and BARNS BBQ
13 th Annual MAY 31st, 2025
Presenting Land Conservation Sponsor
WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST
WELCOME TO
BARNS BBQ and
I AM THRILLED TO WELCOME YOU TO WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST’S 13TH ANNUAL BARNS & BBQ—an event that holds a special place in my heart. It was one of my first introductions to WCT, and it opened my eyes to the deep connection between people, place, and preservation. As you explore each unique barn and property on today’s tour, I hope you too will feel a sense of wonder at the natural beauty that surrounds us—and appreciation for the landowners who have thoughtfully protected and stewarded these landscapes over time.
THIS YEAR, WE HAVE EXPANDED THE TRADITIONAL FOOTPRINT OF THE TOUR BEYOND THE ROLLING HILLS OF WILLISTOWN to include barns in more suburbanized areas. These new additions highlight conservation opportunities that exist even in more developed landscapes and reflect the evolving scope of our work.
INDEED, WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST CONTINUES TO GROW—NOT ONLY IN GEOGRAPHY, BUT IN IMPACT. In addition to protecting open space, we are expanding vital programs in bird conservation, watershed protection, sustainable agriculture, and habitat stewardship. These efforts deepen our understanding of local ecosystems and strengthen our ability to care for the land, water, and wildlife that define this region, well beyond the borders of Willistown.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF THIS MEANINGFUL EVENT—and for supporting a future where nature and community thrive together.
Sincerely,
Kate Etherington
CONSERVE OUR COUNTRYSIDE | Bid on auction items and Raise Your Paddle!
When you bid on our many donated auction items and Raise Your Paddle high at Barns & BBQ, you are directly supporting Willistown Conservation Trust’s ability to continue protecting and sharing the beautiful countryside that you toured today. Together, we can preserve Willistown’s history, educate all who visit, and revel in nature now and well into the future.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT | The work of Willistown Conservation Trust takes place on the ancestral lands of the Lenni Lenape. We honor the Lenape and other Indigenous caretakers of these lands and waters, the elders who lived here before, the Indigenous today, and the generations to come. We acknowledge the Lenni Lenape as the original people of this land and their continuing relationship with their territory. As we enjoy and protect the beauty of Willistown and surrounding areas, we cannot forget its original inhabitants and how their way of life echoes throughout the conservation of this land and its natural resources.
BARNS & BBQ COMMITTEE
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR BARN OWNERS
Julie & Jeff DeVuono
Heather & Kevin Gallagher
Alexandra Murphy
Jennifer Peters & Sam Whitaker
Susan & Bill Stedman
CO-CHAIRS
Amy & Michael Brooks
Molly Love & Adrian Castelli
Warren Claytor
Wendy & John Cozzi
Caroline Moran
COMMITTEE
Julie & Jeff DeVuono
Kate & Ben Etherington
Kate & Luke Etherington
Heather & Kevin Gallagher
Kim & Russell Galligher
Leanne & Rob McMenamin
Janice & Britt Murdoch
John F. Stoviak, Chair
Meg Tegler Hardesty, Vice Chair
Leanne M. McMenamin, Vice Chair
Elizabeth C. Hucker, Treasurer
Michael Burg, Esq., Secretary
Clarke Blynn
Maggie Brokaw
Alexandra Murphy
Jennifer Peters & Sam Whitaker
Tracy & Joe Przybylowski
Susan & Bill Stedman
Holly & John Stoviak
Bonnie & Jim Van Alen
Devin Wilkins & Kyle Wichser
Bryan D. Colket
Wendy Cozzi
Kimberley H. Galligher, VMD
Lindsay Scott Leisenring
Molly Love
Michael J. McGraw
Linda I. McIsaac
Photography by WCT Staff
Britton H. Murdoch
Justin N. Thompson
David L. Unruh
Jeanne B. Van Alen**
Rick Warden
Kyle Wichser
**President Emerita
BARNS & BBQ SPONSORS
Presenting LAND CONSERVATION SPONSOR
WARREN CLAYTOR ARCHITECTS
BIRD CONSERVATION SPONSORS
Firstrust Bank
Saul Ewing LLP
Shreiner Tree Care
HABITAT RESTORATION SPONSORS
All Phase/Ace Home Services
Austin Hepburn Windows, Pella Bank of America Private Bank
Barnard, Mezzanotte, Pinnie, & Seelaus LLP
Bryn Mawr Dermatology
Cambridge Masonry
Cherokee Construction
Claytor + Noone Plastic Surgery
Country Properties/BHHS
Cullen Construction Inc.
