press releases | Natural Lands

MEDIA, Pa., December 2, 2024 – Natural Lands announced today the conservation of the 14.4-acre Shillelagh Farm in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County. The property offers essential habitat for wildlife, helps protect the quality of Hogestown Run, and helps mitigate the effects of a warming climate.

Shillelagh Farm consists of both woodland, agricultural fields, and floodplain. About 1,050 feet of Hogestown Run meanders through the eastern edge of the property. The land adjacent to the stream—which the landowner, Starr Offenger, has committed to leaving as a vegetated buffer—helps absorb and filter floodwaters during storms.

The property is now protected by a conservation easement held by Natural Lands, the region’s oldest and largest land conservation nonprofit. This perpetual, legally binding agreement ensures the farm will remain undeveloped forever.

“Starr and Howard Offenger’s efforts to conserve Shillelagh Farm will forever keep this remnant of Silver Spring Township’s agrarian heritage open for farming and wildlife,” said Land Protection Project Manager Robyn Jeney. “The landowners’ willingness to ensure the permanence of a naturally vegetated buffer along Hogestown Run will help to preserve and protect water quality as well as secure a meaningful corridor for wildlife habitat. It’s truly rewarding to see their conservation vision realized.”

In the early 2000s, after nearly three centuries of agricultural use, the area around the Offenger property began to be developed for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. To the east, the Property is bordered by the expanding residential and commercial development in the village of Hogestown, and to the west, by warehouses and numerous car dealerships. As a result, Shillelagh Farm is one of few remaining historical farmsteads in this part of Silver Spring Township.

“I could never in good conscience let this sacred land become another car lot or warehouse, which now surround our boundaries,” said landowner Starr Offenger. “It is a little piece of paradise for the wildlife to enjoy. It is indeed very calming to look out over the meadow and enjoy the beauty. I am glad for the opportunity to preserve!”

Silver Spring Township funded this conservation project.

Said Silver Spring Township Supervisor Laura Brown, “When the current owner’s father, Bud Gaskin purchased the farm in 1965, he planted more than 5,000 trees on the property. The foresight of Starr’s father allowed this land to stay protected and helped ensure it as an oasis for people and wildlife in the midst of rampant development. Silver Spring Township is proud to fully fund the preservation of Shillelagh Farm. With the completion of this project, the Township has now preserved more than 792 acres of farmland and woodland through our municipal Land Preservation Program.”

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 135,000 acres, including 40+ nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres. Nearly five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all. natlands.org.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Media Inquiries:

Kit Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA, Pa., November 25, 2024 – Natural Lands and ClearWater Conservancy announced today the preservation of the 667-acre Ridge Farm in Jackson and Miller Townships, Huntingdon County. The property is now under a conservation easement with Natural Lands that will forever protect the forest and streams, and the wildlife that call these places home.

Ridge Farm is 90 percent wooded with mature conifers and hardwood trees. The dense forest provides essential habitat for songbirds and other wildlife and helps to filter rainwater before it flows into the more than 7,000 feet of Standing Stone Creek that, along with Geiser Run tributary, meanders through the property. Classified by the PA Department of Environmental Protection as a high-quality, cold-water stream, the creek is part of the Juniata River Watershed, which provides recreation and clean drinking water to millions of people.

“This conservation easement is the culmination of more than two years of working with the landowners and our partners, Clearwater Conservancy, and Open Space Institute,” said Todd Sampsell, Natural Lands’ vice president of conservation. “As the climate crisis intensifies, with rising temperatures and stronger storms, protecting open space is essential to improving climate resilience and reducing flooding.” Added Sampsell, “We applaud the Wojdylak family for choosing conservation.”

The property is located between Rothrock state Forest to the southeast and The Pennsylvania State University Stone Valley Forest to the northwest. Contiguous forest cover is essential habitat for songbirds like Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, and several species of warblers that spend winters in warmer climes but breed in our region’s forests. Many of these migrant species have declined because the woods they rely on for food and shelter are disappearing or being subdivided. Forests that are fragmented into smaller plots by roads and developments favor predators that thrive along the edge of the woods, such as raccoons, snakes, Blue Jays, domestic cats, and Brown-headed Cowbirds.

A stream on Ridge Farm with trees on either bank.

