The magazine of Natural Lands No. 150 | Spring/Summer 2017 natural lands

timeless. and just in time. saving Bryn Coed NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 1

contents from the president

natural lands As children, most of us learned about the concept of community in social number 150 • spring/summer 2017 timeless. and just in time. studies class. We studied different types of communities, though usually our editor Kirsten Werner perspective was decidedly local. For me, it was the corner of Chester County 4 The 1,505-acre Bryn Coed Farms art director Holly M. Harper that I called home. could have been a sprawling contributors Oliver Bass, Ann Hausmann, Molly Morrison, Erin As we age, our concept of community tends to expand. We come to appre- housing subdivision, but McCormick, Ann Rhoads, Bea Rider ciate the complex web of interrelationships that tie us all together across Natural Lands has other plans. boundaries. For those of us involved in conservation—or anyone who has spent much preserved forever. 10 scout’s honor. time in nature—questions about the essential importance of interconnec- tion were long ago put to bed. Over the centuries, scientists have revealed Natural Lands has helped layers of links among all life that are nearly impossible to fathom. Dr. Seuss preserve nearly 8,500 acres famously put it this way in The Lorax: of former Girl and Boy Scout “…I’m also in charge of the brown Bar-ba-loots, who played in the Camps, including Camp shade in their Bar-ba-loot suits and happily lived eating truffula Hidden Falls. fruits. Now, thanks to your hacking my trees to the ground, there’s Natural Lands not enough truffula fruit to go ‘round.” Hildacy Preserve 1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, PA 19063 In this issue of our refreshed magazine, you’ll read about one such special 2 NEWS t 610-353-5587 | f 610-353-0517 relationship—that between a tiny, beautiful wildflower and a large, shaggy [email protected] | natlands.org bison that once roamed this part of our world. Our staff is testing a creative way to replicate the 4 1 S AVING OPEN SPACE The official registration andfi nancial information benefits of that relationship at one of our nature preserves. recent land conservation of Natural Lands Trust, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling Human community is essential to the work of conservation, as well. Our cover story celebrates successes. toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. a conservation success made possible by one such community, which has come together in an

18 CARING FOR NATURE Information filed with the Attorney General extraordinary way to save one of the largest remaining unprotected properties in the region. concerning this charitable solicitation and the meet Cooper. resident percentage of contributions received by the Indeed, we like to think of Natural Lands less as an organization and more as a community— charity during the last reporting period that were wood bison. dedicated to the charitable purpose may be one made up of tens-of-thousands of preserve visitors, members, volunteers, landowners, com- obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is munity and government leaders, and others without whom land could never be saved, wildflow- 20 CONNECTING PEOPLE available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ TO THE OUTDOORS ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the Attorney ers never restored, and the joy of nature never shared. General does not imply endorsement. our preserves. your muse. Thank you for being part of the thriving and ever-growing Natural Lands community.

#naturallands MOLLY K. MORRISON, PRESIDENT

facebook.com/NatLands twitter.com/natlands instagram.com/natural.lands Axelrod Mae cover photo: Mark Williams 2 NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 3 news how conservation works. instant playground. Natural Lands has been protecting and we can assure you that the work with a landowner who chooses to open space for nearly 65 years. is never boring or routine! There is, protect her or his land). just add kids. In that time, we have completed however, a common thread to every So how does it all work? Here’s a hundreds of conservation projects conservation story (hint: it begins peek under the hood. W A playground is more than a playground. It’s a brain- expander, friend-maker, and muscle-builder. Play is central to a child’s ability to grow into a productive adult. vulnerable open space Which is why Natural Lands teamed up last fall with the City of Coatesville, PECO, KaBOOM!, and more than 200 volunteers to build a new playground at the city’s Patton NO is the landowner interested Park… in less than a day! Recipe for play: Start with one park in in conservation? The completed playground—which includes swings, slides, and climbing equipment—will help hundreds of need; add a committed corporate partner, one YES will landowner donate easement? kids enjoy more time outside. part community vision, lots of coffee, and a The initiative was part of Natural Lands’ broader, land still dash of optimism. Stir well. Fold in 200 eager at risk NO does the landowner wish YES NO YES long-term effort to improve access to the outdoors for to retain ownership? Coatesville residents. W volunteers. Allow six hours to rise. Enjoy! is there a NO conservation owner? YES

Earlier this spring, members of our to a public garden, which is slated to will the landowner donate the land? YES land is saved hare repair. stewardship staff carefully removed open to the public in spring 2018.