E.C. Trethewey Building Contractors, Inc.
GreenRoots Landscaping
Jackson Lewis
James Brown Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC
King Construction
Kreischer Miller
Lighting By Design and Beyond
Marshall Sabatini Architecture
Marvin Window | Matus Windows
Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC
O'Donnell Roofing
Peter Zimmerman Architects
Providence One Development
Ranieri & Kerns Associates, LLC
Stoltzfus Construction
Stoney Bank Nurseries
The Baldwin School
The Mundy Wealth Management Group / Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Wisler Pearlstine, LLP
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Audi Devon
Dewson Construction Company
Donald Pell Gardens
F.L. Bissinger Architect
Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects
Karosserie and Classic Coachwork Group
LS Stone Masonry Solutions
Precise Buildings, LLC
ThinkGreen LLC
BARNS & BBQ AUCTION
©Jennifer Gorman-Strawbridge
COMMON GOOD PIZZA PARTY FOR 50
Let the party come to you with Common Good Pizza and Tap’s custom woodfired pizza truck. The Common Good team will prepare and serve made-to-order, gourmet pizza for you and 50 of your friends at your home, or the Rushton Conservation Center, on a mutually agreed upon date. This party is for two hours and includes a mobile pizza oven, culinary and service staff, and unlimited pizza (a choice of three classic and three deluxe pies). This package may be upgraded to include beer tap service and additional menu items. Note: if hosting at a private home, it must be within 10 miles of the Malvern Borough Center.
Generously donated by Caroline Moran and Common Good Pizza and Tap Value: $1,760
CUSTOM LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Bring the beauty of nature into your home with a one-of-a-kind 12" x 16" oil painting by local artist Jennifer Gorman-Strawbridge. Choose a cherished view from your own property or a favorite vista from one of Willistown Conservation Trust’s nature preserves, and Jennifer will transform it into a timeless piece of art.
Jennifer was raised in Chester County and inspired by the poetry in landscapes from New England to the Rockies and beyond. She currently works in her New Hope studio and en plein air. Jennifer creates representational paintings in a loose and impressionistic style and aims to capture the beauty and wonder found in nature. Learn more at jennifergormanstrawbridge.com.
Generously donated by Jennifer Gorman-Strawbridge Value: $1,030
VINTAGE TAILGATE WITH MALVERN BUTTERY CHEESE BOARD
Add a bit of style to your next party or picnic and enjoy an abundant cheese board from Malvern Buttery with your favorite cocktail prepared at a custom tailgate bar. Champagne, beer or an aperol spritz will taste that much better when served from the back of a vintage 1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille convertible. Robert and Gretchen Groebel will provide set up and all equipment necessary. Liquor and service to be provided by the host. Note: date to be used Summer 2025, preferably within a 10-15 mile radius of Newtown Square.
Generously donated by Robert and Gretchen Groebel and Malvern Buttery Value: $3,000
BARNS & BBQ AUCTION
RADNOR HUNT COCKTAIL PARTY FOR 20
Gather a group of 20 friends and party on all three floors of the Radnor Hunt Race Tower for four hours on a mutually agreed-upon date. WCT will decorate and stock the bar, Radnor Hunt will serve your choice of hors d’oeuvres, and the Hetzel Brothers will be your private band for the evening. Designed by John Milner Architects in 1999, the Radnor Hunt Race Tower is set in the middle of Radnor Hunt’s steeplechase track and affords a panoramic view of the Willistown countryside, featuring 104 acres of open space permanently protected by the founders of Willistown Conservation Trust.
Generously donated by Radnor Hunt, Hetzel Brothers, and Willistown Conservation Trust Value: $3,500
WELLNESS RETREAT FOR 12 WITH ANEU KITCHENS BREAKFAST
Unwind with a private wellness retreat for 12 at the beautiful Hi Bid. In the peaceful setting of the barn, enjoy a restorative yoga and meditation session led by Amy Orcutt and Gaby Evers of Working Wellness. Afterward, savor a delicious breakfast from ANEU Kitchens, featuring fresh, seasonal fare from this beloved local favorite. A perfect morning of relaxation, connection, and nourishment in a breathtaking setting. Take home a goody bag of curated gift items from Moss and Meadow.
