5 – 8pm

Pumpkin carving, live raptors, bonfire and beautiful Autumn evening at Rushton Farm.

Registration required.

November

Hoof Print Image

Dedication of Henry’s Garden Wednesday July 11 Rushton Farm

Radnor Hunt Pony Club Chase for Conservation Sunday November 11

Proceeds from this annual trail ride through many of Willistown’s preserved areas benefit the Trust.

Potato Harvest A Saturday in August tbd Rushton Farm

Come to this family friendly day of digging for treasure at Rushton Farm - potato treasure!

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STAFF AND TRUSTEE NEWS

Movers and Shakers Mark Ledger recently elected board chair, and his wife, Anne, moved with his family to Barr Road in Willistown in 1994. Mark was the co-founder of Aegis Realty Consultants, a Philadelphia based real estate investment firm and, now semiretired, devotes much of his time and talents to a number of non-profits in the areas of urban homelessness, inner-city micro finance, environmental protection and sustainability. He is an avid outdoorsman and fly-fisherman, and serves on the board of the Corporation for the Northern Rockies in Montana. Mark was the 2011 Chairman of the Trust’s Community Farm Program Committee, and has been a member of the Trust’s Environmental Committee and the Core Advisory Group that reviewed the launch of the Trust’s Community Farm Program.

Jim Boerckel joined the Trust in October 2011 as Director of Finance,

having spent the prior three years in the same role at Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Jim brings a wealth of non-profit financial accounting experience, having worked and served as a board member of non-profits for most of his career. Jim resides in Havertown with his wife Mary and is the proud father of five children and six grandchildren.

Noah Gress joined the Trust in January as Field Manager at Rushton Farm.

Noah has twenty years of experience in organic sustainable agriculture and has been a strong voice in the southeastern Pennsylvania farming community for the last ten years. He got his start at the revered Solviva Farm in West Tisbury Massachusetts before moving to Pete’s Produce Farm in Westtown where he independently ran organic production at the farm. He owns and operates Raindance Apiaries, a beekeeping business focused on honey production and pollination. The happy bees at Rushton Farm are part of his “herd”.

Nancy Kang Rosin joined the Trust in September 2011 as Associate

Director of Development focusing on the Annual Fund. She recently moved from Center City Philadelphia where she worked in the Development Offices of Friends Select School and the University of Pennsylvania. Before she became a professional fundraiser, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia County for five years. She enjoys traveling and is an avid reader who is always looking for a good book to read. Having grown up in the Pittsburgh area in the ‘70s and ‘80s, she makes no apologies for being a huge Steelers fan.

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FAR LEFT (L TO R) Mark Ledger, Jim Boerckel, Noah Gress, Nancy Kang Rosin Fred de Long.

NEAR LEFT (L to R) Lisa Kiziuk, Doris McGovern, Bill Hartman, Blake Goll .

Selected Staff Presentations, Awards and Professional Advancement

Outstanding in Their Fields Fred de Long Presented Homesteading at the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture’s Farming for the Future conference in State College, PA. (February 2011) Presented Growing Not Mowing: Leasing Land for New Farms and Farmers together with Marilyn Anthony (PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture), at the Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference in Harrisburg (May 2011) and the Land Trust Alliance Rally held in Milwaukee (October 211) Presented Land Conservation, Agriculture And Health at the Yale Conservation Finance Camp. (June 2011) Fred de Long and Lisa Kiziuk Presented Sustainable Agriculture’s Impact on Water Quality in conjunction with Stroud Water Research Center at Cabrini College. (April 2011) Fred de Long, Lisa Kiziuk and Bill Hartman Presented Food and Feathers: Building Connections to Farms and Wildlife at the Land Trust Alliance Rally (national land trust convention) held in Milwaukee.

(October 2011)

Blake Goll attended Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s BirdSleuth Ambassador Workshop (October 2011).

Bill Hartman earned a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate at Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership (June 2011).

Lisa Kiziuk received the Rosalie Edge Conservation Award, awarded by the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club to an individual who has made a significant contribution to conservation of the environment.

(November 2011) Lisa Kiziuk, Blake Goll, and Doris McGovern Provided bird banding demonstrations/regional field ecology sessions for the following groups: • University of Pennsylvania Environmental Studies master degree students (June 2011) • Eastern College Zoology students (September 2011) • Pennsylvania Institute of Conservation Education (PICE) Master Naturalist Program (May 2011) • Bryn Athyn College Ornithology students (multiple sessions)

SPRING 2012 | 19

The Sycamore Society The Sycamore Society honors individuals and organizations who annually contribute $1,000 or more to the Trust. Gifts listed below include contributions to the Annual Fund, the Pew Challenge for Rushton Woods Preserve and the Trust’s Capital Fund.

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

Anonymous (1) Elizabeth G. Atterbury Dick and Nancy Eales Alice and Peter Hausmann

Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler Margot and Bob Keith Kidogo Foundation Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran

Quaker City Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Kevin T. Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Spinner The Tally Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Turner, Jr.