Photo by Bill Amos

Said landowner Steve Wojdylak, “My wife and I both feel that Ridge Farm has been heaven-on-earth for our family and friends and needs to be preserved. Thanks to Natural Lands for all your help.”

“ClearWater Conservancy was excited to collaborate with Natural Lands and the Wojdylak family to preserve this beautiful property in perpetuity,” said Elizabeth Crisfield, executive director of ClearWater Conservancy. “Maintaining habitat connectivity through forested ridgelines is an important contribution to climate resilience in central Pennsylvania, facilitating natural dispersal of native plants and animals. We look forward to continuing to work with the Wojdylaks and others in Huntingdon County.”

The project was supported through the Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund (ALPF), which supports the protection of climate resilient lands for wildlife and communities. The ALPF is made possible with a lead grant from the Doris Duke Foundation and with significant support from the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Riverview Foundation, Tucker Foundation, Lookout Foundation, Footprint Foundation, Anonymous Foundation (2), as well as other foundations and individuals who understand the critical role that land protection plays in addressing the threats of climate change.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

ClearWater Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of Central Pennsylvania’s natural resources through land conservation, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach across central Pennsylvania. Learn more at: clearwaterconservancy.org

Media Inquiries:

Natural Lands
Kit Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267
kwerner@natlands.org

ClearWater Conservancy
Katie Molinengo, Communications Director
814-237-0400
katie@clearwaterconservancy.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Successful Result from the Save Crebilly Campaign

MEDIA, Pa., November 1, 2024 – Natural Lands and Westtown Township announced today the successful completion of Natural Lands’ Save Crebilly Campaign—a final step in the multi-year fundraising effort to preserve the entirety of Crebilly Farm in Westtown Township, Chester County.

The campaign was an intentionally fast-paced, two-month effort, which targeted the communities within a 10-mile radius of Crebilly that will benefit most from the protected and publicly accessible open space. The call to “come together friend by friend, neighbor by neighbor, and gift by gift” attracted the support of more than 750 households—all of whose contributions were matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to a special challenge Natural Lands received from Mt. Cuba Center and another donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

In June 2023, partners celebrated an important milestone when one-third of the property was permanently protected through conservation easements held by Natural Lands.

The final step in preserving Crebilly Farm is Westtown Township’s purchase of the remaining 206 acres that will become a passive-use park with walking trails through the stunning landscape. With the completion of the campaign, sufficient funds have been raised for that purchase and settlement is set for December 2024, though the park will not be open to the public for some time.

“Natural Lands, Westtown Township, and the Robinson family—which has called Crebilly Farm home for multiple generations—are moved by this extraordinary demonstration of conservation care,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands, the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation nonprofit. “When iconic landscapes like Crebilly Farm, which help root us in—even epitomize—our communities, are threatened, so is our essential relationship with nature. Their preservation is essential to our wellbeing.”

Bass added, “It took an extraordinary coalition of funders to preserve Crebilly Farm. This included leadership support from public partners to include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (using grant monies from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund), the Chester County Commissioners, and the residents of Westtown Township, who voted overwhelmingly in favor of an open space fund referendum in 2022.”

“Private funding from foundations and individuals was also essential and came from the Open Space Institute’s Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund (made possible with funding from The William Penn Foundation for its Delaware River Watershed Initiative, which seeks to protect water quality in the Delaware River Basin); Mt. Cuba Center; the Marshall-Reynolds Foundation; and all of the individual donors and devoted community volunteers who helped get this project to the finish line. It is a stunning assemblage of conservation support and a model of public, private, and grassroots partnership.”

“Of course,” added Bass, “the opportunity to save Crebilly forever would not have been possible without the Robinson family, which opened a pathway to conservation in 2022, was patient as this process unfolded, and made an exceedingly generous gift to bring the project to completion.”

“We are extremely thankful to Natural Lands, and join them in our heartfelt gratitude for everyone, known and unknown, who has generously contributed their creativity, spirit, time, talent, and financial resources to make this momentous occasion possible,” David and Laurie Robinson said. “We are humbled by the incredible community support in fulfilling this extraordinary conservation and preservation effort.”

According to Dick Pomerantz, Westtown Township supervisor and WEGO Police Commission chair, “The Save Crebilly story would turn out to be comprised of so many challenges, involving long and winding roads. It’s been an extraordinary journey that began with the most daunting of must-dos: ‘To have any chance at all, your team must win the referendum.’ And so they did!”