Generously donated by, ANEU Kitchens, Moss and Meadow, Working Wellness, and Caroline Moran Value: $2,500
FEAST IN THE FIELD FOR 12
The barn at Hi Bid will be the setting for a custom, seasonally inspired dinner for up to 12 on a mutually agreed upon weeknight. 12th Street Catering will work with you to design a meal, and their excellent staff will ensure an unforgettable evening at Hi Bid! Accompanying the food served, a local wine collector will be donating 6 bottles of wine, each in the $50 to $100 range, selected to match the menu that you design with the caterer. Also includes music by the Hetzel Brothers, featuring the WCT Director of the Land Protection Program, Erik Hetzel.
Generously donated by 12th Street Catering, Caroline Moran, and a Willistown Conservation Trust Supporter and Wine Collector Value: $6,300
Event Calendar
Visit wctrust.org/calendar or scan code for more event information and registration
JUNE
JUNE 5 | Mindful Birding at Dusk
JUNE 8-14 | Creek Week
JUNE 11 | Uncovering Living Clues to Stream Health*
JUNE 12 | Watershed Volunteer Day at Ashbridge Preserve
JUNE 13 | Community Supper Series Picnic | Red Stone Pizza
JUNE 14 | Watershed Volunteer Day at Ashbridge Preserve
JUNE 24 | Nature Walk with Gretchen
JUNE 25 | Mindfulness with Brandon Everett
JUNE 26| Otters in Our Waters*
JULY
JULY 9 | Fireflies and Stargazing Walk
JULY 12 | Botanical Cyanotypes | Printing with the Sun
JULY 19 | Watershed Volunteer Day at Ashbridge Preserve
JULY 20 | Fred de Long Celebration of Life
JULY 21-27 | Wildflower Week
JULY 23 | Integrating Native Wildflowers into Lawns*
JULY 24 | Adult Watercolor Class with Kate Garchinksy
AUGUST
AUGUST 7 | Creek Walk at Ashbridge Preserve
AUGUST 9 | Watershed Volunteer Day at Ashbridge Preserve
AUGUST 16 | Forest Bathing
AUGUST 21 | Creek Walk at Kirkwood Preserve
AUGUST 22 | Moth Party with Academy of Natural Sciences*
AUGUST 27 | State of Our Streams Event
AUGUST 30 | Watershed Volunteer Day at Ashbridge Preserve
*ECOcentric Experience Event
Events subject to change - check wctrust.org/calendar for the latest details.
RECURRING EVENTS
WEDNESDAYS
“Just Show Up” Volunteer Wednesdays at Rushton Farm
This is an opportunity to work in the fields with the farmers. You can show up at the farm from 9 am - 4 pm on any Wednesday during the season.
THURSDAYS
Stewardship Volunteer Days
WCT maintains public nature preserves, spanning more than 350+ acres and we rely on your help to accomplish our mission. Stewardship Manager John Holback leads Volunteer Thursdays and all registrants will receive an email notification on the Tuesday before the workday with details and location.
Spreading ecological awareness, fostering environmental literacy, and inspiring action
ECOcentric Experience |Through a variety of educational lectures and immersive field experiences with WCT staff and other professionals, adults will gain a holistic foundation in four major conservation topics: birds and wildlife, regenerative farming, watersheds, and habitat stewardship. Students will gain a sense of ecological awareness and feel empowered to enact change in their own lives.
Join us in this series as we learn more about the natural world and explore the actions we can all take at home to seek harmony with nature.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Susan Stedman, known as Cloud Nine Painter in the art world, is a professional artist in Malvern, PA. The artist is best known for her colorful abstracts, peaceful seascapes, and contemporary gold leaf work. Susan has become a celebrated painter in the abstract art community, has won many impressive awards for her work and is featured on HGTV.
Cloud Nine Studio, located on the artist’s farm, is where you can find Susan painting en plein air by the pond and surrounding fields every day. While the artist views everything in life as inspiration for her work, the majority of her inspiration derives from the natural world.