the iconic wooden rabbits that Other work includes construction NO watch over County Line Road from of a visitor center and terrace that their perch at the edge of Stoneleigh, will serve as a space for programs is it eligible for grants? the 42-acre Villanova estate that was and special events. We’re also cre- : Brittni Albright graphic : Ethan Kauffman, bottom left, Axelrod, : Mae donated to Natural Lands in 2016. ating an open-air pavilion for more NO YES

These charming carvings were cre- informal classes. Existing struc- top left, ated by local chainsaw artist Marty tures, such as the main house and Long in 2002 at the request of John carriage house, are being retrofitted and Chara Haas, the former estate to serve the needs of the organiza- owners—Haas is derived from the tion with offices, volunteer spaces, growing greener. German word for “hare.” Exposure and meeting rooms. to the elements over the years had Concurrently, our new staff of six Since 1999, Pennsylvania’s Growing improvements completed. local parks need significant improve- taken its toll on the sculpture, so we full-time horticulturists has been Greener funding program has been But funding for the Growing ments, and 1,500 family farms are on hired the original artist to recreate hard at work tending to the gardens an essential tool for ensuring access Greener program is at an all-time the waiting list to be preserved. it on a new, 12-ton white oak stump at Stoneleigh, breathing new life into to open space, parks, clean water, low, having suffered a 75 percent Legislators from across Penn- generously donated and craned into the living displays with the addition local food, and much more. Thanks to decline in the past decade. That’s a sylvania are working to reverse the position by Shreiner Tree Care. of native plants. W Growing Greener, more than 80,000 problem, given that 19,000 miles of decline in Growing Greener. W This is just one of many projects acres of open space and 78,000 acres the state’s streams and rivers are still See photos and more at natlands.org/ To learn more and to offer your support for underway at Stoneleigh as we work stoneleigh. of farmland have been preserved, unsafe for drinking or recreational increased funding for Growing Greener, visit to convert this once private estate and some 500 local and state parks use, the majority or the state’s 6,000 growinggreener3.org. 4 NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 5

timeless. and just in time.

It’s quiet here. There is the occasional sound of a distant airplane overhead or a barking dog, but, for the most part, Bryn Coed feels like another century and a simpler time. Just birdsong, rustling meadow grasses, tree branches sigh against a spring breeze. The rolling fields are dotted with 19th-century stone farmhouses and barns; only the overhead power and telephone lines offer evidence of contemporary life. For many, this seems like heaven on earth. To a developer, the 1,505 acres known as Bryn Coed Farms are the perfect setting for a sprawling housing subdivision. : Mae Axelrod : Mae : Mark Williams, right For Natural Lands, it’s an opportunity to save one of the largest remaining above unprotected swaths of land in the greater Philadelphia region. r NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 7

In 1964, brothers Richard, Daniel, and William Dietrich asked to embark on an unconventional journey—one building the foundation began acquiring adjoining farms in rural Chester Springs, that would preserve their family legacy but would be Funding support from Chester County, the Common- Chester County. They’d noted with consternation in- much more complex than a typical preservation effort. wealth of Pennsylvania, and the three municipalities creasing encroachment of development and wanted to Fortunately, they were open to creative solutions and, in which the property is located was key to crafting a protect what they could of this bucolic valley. last fall, Natural Lands and the Dietrichs reached an successful transaction. The Dietrichs decided to keep the land in agriculture. agreement to save Bryn Coed Farms. Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi They constructed a state-of-the-art dairy that featured “My family sees this property as our touchstone—a Cozzone, and Terence Farrell noted, “There are reasons 500 individual, automated milking stalls. Machinery place unchanging,” said Richard Dietrich, III. “But now why Chester County’s open space program is thriving pumped fresh milk through a pre-cooler and then into a the changes are exciting to contemplate! We know that and wins awards, and the dedication of organizations like 10,000-gallon stainless steel tank, where it was stored Natural Lands is an organization with the experience and Natural Lands plays a major role in this. Achieving a bal- until it was picked up by a refrigerated truck. The herd of ability to achieve the conservation results we want and ance of preservation and growth can be challenging, but 1,000 Holsteins—fed on corn and alfalfa from Bryn Coed’s that we’ve chosen a great partner to protect Bryn Coed.” it is made easier when we have landowners willing to find fields—won many ribbons at state and local farm shows. Retaining all 1,505 acres of such a vast and valuable ways in which Chester County’s green fabric can remain, But by 1984, with slim profit margins for milk, the Diet- property in Natural Lands ownership simply wasn’t fea- and when we have conservancies and other partners that richs sold off the herd and shut down the dairy. sible. So we devised a plan through which we will retain are persistent and creative in acquiring the land. This is After the millennium, the brothers—now into their about a third of the land as a nature preserve, and sell welcome news for all Chester County residents.” late 50s—began to look for a way to divest themselves the rest to private buyers with conservation easements “The value of working together toward a shared goal of the expansive property. Development pressures in place, ensuring the land is protected. The result will never shined brighter,” said state Department of Conser- were increasing as Chester County’s population soared. be a unique conservation community with a large new vation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Several proposals—some to develop the land and some Natural Lands nature preserve and publicly accessible Dunn. “We commend the demonstrated, extraordinary to conserve it—were explored but never came to fruition. trail system, all neighbored by a number of preserved commitment of Chester County, three local municipali- private properties. ties, and Natural Lands in working together to preserve a creative solution “It’s a deal with many moving parts, but Bryn Coed is and protect open lands like Bryn Coed, which lend such When Natural Lands approached the Dietrich family in certainly worth working through the complexities,” said a very special character to the region.” 2012 to offer a plan to permanently protect Bryn Coed, Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands. “We know the stars seemed to align. of no other expanse of vulnerable, unprotected land like the Campaign for Bryn Coed Farms While every conservation effort begins with a willing it in the five-county suburban Philadelphia area. It’s a Thanks to a creative approach to conservation and lead- : Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Harris & Ewing by Division, photograph & Photographs Prints Congress, of : Library below map : Holly Harper, Axelrod, : Mae