G O L D S YC A M O R E S

S I LV E R S YC A M O R E S

($10,000 to $24,999)

Anonymous Ms. Carol Ann Atterbury Mr. Timothy B. Barnard Mr. and Mrs. Bryan D. Colket Mr. and Mrs. James E. Gerry Tucker C. Gresh Kent-Lucas Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. McNeely

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen II Mr. and Mrs. Douglas C. Walker Mr. & Mrs. Jeffery C. Warden Mr. and Mrs. William Warden III

($5,000 to $9,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Newbold IV Mr. and Mrs. George F. Rubin Lang and Marilyn Smith Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge Mrs. Anson W.H. Taylor, Jr. U.S. Trust, Bank of America Veritable, LP

GBH Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William T. Howard Mr. and Mrs. J. David Hucker Jordan Family Fund for Chester County, a fund of the Chester County Community Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kirby The Kirby Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Ledger Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Moller Mr. and Mrs. Britton H. Murdoch Donna and Bill Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Seymour S. Preston III Radnor Hunt Horse Trials Mr. and Mrs. Frederick T. Seving III Deacon and Sheila Shorr Mrs. Ethel Benson Wister

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

Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. L. Clarke Blynn Mr. and Mrs. Tristram C. Colket, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Cox Mr. and Mrs. Craig W. Cullen, Jr.

Mr. Brook Gardner and Ms. Jodi Spragins Dr. Leslie J. Green and Dr. Ethel M. Ziselman The Hamilton Family Foundation Beverly S. Hattersley

Mr. Michael H. Hoplamazian Martha and Doug King Kreischer Miller Dr. F. Arthur McMorris and Dr. Joanna Balcarek McMorris E. Murdoch Family Foundation

Radnor Hunt Pony Club Mr. Stephen Sordoni Mr. Richard H. Thompson Turner Investment Partners, Inc. Mrs. William L. Van Alen, Sr.

S YC A M O R E S

($1,000 to $2,499) Anonymous (3) Franny and Franny Abbott Dr. John Antoniades and Dr. Kristina Antoniades Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie and Seelaus Caroline and Olin Belsinger Joanne M. Berwind Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Borgh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Briggs Broadacres Trouting Association Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Campbell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. W. Morgan Churchman III Mr. and Mrs. Warren I. Claytor Warren Claytor Architects Mr. and Mrs. James M. Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Emery W. Davis Dr. and Mrs. Sanford H. Davne Carol and J.R. Delich Dr. Ronald E. DiSimone and Dr. Patricia Ann Torna Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. DiValerio, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Drummond Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Duprey Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Genuardi Germeshausen Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dale D. Goodman Griffiths Construction, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Philip J. Harvey Mr. Scott T. Hattersley Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Helm Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Hofmann Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Holloway Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Hurley III Mr. Francis M. Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Jerome R. Keough Dick and Nancy Klavans Ms. Susan Kokat Mr. and Mrs. George F. Krall, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Layden, Jr. Ann Ledger Architect Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Legnini Ms. Leslie Lynch Mrs. Lawrence E. MacElree

20 | W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T

Ms. Victoria B. Mars and Mr. David R. Spina Mr. and Mrs. R. John Marsh, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mason Mr. and Mrs. Robert McClements, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Wade L. McDevitt Mr. and Mrs. John B. McGowan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher K. McHugh Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. McNeil Mr. and Mrs. John D. Milner John Milner Architects Mr. Bruce R. Morgan and Dr. Cynthia A. Graves Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Morse Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph Mullen Tara and George Off Mr. and Mrs. C. Warren Ormerod Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Pension Mr. and Mrs. William J. Petrauskas Mr. and Mrs. David W. Rawson Donald and Jill Red Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Roach, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Scanlon, Jr. The Simkiss Family Foundation Julie and Robert Spahr Trevor and Sandie Sutherland Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Swift Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Taggart Mr. and Mrs. Anson W. H. Taylor III Mr. and Mrs. Stuart J. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Trala, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen, Jr. Mr. Charles F. Van Doren The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas D. Watkins Ms. Charlotte C. Weber Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Weir Mrs. Penelope P. Wilson Ms. Effie Wister Ms. Noelle Wister Ms. Sabina F. Wister and Mr. Brian Zahn Alejandro and Janine Zozaya

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

R E C O G NI ZI NG OU R LEA D ING S U P P OR T E R S

SYCAMORE SOCIETY GATHERS AT GRAMMERCY FARM

BELOW: Chairman Peter Strawbridge, Hosts Chris and Jennifer Moller, US Trust Senior VP Rob McMenamin and Willistown Conservation Trust Executive Director Bonnie Van Alen at the 2011 Sycamore Society Party.

MARY HUNT DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Members of the Sycamore Society gathered in June at Gramercy Farm, the lovely home of Jennifer and Chris Moller, to celebrate the countryside and the Trust’s most loyal and generous group of donors. As if on cue, storm clouds parted to offer a stunning sunset and a hilltop view of Rushton Woods Preserve and miles of open space.

This year we were fortunate to have U.S. Trust, Bank of America as the underwriter of this event. Rob McMenamin, Senior VP for U.S. Trust, took a few minutes to “…recognize the commitment that [Sycamore members] have all made to prioritizing local conservation and environmental efforts as demonstrated by [their] philanthropic support of the Willistown Conservation Trust.”

Noting that his firm echoes this “passion for creating meaningful changes in the communities where we work and live,” McMennamin described U.S. Trust’s recently announced “10-year, $20 billion environmental commitment to address climate change...” An important aspect of which is “philanthropic and volunteer support of nonprofit organizations focused on environmentally progressive activities...”