“When I create something that has never existed before I explode with a powerful feeling of ultimate freedom. This feeling is translated through my work and I am told it brings joy and happiness to others. And in my opinion, that’s why we’re alive to begin with. To be happy. To be on Cloud Nine.”
cloudninepainter.com
There’s always something new to do, see, eat and drink here at our Hershey brewery. You can sit inside or outside. And if there's a chill in the air, warm up under the heaters on our patio and in our Beer Garden. Voted Best Brewery Tour in America by USA Today.
LEARN TO COOK WITH ROBERT GROEBEL
Step into a warm and welcoming kitchen to discover the secrets of timeless European cuisine. From handmade pasta to slow-simmered sauces, these hands-on classes blend technique, tradition, and fun.
Italian and French Menus
Small group, hands-on instruction
Wine pairings available Fresh, seasonal ingredients
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home cook, there’s a seat at the table for you in Radnor. Weekday and weekend classes are available. For more
call 484-368-4304 or email rgroebel3@gmail.com
Love BBQ?
Let ANEU Bring the Feast to You!
New to ANEU?
The Power of Collaboration.
For over 90 years, we’ve been rooted in a city that symbolizes innovation and progress. As the largest family-owned bank in the region, we take a personal approach—pairing our expansive resources with an entrepreneurial mindset to help turn your vision into reality.
At Firstrust Bank, we don’t just serve businesses—we build lasting relationships, tailoring solutions that grow with you. Because when you succeed, Philadelphia succeeds.
That’s what it means to be Philadelphia’s Hometown Bank®
Conservation
William H. Mundy, CRPC® Family Wealth Director Alternative Investments Director Financial Advisor
Keith E. Ford Senior Vice President Financial Advisor
The Mundy Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley 899 Cassatt Road, Suite 100 | Berwyn, PA 19312 610-408-1993 • william.mundy@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/the-mundy-wealth-management-group
Emily E. Endres, CFP®, CDFA® Insurance Planning Director Vice President Financial Advisor
Billy Wolfe, CFA Financial Planning Specialist Financial Advisor
L-R: Ryan Snarski, Financial Planning Specialist, Registered Client Service Associate; Malkia Dandy, Assistant Vice President, Business Development Associate; Emily E. Endres; William H. Mundy; Keith E. Ford; Billy Wolfe
N U R S E R I E S
APPLE TREE FARM
158 GRUBB MILL ROAD MALVERN
STEEPED IN HISTORY, APPLE TREE FARM IS A PLACE WHERE THE PAST IS HONORED AND THE PRESENT IS JOYFULLY LIVED. Nestled on 19 scenic acres, the property, owned by Bill and Susan Stedman since 2023, is a thriving hobby farm where apple trees, bees, and gardens flourish.
THE LAND TELLS A RICH STORY: BETWEEN 1850 AND 1860, it sustained a working farm that raised horses, cattle, and swine, and produced wheat, Indian Corn, oats, Irish potatoes, and butter. At the heart of the farm stands a barn with a legacy all its own— rebuilt around 1818 after a lightning strike, and now gracefully repurposed for new life and purpose.
TODAY, THIS BARN IS BOTH A GALLERY AND A GATHERING SPACE. The ground floor houses Cloud Nine Studio, a professional art gallery showcasing Susan Stedman's vibrant artwork. Climb the stairs, and you'll find an inviting event space, recently filled with music, laughter, and love as the Stedmans celebrated their wedding.
THE STORY DOESN'T STOP HERE. Susan's barn design now appears on the wine label for Aneu Wine in Berwyn, carrying a piece of Apple Tree Farm into every pour.
WITH A MAIN HOUSE AND SPRING HOUSE DATING BACK TO 1768, APPLE TREE FARM IS MORE THAN A PROPERTY—it's a living, breathing testament to heritage, creativity, and the beauty of reinventing what once was.
PHOTO
925 PLUMSOCK ROAD
925 PLUMSOCK ROAD NEWTOWN SQUARE
SET ALONG HISTORIC GOSHEN ROAD IN THE HEART OF WILLISTOWN, THIS 15-ACRE PROPERTY features rolling meadows, native plantings, and the gentle flow of Hibberd Run Creek. Once part of the original 500-acre Okehocking Indian Land Grant from William Penn, this land carries a rich legacy. Just across the road, a Quaker Meetinghouse and school—built in the late 1700s—still serves as a cornerstone of the community.