landowner, in this instance the Dietrichs were being community and ecological treasure.” ership support from Chester County, the state, and the left

hi(stories)

wooded hill scandal where he prosecuted illegal Roberts was truly in his element Postown BERKS Sc MONTGOMERY huyl Owen Josephus Roberts was born in actions in connection with Navy oil on the farm where he was often COUNTY kill COUNTY Riv er Bryn Coed Farms Philadelphia in 1875. He graduated leases at Elk Horn, California and spotted behind the wheel of his Elverson from the University of Pennsylvania Teapot Dome, Wyoming. In 1930, he tractor, surrounded by his orchard, Phoenixville Law School where he would later be- was appointed to the Supreme Court organic vegetable fields, and 150 LANCASTER COUNTY B Chester County was one of the three come a professor. In 1918, Roberts by President Hoover. Guernsey cows. He also raised ra n d West Coatesville y w Chester original counties created by William was appointed Special Assistant That same year, Roberts and his pigs, chickens, and ducks and grew i n e

C Penn in 1682 and thus enjoys a rich United States Attorney to prosecute family moved from Philadelphia to a award-winning flowers. r DELAWARE e e COUNTY k cultural history. The farms that make espionage cases in the Eastern Dis- 700-acre property he named “Bryn Roberts died at Bryn Coed on Kenne Square up today’s Bryn Coed represent lands trict of Pennsylvania. But it wasn’t Coed” (Welsh for “wooded hill”). May 17, 1955. Much of the land he

Oxford leased and released, bought and sold, until a few years later that he gained He hired the now-famous architect farmed remains part of the pres- Wilmington expanded and inherited for nearly national attention as Special Coun- R. Brognard Okie to restore the ent-day Bryn Coed Farms. Though three centuries. sel in the infamous “Teapot Dome” 19th-century home. his farmhouse was sold as a private