We are grateful for the recognition and support of U.S. Trust and of our loyal Sycamore Society members.

Their generosity and sustained commitment ensures that the Trust can continue to preserve the Willistown countryside and offer programs that connect people with the land. Thank you for making all of our work possible!

Sycamore Society Party SPRING 2012 | 21

Donor Support

Conservationists ($500 to $999)

Anonymous (1) Altus Partners Arader Tree Service, Inc. Ms. Jennifer Barrow Mr. and Mrs. Clyde D. Beers Benner & Sons, Inc. Braxton’s Animal Works, Inc. James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC Mr. and Mrs. James J. Cleary, Jr. Walter J. Cook Jeweler, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cozzi Mr. and Mrs. William O. Daggett, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Neil H. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Terence R. Decker Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Diliberto Mr. Raymond E. Dombroski and Ms. Colleen J. DeMorat Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Donatucci III Mr. and Mrs. Patrick C. Egan Elite Underwriting Services, Inc. Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Hahn Anne and Matt Hamilton Mr. John G. Harkins, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William R. Hartman, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey P. Heft Mr. and Mrs. Gary H. Hunter Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hutchin Ms. Christine V. Kanter, a Christmas gift for Michele and James A. Tornetta

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Keane Mr. and Mrs. Atwater Kent III Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Kenworthy III Mrs. Anne D. Koffey Tim Lewis Ms. Jacqueline Badger Mars Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. McMenamin Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Mecca Dr. and Mrs. James S. Milne Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Mullen Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Nagy Naturescapes Landscape Specialists Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Naylor Oliver Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Out There Outfitters Penn Systems Group, Inc. Vincent M. Pompo, Esquire Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC Mrs. George Strawbridge Mrs. Elizabeth B. Stull Dr. Sharon Taylor and Mr. Joe Cannon Mr. and Mrs. Alexander S. Van Alen Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Van Alen Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Weaver Weeds, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Theodore H. Wentz III WSFS Bank Dan and Sharon Yonker Dr. Kathy Zoll and Mr. Joseph C. Zoll

Stewards ($250 to $499)

Anonymous (2) Ms. Susan R. Arnold Debbie Beer and Adrian Binns Betsy and Luke Block Mr. and Mrs. David M. Boucher Dr. and Mrs. Steven W. Breecker Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Brennan III Mr. and Mrs. W. Thacher Brown Mr. and Mrs. James Bruder Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Burg Mr. D. Hughes Cauffman Mr. and Mrs. Saunders Dixon Mr. and Mrs. John J. Fahey, Jr. Aidan and Elaine Gilmartin Mr. and Mrs. Steven K. Gord Jeff and Diane Groff Habitat Resources Network of Southeast Pennsylvania Dr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Leisenring Mr. and Mrs. Thompson A. Maher Mr. Ralph W. Marsh Dr. and Mrs. Patrick McGovern Mrs. John B. McGowan, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. McKenna, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Mossman III Anne and Gary Murphy Ms. Bonnie J. O’Boyle Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Peck Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Perkins Mrs. Eleanor R. Peterson

BELOW LEFT: Kim Kennedy, speaker Patrick McGovern and Bill Kennedy enjoy one of the ancient ales. BELOW RIGHT: Bonnie Van Alen thanks host Stephen Sordoni at March’s “Beer for Birds”

ancient ale tasting and talk with beer archaeologist Patrick McGovern.

22 | W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T

Ms. Ruth H. Pike Ms. Ann Pension Rogers and Mr. Daniel Rogers Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Saler Mrs. Anne Faulkner Schoemaker Mr. A. Roy Smith Mr. and Mrs. Jack M. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Cary W. Toner Mr. and Mrs. Richard I. Torpey, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Michael J.A. Ward Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Warden Mr. and Mrs. William G. Warden Mr. George A. Weymouth Lisa M. Whitcomb and John H. Krick, Jr. Mr. Robert Worth Ms. Lida A. Wright

Protectors ($100 to $249)

Anonymous (5) Mr. William Tylee Ranney Abbott Ms. Jamie Bartholomew Aller Mr. and Mrs. E. Page Allinson Ms. Hazel E. Arnold Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Auten Ms. Laurie M. Bachman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey E. Baena Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Baglini Mr. and Mrs. R. Gregory Barton Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Baxter, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James L. Beam Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Belber II Dr. and Mrs. Michael P. Bibbo Drs. Thomas and Melanie Boerner Ms. Caroline E. Boyce Mr. and Mrs. Joerg D. Brosowski Mr. Richard P. Brown, Jr. Mr. Paul A. Bruhn Mr. and Mrs. Angelo A. Brutico, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Buckland Ms. Susan C. Butterworth Mrs. George Cauffman, Jr., in honor of Bill Hartman Mr. and Mrs. John Charlson Mr. and Mrs. L. Hamilton Clark Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Cobb Mr. and Mrs. David R. Cohen Mrs. Wiley F. Corl III Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Coulston Mr. Charles A. Daly IV and Ms. Julie Daly Mr. and Mrs. Kell Damsgaard Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Davis Mr. and Mrs. C. Frederick de Long, Sr. Ms. Mary Werner Denadi

The following contributors have generously supported the Trust’s conservation programs from January 1, 2011 through February 29, 2012.