THE PROPERTY WAS NEARLY LOST TO SUBDIVISION IN 2018 UNTIL THE NONPROFIT DELCHESTER GROUP INC. and a dedicated group of community lenders, in partnership with Willistown Conservation Trust, intervened to preserve it. Their efforts marked the 16th successful conservation partnership in the region, contributing to more than 2,000 acres of protected open space.
IN 2020, THE LAND ENTERED A NEW CHAPTER. The barn, envisioned and built over four years by Period Architecture and B&D Builders, emerged as a harmonious blend of historic charm and modern design. It stands as a tribute to traditional craftsmanship, nestled within a landscape vibrant with wildflowers, native species, and the soothing rhythms of nature.
THANKS TO THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT ESTABLISHED BY WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST, THE PROPERTY WILL REMAIN PROTECTED FOREVER— its beauty, biodiversity, and heritage safeguarded for generations to come.
PHOTOS BY GRETCHEN GROEBEL
HILLTOP COTTAGE
560 BEAUMONT ROAD DEVON
AN EIGHT-ACRE PARCEL THAT WAS ONCE PART OF EASTTOWN TOWNSHIP’S GRAND HILLTOP HOUSE ESTATE LIES A PROPERTY RICH WITH A STORY OF REVIVAL AND CREATIVITY. When the current owners purchased the land in 2003 from the estate of Dr. and Mrs. O’Dell, they inherited more than just a house—they embraced a living history.
ONCE SERVING AS THE BACK CORNER OF THE O’DELLS' EXPANSIVE GROUNDS, the property had humble and utilitarian beginnings, functioning as the estate's family dump, dog kennels, greenhouse, and garages. Over time, the O'Dells moved into the old farm cottage on the property, expanding it as their needs evolved. After their passing, the land changed hands, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
SINCE 2003, THE CURRENT OWNERS HAVE INFUSED NEW LIFE INTO EVERY CORNER OF THE PROPERTY. Outbuildings have been restored or reimagined, gardens have been reshaped, and the land itself has been tended to with care. One of the most striking transformations occurred in 2020, when an old three-car garage was skillfully converted into a two-story bank barn by King Construction Company—melding form and function with rustic charm.
THE MOMENTUM DIDN’T STOP THERE. A SECOND GARAGE AND GREENHOUSE WERE REIMAGINED AS A POOL HOUSE AND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SPACE IN 2023, and the centerpiece swimming pool—designed by owner Julie DeVuono and completed in 2022—now brings a sense of serenity and celebration to the grounds. Even the original stone water tower from the early 1900s Idlewood Farm has been carefully restored, paying homage to the property’s deeper roots.
TODAY, THIS ONCE-OVERLOOKED CORNER OF A HISTORIC ESTATE IS A VIBRANT RESIDENTIAL HAVEN. Native and non-native plantings flourish across the property, pollinator gardens buzz with life, and even a small herd of goats aids in controlling invasive species in the fields. While not under formal conservation easement, the land is lovingly maintained with deep respect for its natural and historical character.
THE BARN, LIKE THE ENTIRE PROPERTY, STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO VISION, HARD WORK, AND THE BEAUTY OF TRANSFORMATION—honoring the past while crafting a bright, personal future.
PHOTOS BY MOLLY SCOTT & KATE ETHERINGTON
BROOKVIEW FARM
469 BEAUMONT ROAD DEVON
TUCKED INTO 6.75 ACRES OF MEADOWS, WOODLANDS, AND HISTORY, BROOKVIEW FARM IS A PLACE WHERE THE ECHOES OF THE PAST BLEND SEAMLESSLY WITH TODAY’S ENJOYMENT. Owned by Heather and Kevin Gallagher since 2017, this special property invites guests to experience its storied landscape through events, gatherings, and good old-fashioned family fun.