Delaware Bay 8 NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 9

“We’ve worked neighbor by neighbor and friend by friend,” explained Eliza Zimmerman. More than 600 the “peacock” tree individuals have joined the effort and every single gift, no matter the size, has had an impact!” It was a blustery February day when arborist Scott Wade measured the “We knew the community wouldn’t squander this massive white oak (Quercus alba) on Flint Road at the far eastern edge of opportunity,” added Peter Zimmerman. municipalities involved, we had the foundation to realize “The outpouring of enthusiasm for this project from Bryn Coed Farms. The circumference, height, and canopy were verified— our plan for saving Bryn Coed Farms. community members has been overwhelming,” said all key measurements that are required for official status as a Pennsylva- But to fulfill our vision, an additional $5 million in pri- Morrison. “It further reinforces how special Bryn Coed vate support needed to be raised in just a few months via is, and how it embodies those qualities that we treasure nia Champion Tree, a program run by the Pennsylvania Forestry Program. what would primarily be a community-based effort—a about our region.” Wade, the program’s coordinator, used the measurements to calculate campaign larger than any Natural Lands has ever under- “This project offers a regionally significant opportunity to taken for a single property. Fortunately, Bryn Coed Farms permanently protect open space and water quality in the the tree’s total point value. A tree must score 300 points to qualify for occupies a special place in the hearts of many who live Delaware River watershed,” said Andrew Johnson, program inclusion on the PA Big Trees list; the Bryn Coed oak totaled 305. or grew up nearby. director for watershed protection at the William Penn Foun- We launched the Campaign for Bryn Coed Farms dation. “Bryn Coed Farms was under severe threat of de- Wade estimates the tree—which some locals call the Peacock Oak in early 2017 with open space champions George and velopment due to its location, and as the largest remaining for its proud, showy display—is relatively young: perhaps 100 to 150 Christy Martin and Peter and Eliza Zimmerman as co- private, unprotected property in Chester County, we thank years old. On average, white oaks may live two to three chairs. Armed with extraordinary leverage—a $2 million Natural Lands for its work to preserve these critical acres.” dollar-for-dollar challenge grant from the William Penn The Campaign for Bryn Coed—which is expected to centuries, but older specimens do exist and have been Foundation, one of Natural Lands’ longest-standing and conclude in the very near term—is a milestone for the well documented. In Nancy Ross Hugo’s book, Seeing most stalwart partners—they went to work inspiring landscape and the community that embraces it. For others to join the effort. years, neighbors worried about the fate of this special Trees, she describes the life of a white oak as 200 years “Opportunities to protect landscapes like Bryn Coed property. Now, at long last, a secure future is within growing, 200 years living, and 200 years dying. Farms don’t come around every day, or even every life- reach. Bryn Coed Farms will be available for generations time,” said Christy and George Martin. to experience, enjoy, and love. W Fortunately, this specimen has a long life ahead of her. : Brittni Albright : Mark Williams, graphics right : Brian Sundermeir, left hi(stories)

residence years ago, it can be One lowland area provided a unwieldy and could easily crush 16.9 534 foot trunk species of 15,000 spotted at a distance along Saint winter “crop” for generations of the bones. Only about one tenth of ice circumference moths and pounds of oxygen produced Matthews Road. Stauffer family, who lived on the harvested made it to sale. In 1825, buterflies over its lifetime, enough for land from 1802 until 1922. By dam- Boston native Nathanial Wyeth (a supported 1,000 people to breathe winter harvest ming up a small but constant stream distant cousin of the famous painter The rolling hills of Bryn Coed give running through their farms, the Wyeths) developed a more efficient way to flood plains and streams, Stauffers could flood a low field and way to harvest ice. Wyeth devised a including the Pickering Creek head- then cut the resulting ice into large new form of horse pulling ice plow waters. In fact, Bryn Coed Farms blocks that were sent by wagon or that scored the ice into large grids alone constitutes 17 percent of the 74.5 108 sled to Phoenixville. which would triple the amount of remaining unprotected high-pri- foot height foot spread In the 19th century, the process ice harvested. The industry thrived 2 ority land in the Pickering Creek of canopy of ice harvesting was a dangerous until the 1940s when electric refrig- O watershed. one. The 300-pound ice blocks were erators replaced the ice box. W NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 11

Ask people who love the outdoors how they first formed In 2012, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania made their connection to nature and it won’t take long before the difficult decision to close Camp Hidden Falls—an someone mentions scouting. For generations, summers 1,100-acre property at the eastern edge of the Pocono at Boy and Girl Scout camps—and the requisite bug Mountains—the result of efforts to consolidate camp bites, canoeing incidents, campfire songs, and endless operations across the region and improve facilities at pranks—have helped to plant the seeds of a life-long their remaining sites. Concurrently, the Girl Scouts hired yearning to explore. Natural Lands to explore conservation solutions for Not surprisingly, the same social trends that have the camp and for other Scout-owned properties. After resulted in the much-talked-about “nature deficit disor- five years of searching for an appropriate conservation der” among children are pose a challenge for scouting. owner for the property, all the pieces came together. Summer camp enrollment is down, leaving scouting This spring, Hidden Falls took the first step toward its councils with a conundrum: how to continue to pro- new life as public parkland. The property will soon be vide valuable camp experiences while sustaining their purchased by The Conservation Fund and transferred to broader mission. the National Park Service as an addition to the Delaware In eastern Pennsylvania, conservation is proving to Water Gap National Recreation Area. be part of the solution. Since 1996, Natural Lands has The breathtakingly beautiful property includes more helped preserve more than 8,000 acres of former Girl than two miles of pristine streams, eight “hidden” water- and Boy Scout Camps in our region. falls, and 15 acres of wetlands teaming with wildlife. The The Cradle of Liberty Council of the Boy Scouts of bulk of the Camp is wooded, offering essential habitat America was among the first to embrace conservation. for a myriad of raptors and songbirds. The property is an Natural Lands secured grant funds to purchase conser- important acquisition that will help make a future con- vation easements on a number of camps, ensuring that nection between the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap the properties are preserved permanently and providing National Recreation Area and 20,000 acres of Delaware a much-needed infusion of capital funds for the council. State Forest. Other area Boy Scout and—more recently—Girl Scout “I have very fond memories of Camp Hidden Falls,” said