Mrs. Jeanne S. DiLoreto Mr. and Mrs. John H. Donaldson Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Dowling Mr. and Mrs. Dennis J. Elko Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Erdman Mr. and Mrs. David J. M. Erskine Ms. Laura Jane Favela and Mr. Eric Favela Mr. and Mrs. John A. Featherman III Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Fenstermacher Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm E. Flint Mr. Joe Flood Mr. and Mrs. Keith Fox Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Frazier Mr. and Mrs. John M. Gaadt Dr. and Mrs. Brent S. Gartner Ms. Barbara Wolfington George Mr. and Mrs. James E. Gibson Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Gilpin, Jr. Girl Scout Junior Troop 5022 of Media Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Goll Ms. Penny Goulding Dr. and Mrs. George F. Gowen Mr. and Mrs. James A. Grant Mr. and Mrs. Perry C. Gresh Mr. William F. Hallman Mr. and Mrs. John B. Hannum Mrs. Joseph C. Hastings Mr. and Mrs. L. Stockton Illoway Mr. and Mrs. Roy M. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. William H. Johnson, Jr Ms. Gabriella Kecskes Ms. Nancy Kellerman Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. King Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kissner Ms. Lucy M. Kiziuk Mr. and Mrs. George H. Knoell III Mr. and Mrs. Steven Ladenheim Ms. Catherine LaFarge Mr. Frederick LaValley Mr. and Mrs. David P. Lavins Mr. and Mrs. J. Richard Leaman, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. N. Blair LeRoy Mr. Donald R. Levan Dr. and Mrs. Aaron M. Longacre Ms. Ruth H. Lott Dr. and Mrs. Albert A. Lucine, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas S. Ludington, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. MacDonnell Ms. Maria Magoulas Ms. Betty J. Marmon Mr. and Mrs. David F. Martin

Ms. Deborah A. Mathes Mr. James McCormick Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McDermott Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. McIsaac Mr. James Meehan Mr. Richard P. Moe Mr. and Mrs. John Day Mohr Mr. Richard Montegna and Ms. Janet V. Hallahan Mr. and Mrs. John J. Nesbitt III Ms. Sarah Boucas Neto Mr. and Mrs. James R. Nolan Mr. and Mrs. James A. Nolen III Mr. and Mrs. James A. Nolen IV Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. O’Donnell Mr. and Mrs. Andrew A. Orr, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. O’Shea Mr. David W. Palmer and Ms. Laura Sauer Palmer Mr. George R. Peel Mr. H. L. Perry Pepper Mr. Jeff Price and Ms. Avery Rome Mr. Kevin Prokop Mr. and Mrs. Leonard B. Randolph Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Randolph, Jr. Red Tettemer and Partners Mrs. A. Lee Reeser Mrs. Annis Lee Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Reeves Mr. and Mrs. H. Clifford Reves Mr. and Mrs. William E. Reynolds Mr. David G. Rogers Ms. Bonnie S. Rosen Save Our Land, Save Our Towns, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. Henry E. Schellenger Milica Schiavio Ms. Gay Scott Mrs. Dorothy F. Sellers Ms. Alice M. Sharp Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Sloan Mr. and Mrs. Sidney V. Smith, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. John C. Snyder Mr. James Somers Ms. Sarah B. Stokes Ted and Kitty Stokes The Strange Family Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Strawbridge Mr. Eric W. Swanson Ms. Ellen Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Tegler

Mr. and Mrs. David B. Thayer Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Thayer, Jr. Ms. Mary Ann Thomas Mr. Robert A. Thomas Mr. Frank L. Tobin and Ms. Ilene M. Chester Ms. Paige Turner Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Ulmer Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Verhoog Mrs. Nicolette Highsmith Vernick Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Vincent Ms. Barbara R. Washburn Mr. David E. Watt Mr. and Mrs. William Y. Webb Mr. and Mrs. David R. Wilmerding, Jr. Ms. Sara W. Wood Mr. and Mrs. Jerold T. Wright Mr. Minturn T. Wright III Ms. Sherley Young Dr. Harry G. Zegel and Dr. Nancy M. Sherwin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Zewe Mr. and Mrs. Peter H. Zimmerman

Friends (Up to $99)