Pomerantz added, “What they did, and what ensued thereafter through the efforts and commitment of so many along the way, was perfectly captured in the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘When one stands on their conviction and their abide, the whole world will come around.’”

As one of the largest remaining unprotected open spaces in our region, Crebilly’s conservation has required significant financial investment. In November 2022, the residents of Westtown Township voted overwhelmingly in favor of an Open Space Fund referendum, which provided about $7.5 million for the property’s preservation and stewardship. Natural Lands raised $16.5 million in additional public and private grant funding and gifts from individual donors.

Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe said, “For more than 30 years, Chester County’s land preservation program has focused on partnering with conservancies, townships, the state, and private landowners to invest in saving land, and Crebilly Farm is a perfect example of this. The investments the County has made over the years—with overwhelming public support—has leveraged hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars through our partnerships. Crebilly Farm will be saved because of that same public support; public support that has raised the final funds needed, guaranteeing the permanent preservation of 300-plus acres.”

“Providing public access to natural spaces is central to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ mission, and we are grateful to everyone involved in the efforts to conserve Crebilly Farm,” Department Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “This campaign has helped protect land that is under pressure from development, improved community access to trails, and helped develop green infrastructure that helps absorb stormwater during heavy rain, all of which are huge wins for Chester County and the Commonwealth.”

Said Ann C. Rose, president of Mt. Cuba Center’s Board, “As part of Mt. Cuba Center’s commitment to conservation, we are proud to support the purchase of Crebilly Farm. Maintaining this land as open space will benefit not only plants and animals in the local ecosystem, but also provide people with more opportunities to connect with nature.”

“Saving Crebilly Farm has been a community effort and an act of persistence. I am thrilled that we’ve persevered towards its permanent protection,” said State Senator Carolyn Comitta. “The people of Westtown Township and the surrounding communities have worked for years to ensure this property remains the iconic landscape we all know and love. And the fact that it was their tireless work—and now generosity—that put us over the top is a testament to our ongoing commitment to historic, ecological, and environmental conservation in Chester County.”

“This is a tremendous moment for Westtown and our surrounding communities,” said State Representative Craig Williams. “Protecting this historically significant piece of land is a testament to our collective commitment to preserving our heritage, culture, and open space. I extend a hearty congratulations and my great gratitude to the many stakeholders involved in this difficult task, including Natural Lands, Westtown Township, the Robinson family, the Commonwealth, Chester County, the numerous other funders and donors, my elected colleagues, and most especially the people of Westtown who voted to spend their tax money to preserve this local treasure. Thank you!”

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

As per Westtown Township Comprehensive Plan 2019, Westtown is the second oldest municipality in Chester County. It is a very special community, with natural creek valleys, tree-canopied roadways, beautiful homes, vibrant parks, expansive open spaces, rolling landscapes, and high quality of life. While Westtown has experienced great change over the last few decades, much change has been accommodated in a manner that maintain that unique community character. Westtown is dedicated to continued special efforts to carefully guide changes and preserve the most important features of the community. westtownpa.org

Media Inquiries:

Kirsten Werner, Senior Director of Communications
Natural Lands
610-353-5587 ext. 267
kwerner@natlands.org

Liudmila (Mila) Carter, Township Manager
Westtown Township
610-692-1930
lcarter@westtown.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA, Pa., October 15, 2024 – The most dangerous wild animal in Pennsylvania causes hundreds of injuries or deaths every year. It is ruining crops, damaging timber harvests, and changing the forest composition. It’s the official state animal: the white-tailed deer, and its population is 10 times what our region’s forest can handle. Natural Lands, Greater Philadelphia’s oldest and largest land conservation nonprofit is working to manage the species’ impact on its 40+ nature preserves.

The organization recently installed a deer exclosure fence measuring 800 linear feet at its Hildacy Preserve, located in Media, Delaware County. The fence is eight-feet high to keep deer out but has openings in the wire that allow other animals to come and go freely.