councils have followed suit. Judith Samans-Dunn, a former Girl Scout who attended J. Reds E. Ross courtesy preserved forever. scout’s honor. NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 13 N E Montrose W

Y the camp in the 1960s. “One night, when our counselors or finding the constellations on a starry night—can 81 O Camp Horseshoe R knew that there would be a meteor shower, we slept catalyze a life-long love of the natural world,” said Molly Chester County, PA K outside without tents. Lying on our backs to look at the Morrison, president of Natural Lands and a former Girl 194 acres Carbondale night sky, we counted more than 100 shooting stars Scout. “Natural Lands applauds the Girl Scouts for find- Camp Horseshoe, located on the Mason-Dixon Line before falling asleep. The night sky was so amazing from ing a conservation solution for Camp Hidden Falls, and separating Pennsylvania and Maryland, derives its name

Scranton the darkness of Camp Hidden Falls compared to our we’re so glad to have helped make it possible.” from the Octoraro Creek that makes a meandering four- 1 built-up suburban yards!” Milford mile horseshoe through the property. 84 Many former campers are heartened to know that In addition to Camp Hidden Falls, here are a few other Permanently protected with a conservation easement Wilkes 2 Barre 380 the place where they forged an enriching connection to camps we’ve helped to preserve: held by Natural Lands, Camp Horseshoe offers one of nature will remain natural. 5 the Boy Scouts’ last traditional, seven-day resident camp “For generations, Scouting has been a way for kids to Musser Scout Reservation programs in the country. Montgomery County, PA 3 4 experience nature in a deeply personal way. These vivid 80 1,198 acres Stroudsburg experiences—like sinking your toes into the mud at the Excerpt of Camp Horseshoe Song

r 476 e Located along the Unami Creek, the Musser Scout v bottom of a swimming pond, learning to build a campfire, (Words credited to Kevin Grewell and Vance Hein) Hazelton i

A R

Reservation includes three Boy Scout camps owned by

I e

r a The sun comes up over Flagpole Hill N

w the Cradle of Liberty Council: Camp Hart, Camp Del- 81 a A l Where Old Glory flew and is flying proudly still. e V D mont, and Camp Garrison. The property is within the L And we’ll march to the call at the end of the day Y Unami Forest, one of the largest remaining intact forests S NEW In the loop of the Octoraro bend. N Easton in southeastern Pennsylvania. The Forest includes a vast, N Allentown 78 interconnected mosaic of woodlands—punctuated by So let’s hoist our packs once again my friend P E 78 JERSEY dramatic boulders and rocky outcrops—and more than Where the waters flow round the tranquil horseshoe bend 24 miles of sparkling streams. And we’ll hike and we’ll camp in the old Scout way Quakertown 6 Natural Lands holds a conservation easement on the In the loop of the Octoraro bend. 476 entire Reservation, which protects the land from devel- Reading They built a camp upon the Mason-Dixon Line Doylestown Goose Pond Scout Reservation opment while allowing the Boy Scouts to retain owner- 7 1 455 acres Historic land where values shine. Pottstown ship and continue to operate the Camps there. Old Horseshoe your memory will ‘er be mine Trenton 2 Rock Hill Scout Camp 486 acres Marshall Island In the loop of the Octoraro bend. 95 276 Bucks County, PA Norristown 3 Camp Acahela 245 acres 131 acres 76 PHILADELPHIA Resica Falls Scout Reservation Lancaster 8 Marshall Island and neighboring Treasure Island, which Monroe and Pike Counties 476 Resica Falls Scout Reservation West 4 4,015 acres Chester Camden 4,015 acres are connected by a footbridge, were among the oldest Camp Hidden Falls Boy Scout Camps in the country and the only ones Resica Falls Scout Reservation is a Boy Scout’s paradise ke 5 Chester pi Turn 1,100 acres completely surrounded by water. Located in the Dela- set in the Pocono Mountains. The expansive, forested