Anonymous (1) Ms. Rita T. Argenzio Ms. Georgine Barrie Mr. Timothy M. Beadle Mr. Peter A. Bergson Ms. Mary Bleecker Ms. Elaine Brody Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Brown Mr. Leonard A. Busby Mr. and Mrs. James T. Carson Mr. Stephen C. Chance and Ms. Anne R. Holiday Mr. David Clark Dave and Sarah Clemens Ms. Jonna D. Coachman Ms. Rianna Collier Mr. and Mrs. Jack Collins Dr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Cooper Robin and Alan Crawford III Mr. Christopher B. Cryer Mr. and Mrs. John S. Custer, Jr. Drs. Paul and Caroline Davis Mr.and Mrs. Bryan G. Del Monte Mr. H. Thomas Dodds Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Downs, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Sidney B. Elston, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Euler, Jr. Ms. Elizabeth Feinberg Mr. and Mrs. Anthony L. Fernandes Mr. and Mrs. Alan C. Fitts Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Foerster Mr. Edward D. Frank II and Ms. Susan G. Lea Ms. Rebecca A. Freedman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gabel Mr. Jason Geipel Genuardi’s Family Markets Dr. and Mrs. Edward F. Gilardi Mr. and Mrs. Kevin P. Gilboy Mr. William D. Gladden II Ms. Suzanne Gore Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Groome III Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Groux, Jr. Mr. Carl J. Grunwald Andrea Hanaway, MD Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hardin Mr. and Mrs. John R. Hicks Mr. James W. B. Hole and Ms. Heidi Thiermann Mr. and Mrs. Francis B. Jacobs II Mr. A. David Johnson, Jr. and Dr. Joanna R. Johnson Ms. Virginia B. Keib Mr. William M. Keyser Ms. Joanne E. Kostick Ms. Leslie F. Kurtas Ms. Dorothy J. Lawrence Ms. Diana B. MacElree Ms. Mary E. MacLachlan Ms. Lorie Martin Mr. and Mrs. James J. McBride, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. McHugh Ms. Deborah S. McKechnie Ms. Suzanne Meyle Mike and Patti Morgan Mr. and Mrs. William F. Mowbray Mrs. Marion R. Murphy Ms. Diane Murray Ms. Judith A. Myers Mr. and Mrs. John C. Nagy, Jr. Mr. Marc E. O’Neill Mr. Peter Orlandi Mr. and Mrs. Martin R. Page Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Pesthy Ms. Jamie A. Picardy and Mr. William T. Tilton Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Radano Mr. Paxton Ramsdell

RIGHT: Joe Ovelman, program coordinator of the “Growing Examples” community garden in West Chester, at a Harvest to Table workshop held by the Trust at the Charles A. Melton Center.

Participants and children from the Center’s afterschool program attended the workshop, which focused on the nutritional importance of locally grown foods. The workshop is part of the outreach efforts of the Trust’s Community Farm Program.

SPRING 2012 | 23

LEFT: Radnor Hunt Pony Club donated $2,000 to the Trust from proceeds of the 2011 Chase for Conservation.

Over 100 riders enjoyed the Chase crossing hundreds of acres of protected lands in the Willistown area.

Mr. and Mrs. John Reese Ms. Penny Resnick Mr. and Mrs. J. Permar Richards III Mr. Benjamin K. Rodgers Ms. Carol Rubin Dr. Robert A. Ruggiero, Jr. and Dr. Mary C. Penrod Ruggiero Ms. Anne Satterthwaite Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Schaefer Mr. and Mrs. Karl R. Schoettle, Jr. Mr. Geoffrey Scott Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Scutt Drs. Joseph and Suzanne Seltzer Dr. and Mrs. Keith L. Sharkan Mr. David Marc Small Professor and Mrs. W. John Smith Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Spear Mr. and Mrs. RJ Stedman Mr. and Mrs. David D. Stephens Mr. Dennis J. Tessler and Dr. Linda G. Tessler Mr. and Mrs. Craig Thomas Mr. and Mrs. Aaron R. Thurlow Mr. W. Scott Tuttle Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Warner Mr. and Mrs. Steven E. Welch Mr. Donald R. Welles, Jr. Ms. Sally Willig Mr. David N. Wren

Matching Gifts

The Bank of New York Mellon Community Partnership GlaxoSmithKline Matching Gifts Program Johnson & Johnson JPMorgan Chase Foundation The Pfizer Foundation Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation The Vanguard Group Foundation

Memorial Gifts Henry’s Harvest Mr. Paul A. Bruhn Mr. and Mrs. Kell Damsgaard Ms. Mary Werner Denadi Mr. and Mrs. David J. M. Erskine Mr. and Mrs. John A. Featherman III Mr. and Mrs. John B. Hannum Alice and Peter Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. Roy M. Jackson Jordan Family Fund for Chester County, a fund of the Chester County Community Foundation

Ms. Betty J. Marmon Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. O’Donnell Mr. H. L. Perry Pepper Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Perkins Save Our Land, Save Our Towns, Inc. Mr. A. Roy Smith

In Memory of H. Peter Somers

Peter Somers was a founding supporter of Willistown Conservation Trust.

In Memory of Robert C. Lindsley Dr. Sharon Taylor and Mr. Joe Cannon In Memory of Jill Townsend Red Jill Red was a a passionate advocate for preserving open space in the Willistown countryside.

Dr. John Antoniades and Dr. Kristina Antoniades Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Belber II Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Brown Mr. and Mrs. George A. Buckland Mr. David Clark Dr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Cooper Mr. H. Thomas Dodds Mr. and Mrs. Malcom E. Flint Ms. Rebecca E. Freedman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gabel Ms. Nancy Kellerman Mr. and Mrs. George F. Krall, Jr. Ms. Catherine Lafarge Ms. Susan G. Lea and Mr. Edward D. Frank II Dr. and Mrs. Aaron M. Longacre Ms. Maria Magoulas Mr. James McCormick Mr. Peter Orlandi The Pfizer Foundation Mr. Kevin Prokop Red Tettemer and Partners Mr. Anthony Saler Mr. Geoffrey Scott Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Sloan Mr. James Somers Mr. Donald R. Welles, Jr. Mr. Robert Worth Dr. Harry G. Zegel and Dr. Nancy M. Sherwin