“The concept is to fill this exclosure area with native plants—canopy and understory trees as well as shrubs—to replicate what would occur naturally at Hildacy Preserve were it not for the extreme deer pressure,” said Preserve Manager Mike Coll. “I’ll be planting in dense groupings inside the fence with a diverse mix of species. As these plants mature, they’ll provide food, shelter, and breeding habitat for insects, songbirds, and other wildlife.”

The organization hopes the exclosure is just the first of many they’ll install at their nature preserves, though funding is a limiting factor. The deer exclosure fencing and native plantings at Hildacy Preserve cost an estimated $18,000, more than half of which was funded by a grant from Aqua Essential and Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Prior to European colonization, white-tailed deer were in balance with their forest habitat, according to experts from Penn State. The land we now call Pennsylvania had an estimated eight to 10 deer per square mile. For thousands of years, Native peoples kept deer populations in check through hunting. Large predators—such as mountain lions, bears, and wolves—were an added control. All of that changed with the arrival of settlers from across the Atlantic who hunted deer almost to local extinction.

In the early 1900s, the newly formed PA Game Commission began stocking deer brought in from other states and lobbied state government to enact legal restrictions on hunting. The deer population rebounded quickly. Today, Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 1.5 million white-tails, according to the state Game Commission. That’s about 32 deer for every square mile.

“High deer populations in most of Pennsylvania have greatly altered forest understories,” stated Roger Latham, Ph.D., an ecologist and conservation biologist with Continental Conservation and a former member of Natural Lands’ Board of Trustees. Latham has authored numerous reports on the ecological impact of deer. “To the casual observer the woods still look green, but they are much altered. In place of the diverse, multi-storied vegetation that was the norm, there are just a few species, either not preferred by deer or resilient to repeated browsing.”

Of course, deer populations impact more than just the forest and its flora and fauna. When our woodlands aren’t in balance, they can’t support the insects that make life possible. The loss of native plants and trees means caterpillars have no food to eat. Fewer caterpillars mean songbirds can’t feed their young. And the ripples continue through the interconnected web of which we humans are a part.

Deer overpopulation impacts human health more directly, too, largely through tick-borne illnesses and car crashes. Last year, 4,857 car crashes were caused by deer, according to PennDOT, resulting in 21 fatalities.

“The bottom line is that humans have been manipulating the deer population—and by extension the ecosystem—for thousands of years,” said Josh Saltmer, Natural Lands’ wildlife management coordinator. “Ironically, to keep from losing our forests, we are now compelled to continue the manipulation.”

Josh oversees Natural Lands’ successful deer hunting program, which has operated for 30 years. Hunters must apply to participate in the program, complete regular training and proficiency testing, and comply with strict safety protocols. The program emphasizes the removal of does as the best way to reduce and maintain populations at our nature preserves.

This year, several of Natural Lands’ preserve will be closed for hunting. Details are at natlands.org/visit.

Binky Lee Preserve, Chester Springs, PA – closed December 2 – 7
Bryn Coed Preserve, Chester Springs, PA – closed December 9 – 14
ChesLen Preserve, Coatesville, PA – closed December 2 – 7
Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, Easton, PA – closed November 30 – December 14
Stroud Preserve, West Chester, PA – closed December 9 – 14

Learn more about the deer exclosure fence at Hildacy Preserve (video).

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Media Inquiries:

Kit Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This year, several of Natural Lands’ preserve will be closed for hunting. Details are at natlands.org/visit.

Binky Lee Preserve, Chester Springs, PA – closed December 2 – 7
Bryn Coed Preserve, Chester Springs, PA – closed December 9 – 14
ChesLen Preserve, Coatesville, PA – closed December 2 – 7
Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary, Easton, PA – closed November 30 – December 14
Stroud Preserve, West Chester, PA – closed December 9 – 14

Learn more about the deer exclosure fence at Hildacy Preserve (video).

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Media Inquiries:

Kit Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267
kwerner@natlands.org

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media, Pa., October 9, 2024 – Natural Lands announced today the transfer of ownership of Sharp’s Woods Preserve to Easttown Township in Chester County.

This 28-acre preserve will continue to be stewarded as open space by the Township, which has a recorded Declaration of Public Trust, agreeing that the property will be held “in public trust” in perpetuity. This declaration will ensure that Sharp’s Woods will remain open to the public and continue to function as a nature preserve with trails for walkers and hikers.