295 y se er J w ware River, the Camps sustained heavy damaged from property includes two freshwater lakes, more than six e Marshall Island Wilmington N 6 131 acres 9 Atla nt repeated flooding over the years, leading to the decision miles of Big Bushkill Creek, and a 45-foot waterfall from ic

Glassboro C i 95 ty to close them in 2009. E Musser Scout Reservation which the Camp takes its name. xp Elkton 55 re 7 ss 1,198 acres w With Natural Lands’ assistance, the Cradle of Liberty In addition to the Boy Scouts that camp there, Resica ay 8 Camp Indian Run Council sold Marshall Island to the Philadelphia Regional Falls is visited by several thousand people a year—in- 124 acres Vineland Port Authority, which agreed to restrictions protecting cluding local elementary school groups—who take 9 Camp Horseshoe the island’s natural state. advantage of its hiking trails, fishing access, picnic facili- D 194 acres Marshall Island was used by Lenni-Lenape Native ties, and cabin rentals. y a N Americans during their annual treks from the Pennsyl- Through a multi-year effort to raise funding to protect B e A

k E R A W A L E D a L vania hills to the New Jersey coast; artifacts were found the entirety of the Reservation with a conservation ease- e p Y a there as late as 1987. Today, Bald Eagles use the island as ment, Natural Lands has ensured this wilderness trea- s e y R w h k

P map : Holly Harper e a nesting site. sure will remain forever for future campers and visitors. C W t A a t Delaware Bay S

n M e d r a G 14

Montrose

81

Carbondale

Scranton

Milford 84

Wilkes Barre 380

Gillen/Graul 7 80 Stroudsburg

r 476 e v Hazelton i

A R

I e r

N a

w 81 a A l e V D L Y S N Easton N P E Allentown 78 saving open space 78 September 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017 Quakertown

476 BERKS COUNTY, PA 1,300 acres of open space owned by ensure clean drinking water for thou- Gillen/Graul property. The property have the White Clay Creek designat- Reading Doylestown the local water authority, and is in sands of people downstream. Domi- is forested and will remain so in ed as a “National Wild and Scenic 1 Pottstown the heart of the Schuylkill Highlands, nique Boddorff, a former member of perpetuity, thanks to the provisions River.” Inclusion in this federal pro- 1 White/Trexler Trenton a region designated by the state as the London Grove Township Open of the conservation easement. It’s gram requires that the river be free 45 acres a conservation priority. Nearby 234- Space Committee, and her husband also located along a stretch of road flowing and possess an outstanding- Norristown 276 95 Heidelberg and South Heidelberg acre Gibraltar Hill was preserved in a had long-hoped to permanently pro- identified by the Township as an ly remarkable resource such as ex- 76 5 Townships PHILADELPHIA partnership between Natural Lands tect their property. They realized that area valued for its scenic vistas, an ceptional scenic, historic, or aquatic West Chester Key Partners: PA Department and the Bureau of Forestry in 2014. vision by donating a conservation important part of the Township’s qualities, or recreational opportuni- Coatesville 3 476 of Conservation and Natural easement to Natural Lands. It is a rural identity. ties. The conservation easement will Media Resources (DCNR) Bureau of powerful testament to their commit- ensure this three-generation farm, 6 Forestry; PA DCNR Bureau of CHESTER COUNTY, PA ment to land conservation and their 4 Larmore Farm purchased by her grandparents in 4 295 e pik rn 2 u T Recreation and Conservation – y love of their land. 15.3 acres 1920, will remain intact. e Wilmington rs e A J tla nt Keystone Recreation, Park and ew ic 2 London Grove Township N Boddorff Farm C i 95 ty Conservation Fund; US Forest E 15.4 acres 3 Gillen/Graul 5 Valley Forge Meadows xp NEW 55 r Key Partners: Catherine Larmore; Elkton es sw Service – Highlands Conservation a London Grove Township 1.9 acres London Grove Township; National 19.5 acres y Act; Virginia Cretella Mars JERSEY Key Partners: Jim and Dominique East Brandywine Township Park Service – White Clay Creek, Schuylkill Township Foundation Vineland Boddorff; London Grove Township; Key Partners: East Brandywine National Wild & Scenic River Key Partners: Schuylkill Township; Natural Lands acquired this 45-acre National Park Service – White Clay Township; Wilfred Donnell Gillen, Jr. Valley Forge Meadows Co., Inc. Another property located within D wooded property for the PA Bureau Creek, National Wild & Scenic River and Barbara Graul E R A W A L E D the White Clay Creek watershed, Valley Forge Meadows is located N of Forestry. It will be added to the 8 This scenic horse farm is located Natural Lands assisted East Brandy- Larmore Farm has unique ties to the not far from Valley Forge National A 400-acre George W. Wertz State For- L within the White Clay Creek water- wine Township with securing a con- watershed. Catherine Larmore was Historical Park. Largely wooded, the est located in the Bureau’s William Y y R w shed, so its conservation helps to servation easement on the 1.9-acre part of decade-long group effort to property also includes wetlands and k P : Patrick Gardner, map : Holly Harper Gardner, : Patrick above Penn Forest District. It’s adjacent to te A a t Delaware Bay S