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2011 Run-A-Muck

Event Hosts Esther and Paul Gansky Event Co-Chairs Bryan and Jayme Colket Fritz and Christine Seving Dale and Jody Vandergrift Presenting Sponsor Veritable, LP Big Top Tent Sponsor Brushwood Stable

Ms. Jamie Bartholomew Aller Ms. Rita T. Argenzio Mr. Richard P. Brown, Jr. Ms. Suzanne Gore Mr. Frederick LaValley Ms. Dorothy J. Lawrence Dr. and Mrs. Albert A. Lucine, Jr. Ms. Lorie Martin Ms. Deborah S. McKechnie Mr. Richard Montegna and Ms. Janet V. Hallahan Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Mr. and Mrs. Seymour S. Preston III Ms. Penny Resnick Mr. and Mrs. Karl R. Schoettle, Jr. Ms. Gay Scott Mr. David Marc Small Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge Mrs. Nicolette Highsmith Vernick Michael and Tana Wall Ms. Charlotte C. Weber Ms. Sara W. Wood

Easement Endowments

Mr. Michael H. Hoplamazian Mr. and Mrs. Christopher K. Smedley Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Spinner

Beneficiary Income

Radnor Hunt Horse Trials Radnor Hunt Pony Club “Chasing for Conservation” Whole Foods Market in Devon “Giving Grill”

Trail Sponsor Kreischer Miller Band Sponsor Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler Major Muckety-Muck Sponsors Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie and Seelaus Warren Claytor Architects Griffiths Construction, Inc. John Milner Architects, Inc. Muckety-Muck Sponsors Arader Tree Service, Inc. Benner & Sons, Inc. Gardner/Fox Associates, Inc James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC Braxton’s Animal Works Elite Underwriting Services Oliver Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Out There Outfitters Penn Systems Group, Inc. Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC Walter J. Cook Jeweler, Inc. Weeds, Inc. WSFS Bank Green Earth Sponsor Bryn Mawr Landscaping Co. Prize Sponsors Braxton’s Animal Works, Inc. Bella Boutique Amos Esh Straw & Hay Mr. Todd Allan MacFarlane Out There Outfitters Starbucks UpHome Ltd. Valley Forge Running Co.

Lucky Muckety-Muck Individual Supporters Mr. and Mrs. Tristram C. Colket, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan D. Colket Mr. and Mrs. Robert V. Duprey Alice and Peter Hausmann Mrs. Lawrence E. MacElree Mr. and Mrs. Collin F. McNeil Mr. and Mrs. Britton H. Murdoch Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Newbold IV Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Pension Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Trala, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen II Mr. and Mrs. Douglas C. Walker Mrs. Ethel Benson Wister Alejandro and Janine Zozaya Major Muckety-Muck Individual Supporters Anonymous (1) Mr. and Mrs. L. Clarke Blynn Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Briggs Mr. and Mrs. Warren I. Claytor Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Cox Mr. and Mrs. Craig W. Cullen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Delich Dick and Nancy Eales Mr. Brook Gardner and Ms. Jodi Spragins Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Genuardi Mr. and Mrs. Dale D. Goodman Mrs. Samuel M. V. Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. J. David Hucker Kent-Lucas Foundation, Inc. Ms. Susan Kokat Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Legnini Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mason Mr. and Mrs. Christopher K. McHugh Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Morse Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph Mullen Donna and Bill Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Frederick T. Seving III Mr. Stephen Sordoni Mr. Richard H. Thompson Mrs. William L. Van Alen, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P. Weir Mrs. Penelope P. Wilson Muckety-Muck Individual Supporters Franny and Franny Abbott Ms. Jennifer Barrow Mr. and Mrs. James J. Cleary, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Donatucci III Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey P. Heft Mr. and Mrs. Gary H. Hunter Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Hurley III Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Keane Dick and Nancy Klavans Mrs. Anne D. Koffey Ms. Jacqueline Badger Mars Mr. and Mrs. Wade L. McDevitt Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Moller Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Mullen Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Nagy Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Naylor Mr. and Mrs. William J. Petrauskas Lang and Marilyn Smith Mrs. George Strawbridge

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Stull Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey C. Warden Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Daniel F. Yonker Run-A-Muck Individual Supporters Elizabeth G. Atterbury Mr. and Mrs. John Charlson Mr. and Mrs. David R. Cohen Mr. and Mrs. Jack Collins Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hardin Mr. and Mrs. William H. Johnson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kissner Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Kroger Mr. and Mrs. J. Richard Leaman, Jr. Tim Lewis Dr. and Mrs. Patrick McGovern Mr. Paxton Ramsdell Mrs. Anne Faulkner Schoemaker Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Taggart Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Warden A Bounty of Farms Event Co-Chairs Erin and Frank Herz Leanne McMenamin Exhibiting Artists Patricia Auguste Hallowell Michael Bartmann Kenn Bakhaus Melinda Breecker Varlerie Craig Mary French Lynn Hitschler Jennifer Holmes Earl Lehman Charles Newman Jon Redmond Jeffrey Reed Celia Reisman Peter Schaumann Lou Schellenberg Peter Schnore Rita Siemienski Smith Jim Simmons John Slivjak Pam Taggart Gerry Tuten Peter Van Dyke Tom Watkins Josephine Winsor Mark Workman Landowners Mr. and Mrs. Warren I. Claytor Mr. and Mrs. Craig W. Cullen, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gansky Alice and Peter Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler Mr. Robert T. Lange Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Moller Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran Mr. and Mrs. Britton H. Murdoch Mr. and Mrs. James A. Nolen IV Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Paul Mr. and Mrs. Calvin W. Schmidt Deacon and Sheila Shorr Mr. Stephen Sordoni Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen II Mr. and Mrs. Douglas C. Walker Mr. and Mrs. Christopher B. White