“Natural Lands accepted the donation of this land early in our organization’s 70-year history. For several reasons, including a lack of dedicated funding to support our management of the property, we are confident that the needs of Sharps Woods will be better served by a local municipality, especially one as interested and engaged in caring for it as Easttown Township,” said Gary Gimbert, vice president of preserve stewardship.

The headwaters of Darby Creek run through the preserve, surrounded by a mix of meadows and marshlands, with a mile of unpaved hiking trails. Local birders have recorded the presence of 55 bird species, including Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, and Golden-crowned Kinglet.

“In Easttown Township, we have found a partner that will prioritize the continued protection of this important ecosystem and water resource. We’re grateful to them for their commitment to conservation and their residents’ access to recreation,” said Gimbert.

VILLANOVA, Pa., August 20, 2024 – Natural Lands and Lower Merion School District (LMSD) announced today that the LMSD Board of Directors has authorized the sale of the 13-acre site in Villanova, PA, known as Oakwell. The property is directly adjacent to Natural Lands’ Stoneleigh: a natural garden. Natural Lands is the intended buyer for approximately 10 acres of the property, which would expand Stoneleigh and reunite two important landscapes. The buyer for the remaining three acres—including Oakwell mansion, which would be restored—is a separate non-profit entity whose use will be complementary to Stoneleigh.

LMSD purchased the properties at 1800 W. Montgomery Avenue and 1835 County Line Road in 2018 as a site for athletic fields for Black Rock Middle School. In response to community sentiment for preservation of those properties (“Oakwell”), in January 2023, Haverford Township, Lower Merion Township, and LMSD announced an agreement to allow baseball and softball teams from Black Rock Middle School to have priority use of two fields on the Polo Field, located at 109 County Line Road in the Bryn Mawr section of Haverford Township. With the addition of these fields, as well as continued use of Gladwyne Park, the District is confident that the needs of our athletic teams at Black Rock Middle School are currently being met.

The Board’s resolution makes way for an agreement of sale, the first step in what will be a lengthy process. “Conservation projects like this one have many moving parts and take time and patience,” said Natural Lands President Oliver Bass. “This is just the first step, albeit an essential one.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to expand Stoneleigh and immensely grateful to the leadership of the Lower Merion School District,” added Bass. “They have worked diligently with us to explore options for the property. Together, we’ve identified a plan that, if successful, will preserve the important natural and historic resources—including the much-loved trees and mansion—and grow Stoneleigh from its current 42 acres to more than 52.”

Kerry Sautner, president of the Lower Merion Board of School Directors, said, “We are proud to have partnered with Natural Lands and the Township in a shared commitment to preserving the Oakwell site. This agreement reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship and our responsibility to honor the community’s and students’ desire to protect and cherish our natural spaces. Through collaboration, we can achieve outcomes that respect the environment and respond to the voices of those we serve.”

Under the plan, the additional acreage would create space for expansive new garden areas at Stoneleigh, providing a broader platform from which to showcase the beauty and benefits of an ecologically sustainable approach to gardening. Early 20th century landscape designs by the famed Olmsted Brothers span both properties, which would be connected again for the first time since the portion known as Oakwell was subdivided off in the 1930s.

The buildings on the property would be restored and adapted, creating exciting improvements to the guest experience at Stoneleigh. As Stoneleigh is now, the portion that Natural Lands seeks to acquire would be placed under conservation easement with the Lower Merion Conservancy. The nonprofit purchasing the subdivided portion intends to enter into a mutually agreeable conservation easement agreement with Lower Merion Conservancy

Andy Gavrin, Lower Merion Township Commissioner, added, ”Protecting this historically and environmentally important property while finding alternative solutions to the School District’s need for playing fields has been a major focus of mine for quite some time. This agreement, in conjunction with the recent partnership for the use of the Polo Field for the Black Rock Middle School baseball and softball teams, truly results in a win-win-win solution. I am grateful to Natural Lands and Lower Merion School District for coming together, as well as to the members of the Lower Merion community who put so much time and energy into this vital conservation effort.”