ORIGINALLY DEEDED IN 1756 BY WILLIAM PENN TO WILLIAM WOOD, the land began its life as a working dairy farm and later transitioned into a gentleman’s farm at the turn of the century. Its centerpiece, the wooden dairy barn, was built after the original stone barn burned down in the early 1900s. When the Gallaghers acquired the farm, only three crumbling stone walls remained from that once-proud structure. Today, those walls stand tall once again, thanks to a meticulous renovation in 2023 by King Construction and ThinkGreen’s Peter Johnson, who used the original stonework as the foundation for a stunning new build.
THE WOODEN BARN, ALSO RESTORED IN 2018 BY KING CONSTRUCTION, now hosts joyful celebrations—from birthday parties to community gatherings—welcoming people into a space where craftsmanship and care are on full display.
BEYOND THE BARNS, BROOKVIEW IS RICH WITH NATURAL BEAUTY. A meadow, wildflower fields, and a forested Darby Creek create a sanctuary for native plants and pollinators. The formal gardens, originally designed by Charles Sears and later reimagined by Sally Wood in the 1970s and ’80s, now feature diverse native species that support biodiversity while delighting the senses.
FROM COTTAGES TO STONE RUINS REIMAGINED, BROOKVIEW FARM IS A PLACE WHERE THE OLD BECOMES NEW, inviting everyone to walk through history, linger in beauty, and make memories in a setting that has always welcomed life in full bloom.
PHOTOS BY GRETCHEN GROEBEL
RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE & FARM
911 DELCHESTER ROAD NEWTOWN SQUARE
THE QUAKER SETTLERS ESTABLISHED AGRICULTURAL SITES BY CLEARING FORESTS, DRAINING LOWLANDS, AND UTILIZING HILLSIDES FOR PASTURE. As land was cleared, farmhouses were built to sustain a growing population. After the mid-1800s the growth of industrial jobs led to a decline in farming until the early 20th century when “gentlemen farmers”, or Philadelphia businessmen, were drawn to the region where they began buying land and establishing country estates. One such businessman, Atwater Kent, President of Atwater Kent Manufacturing Company, bought land in the 1920s and built “Rushton” between 1931-1933 for his daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth and her husband William Van Alen, raised their family at Rushton, and in 1986 placed the land under conservation easement, a novel and bold approach to land protection at the time. Since then, pieces of the original property have slowly been acquired by Willistown Conservation Trust, forming the present day Rushton Woods Preserve and Rushton Farm.
TODAY, RUSHTON IS AN 86-ACRE NATURE PRESERVE AND THE EPICENTER OF WCT’S CORE ACTIVITIES in agroecology, bird conservation, land stewardship, and watershed protection. The Preserve boasts a majestic complex of meadows, wetlands, hedgerows and mature woodlands with dedicated trails for the public to explore. This landscape also provides prime habitat for migratory and resident songbirds, owls, and other wildlife. The Rushton Woods Banding Station, situated among the hedgerows, has been studying bird activity at Rushton for 14 years, banding over 20,000 birds across 100 species. At the heart of the Preserve lies Rushton Farm, a 6-acre regenerative farm that provides food to over 100 families through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and thousands of pounds of fresh food to the West Chester Food Cupboard. Coupled, these two programs demonstrate how you can successfully farm while benefitting bird populations and other pollinators.
THE RUSHTON CONSERVATION CENTER (RCC), COMPLETED IN 2019, OVERLOOKS THE VERDANT FARM FIELDS and provides a dedicated space for WCT’s conservation related programs such as lectures, farm to table demonstration dinners, Rushton Nature Keepers, and other community events. The RCC is also home to the Watershed Lab where the team analyzes samples collected monthly at multiple sites throughout the Ridley, Crum, and Darby Creek watersheds, monitoring water quality and identifying opportunities for restoration.
FIREFLY HILL
799
GRUBBS MILL ROAD
BERWYN
NESTLED ON 58 ACRES OF ROLLING HILLS IN THE WILLISTOWN COUNTRYSIDE, FIREFLY HILL IS A PLACE WHERE THE PAST AND FUTURE MEET IN HARMONY. Purchased in 2021 by Sam Whitaker and Jennifer Peters, this land is being lovingly transformed into a haven for both people and pollinators. When Jennifer first drove past the property at dusk in June 2021, she was awestruck by the thousands of fireflies illuminating the fields. What began as a dream—fields of lavender, sunflowers, and wildflowers—has blossomed into a living tribute to open space, sustainability, and creativity. There is something pure and magical about watching young children joyfully chase fireflies.