Bountiful Harvest Sponsor Turner Investment Partners, Inc. Ann Ledger Architect Bountiful Patrons Mrs. J. Maxwell Moran Mrs. Samuel M.V. Hamilton Sweet Summer Patrons Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Hitschler The Honorable and Mrs. Thomas D. Watkins

Happy Harvest Patrons Anonymous (1) Franny and Franny Abbott Mr. and Mrs. Clyde D. Beers Mr. and Mrs. Bryan D. Colket Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Cox Mr. and Mrs. Craig W. Cullen, Jr. Alice and Peter Hausmann Mr. and Mrs. J. David Hucker Mr. and Mrs. Wade L. McDevitt Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. McMenamin

Scenic View Preserved

Trails, Woodlands and Ancient Tree Conserved Forever

The 350 -year old Copper Beech was planted circa 1660.

In January of this year, Natalie and Denny Howell donated a conservation easement on the former Washburn property along Boot Road and Highcroft Lane in Willistown Township. A 4.4 acre lot with a historic residence has been retained by the Howells, and a 4.2-acre lot has been purchased by Kimberly and Christopher Smedley where they will construct a new home.

The easement covers portions of both lots and preserves woodlands as well as scenic views of the property from Boot Road. It also establishes a trail easement along Boot Road that links to an existing trail between Historic Sugartown and the Thorncroft Riding Center. An ancient beech tree, viewable from Boot Road, is also protected by the easement. It is estimated to be 350 years old and is one of the oldest trees in Willistown inventoried by the Township’s Historic Commission.

The Trust welcomes the Howell and Smedley families as they join our community of easement landowners.

SPRING 2012 | 25

GIVE A BOOST

to our feathered friends

Installing carefully placed nestboxes will encourage successful nesting and breeding within the Willistown area’s already-booming bird population.

Offering critical places for birds to nest can make an enormous impact on their survivorship. Led

by Bird Conservation Program committee member, Bill Howard, the goal of the trust’s Nestbox Program is to install and monitor appropriate nestboxes throughout the Trust’s program area to encourage breeding success of resident and migratory bird species.

A core group of nestbox ambassadors are working with expert consultants to map out nestbox placement, and a volunteer group of adults and children will help to monitor the bird families that take up residence in the boxes during the breeding season.

This spring, the focal species for the Nestbox Program is the beloved Eastern Bluebird. Working closely with Ken Leister, a retired high school principal who is now the volunteer State Coordinator for the Bluebird Society of PA, the ambassadors set up 30 bluebird boxes that will be monitored weekly at Kirkwood Preserve, Ashbridge Preserve, Rushton Woods Preserve, and Garrett Mill Farm. The boxes were beautifully crafted by Leister who has devoted the past 12 years of his retirement to helping bluebirds and sharing his expertise with those who share his passion for the birds.

To purchase a nestbox, get backyard habitat ideas or to volunteer your property, contact Blake Goll at bhg@wctrust.org.

26 | W I L L I S TO W N C O N S E R VAT I O N T R U S T

Supporting Patrons Ms. Ann Pension Rogers and Mr. Daniel Rogers Mrs. George Strawbridge A Bounty of Farms Patrons Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Hurley III Mr. and Mrs. Britton H. Murdoch Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Pension Julie and Robert Spahr Mrs. Penelope P. Wilson Beer for Birds Event Host Mr. Stephen Sordoni Other Donated and Discounted Goods and Services A.J. Blosenski, Inc. Bella Boutique Braxton’s Animal Works, Inc. Bryn Mawr Landscaping Co. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Cooker

Mr. and Mrs. Gary A. Cox Mary Hunt Davis Photography Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Amos Esh Straw & Hay Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hutchin Jimmy Duffy’s East Goshen Township Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Keane Ms. Lucy M. Kiziuk Ms. Susan Kokat Mr. Todd Allan MacFarlane Dr. Patrick McGovern Oliver Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Out There Outfitters Bruce Park Don Popernack - Lacabra Brewing Rusty’s Handyman Services Starbucks Sugartown Strawberries Taylor Rental of Malvern UpHome Ltd. Valley Forge Running Co. Victory Brewing Company Yellow Springs Farm

BELOW: Volunteers helped clean up the stream last May at Randolph

Woods, a 38-acre preserve in Malvern Borough protected by conservation easement held by the Trust. Volunteers are needed again this year on Saturday May 5, as we work at Randolph Woods as partners with the CRC Watershed’s annual Streams Cleanup event. Email wrh@wctrust.org for more info.