Stoneleigh is open free-of-charge to everyone, year-round and hosts myriad community groups, from students to garden clubs to nature enthusiasts. The 42-acre public garden celebrates the beauty and importance of the natural world and gardening with native plants. The public is invited to learn more at stoneleighgarden.org.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Lower Merion School District (LMSD) serves the 67,000 residents of Lower Merion Township and Narberth Borough. Established as one of Pennsylvania’s first public school districts in 1834, LMSD enjoys a rich tradition of achievement, innovation and community partnership and a longstanding reputation as one of the finest school systems in the United States. The District’s six elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools provide a challenging, multi-disciplinary academic program and dynamic, co-curricular experience to about 8,700 students. LMSD.org

Media Inquiries:

Kirsten Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267
267-222-0072 (mobile)
kwerner@natlands.org

Amy Buckman, Director of School & Community Relations
610-645-1978
267-473-1131 (mobile)
buckmaa@lmsd.org

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MEDIA, Pa., August 16, 2024 – Natural Lands announced today that it is launching the Save Crebilly Campaign—a final step in the organization’s multi-year fundraising effort to preserve the entirety of Crebilly Farm in Westtown Township, Chester County.

The campaign—which has a $2.5 million goal, dollar-for-dollar challenge, and October 31, 2024, deadline—targets communities within a 10-mile radius of Crebilly, which will benefit most from the protected and publicly accessible open space.

Crebilly Farm is a 308-acre ecologically, historically, and culturally significant landscape that has long been a priority for conservation. At one point, the property was under an agreement of sale with Toll Brothers to construct more than 300 houses. But, following years of community concern, the deal with the developers came to an end and the Robinson family, which has owned and occupied Crebilly Farm for multiple generations, opened a pathway and partnership to conservation.

In June, 2023, Natural Lands and partners celebrated an important milestone when one-third of the property was permanently protected through conservation easements.

The final step in preserving Crebilly Farm is Westtown Township’s purchase of the remaining 206 acres that will become a passive-use park with walking trails through the stunning landscape.

To date, more than $20 million has been committed, thanks to revenues from a newly enacted Westtown Township open space tax; county, state, and federal grants; and private donations. Additionally, Mt. Cuba Center and an anonymous donor have created a $2 million challenge that will match all final phase fundraising gifts dollar-for-dollar.

“Now is the time to come together—friend by friend, neighbor by neighbor, and gift by gift—to raise the final $2.5 million, unlock our generous $2 million challenge, and reach the goal of saving all of Crebilly Farm,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “It’s a chance of a lifetime.”

Natural Lands has set up a web page to receive donations: www.natlands.org/crebillyfarm. The fundraising deadline is October 31, 2024.

According to Dick Pomerantz, who is a member of Westtown Township Board of Supervisors and Police Commissioner, as well as Chair, WEGO Police Commission, “The ultimate success of this final phase to Save Crebilly would be the culmination of what has been a truly extraordinary undertaking. The first step for which commenced with a singular mandate and hugely difficult challenge: ‘You have no choice …you must win the open space referendum.’ And that is what eventuated. In a landslide victory in the largest voter turnout ever in Westtown Township history.”

Pomerantz added, “Which would have been impossible without the profound commitment, conviction, and perspicacity of an amazing large cadre of volunteers, and an electorate with the courageous foresight to appreciate that Saving Crebilly’s magnificent open space today will benefit the many generations to come in the future.”

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Media Inquiries:

Kirsten Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA, Pa., July 25, 2024 – Natural Lands announced today the permanent preservation of a 252-acre forested property in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County. In addition to its scenic beauty, these woodlands help cool and clean the air, filter water supplies, store carbon, and offer habitat to songbirds and other wildlife. Thanks to a voluntary, legally binding agreement known as a conservation easement, the property will remain this way forever.

Over the past half a decade, landowner Michael Kaczenski acquired two adjacent parcels of land with the intention of conserving this significant natural area, something he’s dreamed of doing for many years. In November 2021, Mr. Kaczenski purchased 192 acres, the bulk of the now 252-acre property, which was once slated for development. Instead, the conservation easement ensures it will remain a forest forever.

“Natural Lands has been working with Michael since 2018 to realize this dream,” said Kate Raman, Natural Lands’ conservation project manager. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to expand and protect this beloved property.”

About 7,380 feet of streams traverse the property, including Mud Run, Wolf Run, and Dilldown Creek, all of which flow to the Lehigh River. The waterways are shaded by trees, which keeps the water cold and clear. Native tree species, including Eastern hemlock and white pine, create a dense canopy overhead with understory trees like red maple, hawthorn, American beech, and black cherry reaching for the sunlight. The shrub layer includes serviceberry, lowbush and highbush blueberry, rhododendron, and steeplebush. The forest floor is thick with ferns and other native perennials.