AT THE HEART OF FIREFLY HILL STANDS A BARN WITH A HISTORY. BUILT IN 2012 BY KING CONSTRUCTION AND THOUGHTFULLY RENOVATED IN RECENT YEARS, IT’S MORE THAN JUST A VENUE—it’s a workspace that houses a wood shop and the future processing area for the lavender grown on-site. Later in the season, sunflowers and summer wildflowers will bloom across these fields, providing a food source for local wildlife. Old-world charm meets modern purpose. This barn now anchors the property as a place for creativity, cultivation, and connection.
EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF CONSERVATION AND EXPLORE TEN ACRES OF DEDICATED WOODLANDS, VIBRANT NATIVE PLANTINGS, AND THE FUTURE HOME OF AN APIARY. This property is currently eased by WCT, meaning it is safeguarded against any future development in perpetuity. Inside the barn, you’ll discover a wood shop buzzing with energy and the early preparations for Firefly Hill’s very first lavender harvest. In 2024, the Firefly Hill team planted 1,750 lavender plants, with another 1,100 planted just a few short weeks ago. It has been a very busy spring on the farm, as three acres of sunflowers have just been planted on White Horse Road, and two acres of wildflowers have just started to grow along the fenceline of Grubbs Mill.
FIREFLY HILL IS ABOUT HONORING WHAT WAS AND INVESTING IN WHAT CAN BE. Join us as we celebrate a journey of land preserved, barns repurposed, and a beautiful space for all to enjoy Barns & BBQ 2025.
PHOTOS BY GRETCHEN GROEBEL
BARNS BBQ and 13 th Annual
RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE & FARM
925 PLUMSOCK ROAD
• Please lea ve your dogs at home
REQUESTS
• Since you’ll be walking in animal pastures with uneven footing, sensible shoes are recommended a few
• Dress appropriately for inclement weather — we will be outside
BROOKVIEW FARM
Beaumont Elementary School
PLAN YOUR DAY
TOUR | 2:00 TO 5:00 PM
APPLE TREE FARM
HILLTOP COTTAGE
Susan & Bill Stedman 158 Grubb Mill Road, Malvern
925 PLUMSOCK ROAD
Alexandra Murphy 925 Plumsock Road, Newtown Square
HILLTOP COTTAGE*
Julie & Jeff DeVuono 560 Beaumont Road, Devon *Parking at Beaumont Elementary School, please follow pathway to Brookview Farm.
BROOKVIEW FARM*
Heather & Kevin Gallagher 469 Beaumont Road, Devon
*Parking at Beaumont Elementary School
RUSHTON WOODS PRESERVE & FARM
Willistown Conservation Trust 911 Delchester Road, Newtown Square
AFTERNOON TICKET HOLDERS
COCKTAIL HOUR BEGINS AT 5 PM, BBQ DINNER AND AUCTION TO FOLLOW.
FIREFLY HILL
Jennifer Peters & Sam Whitaker 799 Grubbs Mill Road, Berwyn
• Ba throoms are available at the Rushton Conservation Center (915 Delchester Road)
• Only the barns are open for touring
• Please w ear your wristband — it is your admission ticket
enhance lives
Bank of America Private Bank is proud to support BARNS & BBQ, Willistown Conservation Trust’s annual celebration.
To learn how we can help you pursue your goals, please contact:
Robert
McMenamin Managing Director Market Director
610.567.4702 rob.mcmenamin@bofa.com
We are pleased to Sponsor BARNS and BBQ!
BRANNON CLAYTOR MD, FACS
Why a Deep Plane Facelift?
Releasing the retaining ligaments makes all the difference. This technique enables Dr. Claytor to achieve a refreshed, natural result that restores youthful cheek contours, a clean jawline and a rejuvenated neck. Procedure performed under tumescent anesthesia in the safety and privacy of our Certified Surgical Facility. Faster recovery and less bruising!
Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery is proud to support Willistown Conservation Trust.
Classic Coachwork Main Line
Classic Coachwork Main Line is your most trusted collision repair facility in the area.
We offer repairs on European, foreign, exotic, and domestic makes!
Photo Credit: Blake Goll
PHOTO: BLAKE GOLL