volunteers Cyndi Andrews Edgar Andrews Ali Backlund Sidne Baglini Jennifer Barrow Lindsay Barrow Debbie Beer Dick Bensing Daniel Benson Adrian Binns Barbara Blynn Clark Blynn Melanie Boerner Joseph Bones Denis Brennan Edward Brennan Charles Brown Lisa Brown Lydia Butcher Mac Butcher Mary Ann Butcher Chad Byers Kristin Byers Brian Byrnes Katie Charlson John Charlson Sarah Chenkin Ceci Clark Caroline Claytor Warren Claytor Jayme Colket Anthony Conlon Elizabeth Conlon Maureen Colon Elisabeth Cooke Peter Cooke Anna Costello Catherine Cox Gary Cox Valerie Craig Alan Crawford III Carolyn Cullen Woody Cullen Andy Davis Chase Davis Shannon Davis Terry Decker Godefroy Devevey Robert Dickey Ian Dombroski Thelma Douglas Walter Dowling Nancy Eales Amy Finkbiner Amy Flynn Pete Flynn Shaina Flynn Christine Foga Tom Foga John Fossbenner Drew Fox Gina Fox Kim Galligher Russell Galligher Brook Gardner Jeff Geibel Kelly Geibel Marie Goodwin

Kathryn Gord Eliza Gowen James Gowen Carl Grunwald Craig Hacker Barbara Hahn Lou Hahn Janet Ham John Ham Dory Hamilton Sam Hamilton Pam Harrison Meg Hauler Peter Hausmann Lynn Hitschler Erin Herz Frank Herz Lyn Howard David Hucker Joseph Hudson Marybeth Hurley Bill Hurr Lynn Hurr Sarah Hutchin Jason Ingle Sarah Ingle Fred Jackson Olga Jackson Kristen Johnson Lauren Johnson Sheryl Johnson Alex Keane Kari Keane Tony Keane Sandra Kelley Andy Kerns Denise Kerns Susan Kokat Robert Lange Sally Layden Linda LeRoy Ted Leisenring John Linton, Sr. Bob MacDonnell Todd MacFarlane Matt Magnotta Dorothy Mallon Diane Mayer Carson McClain Richard McDonnell Doris McGovern Patrick McGovern Kelly McGuigan Chris McHugh Gina McHugh Alan McIlvain Ann McIlvain Mary McLoughlin Robert McManus Leanne McMenamin Valerie McNeely Peter McNeely Kiera McNichols Nick Mecca Nick Mecca, Jr. Mark Mintzer Pam Nagy Pete Nagy

Many thanks to all our volunteers.

List reflects volunteer activities between March 1, 2011 and February 29, 2012.

Heather Naylor Matt Naylor Douglass Newbold Cherie O’Callaghan Mike O’Callaghan Tara Off Donna Oliver Andrew Orr Elizabeth Orr Rocco Pace Martin Page Paoli Troop 1, Boy Scouts of America Edie Parnum Keith Pension Sandra Perkowski Karen Petrauskas Skip Petrauskas Cody Pitz David Prevost Kelly Prevost Sally Randolph Jim Rankin Thomas Reeves Ben Reynard Todd Richards Ann Pension Rogers Dan Rogers Mike Rosengarten Anne Satterthwaite

Cal Schmidt Calvin Schmidt Christa Schmidt Josephine Schmidt Edwin Shafer Deacon Shorr Alice Sevareid Fritz Seving Marilyn Smith Vince Smith Michael Snyder Julie Spahr Cathy Staples Natalie Staples Derek Stedman Whitney Sterling Art Strawbridge Doris Strawbridge Liz Strawbridge Karen Stretton Dan Sullivan Bob Taggart Pam Taggart Debi Taylor Marilyn Taylor Matt Taylor Dr. Sharon Taylor

Carolyn Thompson Justin Thompson Barbara Tower Carolyn Turner Paige Turner Colby Van Alen Rob Van Alen Dale Vandegrift Jody Vandegrift Barbara Vincent Jeff Vincent Michael Wall Debbie Warden Jeff Warden Kathy Warden Rick Warden Zoe Warner Penny Watkins Tom Watkins Chris White Kirsten White Josephine Winsor Effie Wister Dana Zdancewicz Jim Zdancewicz Diane Zewe Emily Zhang

This list may be incomplete.

Please forgive any omissions or errors.

WCT OUTDOOR CLASSROOM Volunteer Support and Programs Whether it's working with urban youth, complementing Environmental Science honors classes from area schools, or hosting service learning field trips for first graders, the Trust uses the preserved Willistown countryside as a living outdoor classroom for students of all ages.

Conestoga High School Berwyn, PA Eastern University St. Davids, PA Episcopal Academy Berwyn, PA Great Valley Middle School Malvern, PA Harriton High School Ardmore, PA Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center West Chester, PA Swarthmore College Swarthmore, PA

The Achievement Project of Chester Chester, PA The Agnes Irwin School Rosemont, PA The Phelps School Malvern, PA The Shipley School Bryn Mawr, PA Upper Main Line YMCA Earth Service Corps Berwyn, PA Westtown School West Chester, PA SPRING 2012 | 27

The Sycamore

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

WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST 925 Providence Road Newtown Square, PA 19073

RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE AND RUSHTON FARM

It Belongs to All of Us Now SO LET’S CELEBRATE

Please JOIN US ON JUNE 2nd

for a Fancy Farm Dinner as we honor all of those who helped complete the acquisition. Local food fresh from the fields, a live auction of unique items, and dancing to Ward Marston. More details will be available on wctrust.org and via email invitation in late April.