“The land is remarkably free of invasive plant species,” added Ms. Raman. “It’s rich habitat for wildlife, including fisher, mink, porcupine, river otter, and flying squirrel, not to mention the almost 100 species of birds that rely on the land for food, shelter, and breeding.”

“My dream is that, 100 years from now, this forest is thick with centuries-old trees,” said Mr. Kaczenski. “I hope that future generations will enjoy this place and appreciate its beauty and service to the natural world. That they’ll see the wildlife and hear the myriad birds that frequent this special place and be reminded that someone just like them walked in this forest many years ago and dreamed a bold dream to make a difference that would last for all time.”

The project was supported through the Open Space Institute’s (OSI) Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund, which is made possible with funding from the William Penn Foundation for its Delaware River Watershed Initiative that seeks to protect water quality in the Delaware River Basin. The Delaware River Watershed Protection Program seeks to ensure abundant, clean water within the 13,000 square mile drainage of the Delaware River.”

“Helping to protect this exceptional property was interesting and rewarding,” said OSI’s Senior Mid Atlantic Program Manager Bill Rawlyk. “From a watershed perspective, streams on the property are clear and loaded with life, supporting native trout and a diverse community of sensitive stream insects and invertebrates that cannot tolerate even low levels of pollution. Projects like this validate the purpose of OSI’s Delaware Watershed Fund, which seeks to protect forested headwaters that deliver clean drinking water to residents in the watershed downstream.”

Mr. Kaczenski also contributed substantially by donating the majority of the value of the easement.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

press resources

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA, Pa., July 18, 2024 – Natural Lands announced today the permanent preservation of the Painter farmstead in Warwick Township, Chester County. The 14-acre property is now protected by a conservation easement that will ensure its meadows and woodlands will remain forever.

“The Painter property is quintessential Chester County: stone farm buildings surrounded by picture-perfect pastures, meadows, and forest,” said Jack Stefferud, senior director of land protection for Natural Lands. “But its real beauty lies in the environmental services this land provides. It absorbs and filters rainwater, stores carbon, helps clean our air, and provides habitat and food for insects, birds, and other wildlife.”

The stone farmhouse and outbuildings of the preserved Painter farmstead in Warwick Twp.

Photo: Jacqueline Painter

The Painter property is located within the North Warwick Historic Archaeological District and has been identified by Warwick Township as a Class 1 historical resource. The conservation easement—which is a voluntary, legally binding, and permanent land protection program—allows the farm to stay in private ownership while ensuring it remains protected from development in perpetuity.

In 2021, Warwick Township reached out to Natural Lands for assistance in seeking landowners who might be interested in conservation easements on properties prioritized by the Township for protection. The Painter farmstead was identified based on its size and adjacency to already protected State Game Lands and French Creek State Park.

Said Warwick Township Board Chairperson Eileen Cameron, “This site is preserved for the future of the township and the surrounding area. Easements do more than just preserve land; they reduce congestion, enhance our woodlands and farmlands, and establish value to our taxpayers.”

The property is part of Hopewell Big Woods, the last large, unbroken forest remaining in southeastern Pennsylvania. It is also within the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape, a conservation priority for Natural Lands, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and myriad other partners.

“The idea of keeping land as open space to allow wildlife to continue to flourish is of utmost importance for our ongoing efforts for a healthy environment, as well as encouraging an appreciation and stewardship of nature,” said landowner Jaqueline Painter. “For my family and me, there is a personal benefit in that this plot of land and farm, which were settled by my paternal ancestors in the 1700s, will be spared from future development. Knowing this warms our hearts, and we are grateful to Natural Lands and Jack Stefferud for this opportunity. I am hopeful that Natural Lands will be successful in preserving more and more land for the benefit of future generations.”

Warwick Township funded the Painter property conservation easement. The township also provided funding towards the transaction costs and funds for the stewardship contribution to Natural Lands for the perpetual monitoring, administration, and enforcement of the easement.

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 135,000 acres, including 40+ nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres. Nearly five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all. natlands.org.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

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