n M e d r a G 16 NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 17

Larmore Farm Miller

a tributary to the nearby Schuylkill to help him achieve his vision with LUZERNE COUNTY, PA population. The land filters pollut- Preserve. However, about 90 percent on three sides by Natural Lands River. The conservation easement a conservation easement on his ants to protect the water quality of of their preferred habitat is on property, so it’s been a high priority protects a scenic stretch of highly 25-acre property on Lenni Road in the Lehigh River downstream. privately-owned lands, which makes for purchase for some time. Adding 7 Blue Ridge traveled Pawlings Road and will help Chester Heights. The Millers bought The purchase also offers an protecting them a challenge. Each the property to the preserve will help Addition to Bear Creek Preserve to maintain the natural and historical the property in the 1940s and, as exciting opportunity to expand Bear additional acre of protected forest to buffer the old-growth forest—a 153.3 acres setting around the National Park. the decades went by, watched with Creek Preserve’s existing 31 miles land is an important step in helping section of the Refuge with 400-year- Bear Creek Township sadness as developments were built of hiking trails and to connect to a these important bats survive. old trees—and the pristine inner all around them. Key Partners: Open Space Institute’s trail network within the 1,800-acre lakes, which are frequently used as a DELAWARE COUNTY, PA The land is largely forested, but Delaware River Watershed Francis E. Walter Dam area. Working roosting area by Bald Eagles. W also includes a meadow and sev- Protection Fund, capitalized by the in partnership with the U.S. Army CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ 6 Miller eral streams that feed into Chester William Penn Foundation; PA DCNR; Corps of Engineers, Natural Lands direct funding from the William Penn 25.4 acres Creek. Preserving wooded areas like also plans to install a boat launch for 8 Nocon Inner Lakes Chester Heights Borough this helps prevent erosion and flood- Foundation canoeists and kayakers. Addition to Glades Wildlife Refuge Key Partners: James A. Miller; ing by absorbing and filtering rainfall. The addition of this 153-acre prop- Another potential beneficiary of 20 acres Frederick Wood; Richard Wood; The Miller property is located near erty, located along the Francis E. Wal- this conservation effort is a small Downe Township Richard D. Wood, Jr.; Lisa and Natural Lands’ Wawa Preserve, which ter Dam Reservoir, brings our Bear bat known as the eastern small-foot- Key Partners: Geraldine R. Dodge Christopher Wright is a 98-acre nature preserve operat- Creek Preserve to a total of 3,565 ed myotis, which is a threatened Foundation; Kevin Nocon; the ed in partnership with Middletown acres. The dam lies along the Lehigh species in Pennsylvania. This tiny William Penn Foundation James Miller—now in his 90s—want- Township. The property is also within River, part of the massive Delaware bat—among the smallest in North ed to protect his land as a tribute The 20-acre Nocon Inner Lakes prop- view of the proposed Chester Creek River watershed, which supplies America—is in decline due to hab- to his late wife. With help from erty has been added to our 6,765- Trail Greenway. water to some 22 million peo- itat loss and white-nose syndrome. generous neighbors, we were able acre Glades Wildlife Refuge. This ple—about 10 percent of country’s The species thrives in expansive Boyd : Kelsey : Erin McCormick, right forested areas like Bear Creek wooded wetland area is bounded left 18 NATURAL LANDS . SPRING/SUMMER 2017 19

meet Cooper. resident wood bison.

Our 321-acre Fulshaw Craeg Preserve in Montgomery County is home to a number of rare and endangered species, including native showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)—an important pollinator plant. Our Natural Resources Management Task Force has been studying botanic inventories compiled over the years that indi- cate some of these species are in decline. Though the reasons for this drop in their numbers isn’t yet entirely clear, our stewardship team is taking steps to ensure showy goldenrod and other native wildflowers have the best chance of survival at Fulshaw Craeg. By studying aerial photos, the Task Force noted that trees have encroached on the wildflower meadows, shrinking their overall size to half of what they were 80 years ago. So we’ve taken down some trees along the edges to increase sunlight in the meadows. We’re also working on removing invasive persimmon plants, which crowd out native species. We’ve also unleashed a herd of wood bison to graze there. Well, more accurately, stewardship staff member Cooper Williams has been simulating the effects of wood bison—a lesser-known and larger cousin to the plains bison—which used to roam these parts but is now large- ly extinct in the continental U.S. Showy goldenrod needs routine disturbance for its wind-dispersed seeds to germinate. In the absence of massive mammals like wood bison, Cooper—armed with a string trimmer and a strong back—mimics grazing, whacking down the meadow grasses within 10 study plots in an artfully haphazard fashion. Ten control plots are left untouched. Staff will continue to inventory the plants in these areas to determine if our efforts have

Showy Goldenrod Ph.D. Rhoads, : Ann F. right : ©iStockphoto.com/Kumovic, been effective. Solidago speciosa left If so, Cooper has a lot of weed whacking in his future. W Mae Axelrod, Claire Ballantyne, Anne Bevis, Rima Biswas, Mike Brazill, Alex Chadwell, Maryanne Ebel, Sadie Groff, Tom Kershner, Gypsy Lali, John McNamara, Olesha Middleton, Steve Tulleners 20 know whenwe might useitandhelpinspire others. when posting your shots to socialmedia… you never We love visitor photographs! Add #NaturalLands your muse. our preserves. NATURAL LANDS Theodore V. Wood, Jr. Henry E.Crouter emeritus trustees *chairmanemeritus William Y. Webb Penelope P. Watkins Christopher H.Washburn Douglas W. Tallamy, Ph.D. Robert K.Stetson Ann F. Rhoads, Ph.D. Jane G.Pepper Susan P. Mucciarone Katharine F. Maroney John W. Lea Peter O. Hausmann* Robert I.Friedman Barbara B.Aronson vice chairman William G.Warden, IV chairman John A.Terrill, II board of trustees in nature for everyone inourregion. creating opportunities for joy anddiscovery nature for all. preserving andnurturing nature’s wonders. land for life. mission

. SPRING/SUMMER2017 Sherley Young Minturn T. Wright, III Theodore V. Wood, Jr. Susan P. Wilmerding Charles H.White Jim B.Ward Carolyn W. Turner Karen Thompson Morris W. Stroud, II Jonathan Sprogell and Julia H.M.Solmssen Christine Jenkins Smith Steve Shreiner Elizabeth andKyle Salata James L.Rosenthal J. Kenneth Nimblett Hugh G.Moulton Amy McKenna Leslie Stuart Matthews Christy Martin Molly G.Love Ann T. Loftus, Esq. Frank andAnita Leto C. Scott Kulicke Meg Kramer Steven andAnnHutton Kathy Hodgkiss R. David Harrison Andrew andJennifer Haas Robert E.Fenza Phoebe A.Driscoll Sandra Drayer Robert C.Clothier, Esq. Lloyd H.Brown Clarke andBarbara Blynn Paul S.Beideman Timothy B.Barnard and Jim Averill Franny andFranny Abbott president’s council Kathryn Taylor Meredyth D.Patterson 21 NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Media, PA Hildacy Preserve Permit #138 1031 Palmers Mill Road Media, PA 19063

music. without walls. Ed Cunicelli

Field Jam Friday Night Lights Beats & Brews Roots & Bluestems Saturday, June 24 Friday, July 14 Saturday, September 9 Saturday, September 16 4:00 – 7:00 pm 8:00 – 11:00 pm 6:00 – 9:30 pm 4:00 – 7:00 pm Gwynedd Preserve ChesLen Preserve Binky Lee Preserve Stroud Preserve North Wales, PA Coatesville, PA Chester Springs, PA West Chester, PA

Rock, reggae, roots, and rhythm… no matter what the style, music is better with nature as the backdrop! Each event includes live music, craft beers, and fun food truck fare. And awesome outdoor ambience. Get your groove on this summer with us. natlands.org/music