The magazine of Natural Lands no. 163 | fall/winter 2023
natural lands into the woods.
contents natural lands number 163 • fall/winter 2023
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into the woods.
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bird brained.
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Growing a forest at Binky Lee Preserve.
Birdwatching can change our brains and improve our mental well-being.
editor and writer Kit Werner art director Kristen Bower senior graphic designer Brittni Albright principal photography Mae Axelrod contributors Oliver Bass, Debbie Beer, Kelsey Boyd, Gary Gimbert, Tianna Godsey, Darin Groff, Kelly Herrenkohl, Robyn Jeney, Benjamin Mackey, Mike Niven, Todd Sampsell, Erin Smith
NEWS
16 SAVING OPEN SPACE
recent land conservation successes. 24
READER ENGAGEMENT
the wild life.
Natural Lands 1031 Palmers Mill Road, Media, PA 19063 t 610-353-5587 | f 610-353-0517 info@natlands.org | natlands.org The official registration and financial information of Natural Lands may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement.
#naturallands facebook.com/NatLands instagram.com/natural.lands linkedin.com/company/natural-lands cover photo: Alessandra Manzotti
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from the president The use of the term “preserves” to refer to conserved lands is sometimes the subject of debate. Natural Lands uses it consistently when we talk about the more than 40 properties that we care for in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. In many respects, it’s an apt term. After all, these places are protected, forever. They are preserved in the sense that they are “kept safe from harm or injury,” which is one definition of the word. But these special places are far from static museum pieces. They are living, evolving ecosystems. Sometimes they change for the better, sometimes not. Natural Lands has long been committed to the thoughtful, long-term restoration and sustainability of the ecosystems on our preserves. Nearly half of our staff of 100 are dedicated to this effort. As you might guess, they are exceedingly hard working and expert at what they do. In addition to day-to-day maintenance responsibilities, these individuals work diligently to protect and enhance the health of the landscapes and wildlife under their care. They create forests, plant meadows, ensure healthy streams and wetlands. And, yes, they remove a seemingly infinite array of invasive plants. Few land conservation nonprofits in the country commit as many staff and financial resources to land stewardship as we do. It might be easier to take a “save it and forget it” approach, but that’s simply not feasible in a region where natural systems are heavily impacted by humans, invasive plants, and more. That’s why intentional, proactive stewardship has been part of Natural Lands’ DNA for decades. This approach is and has been made possible by generations of generous and informed supporters. Folks like you. You have made it possible for Natural Lands to care for nature in a way that keeps it, and thus all of us, thriving. In a world where true progress can feel illusory, that’s no small thing.
Mae Axelrod
OLIVER BASS, PRESIDENT
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news trial by fire.
top: Dan Barringer; bottom: Caleb Arrowood
Prescribed burning is an ancient land stewardship technique that mimics the process of natural wildfires. Many landscapes—including native grasslands, oak-hickory forests, and serpentine barrens—depend on periodic fires to maintain native plants and keep invasive vegetation at bay. These fires are referred to as “prescribed burns” because they act like medicine for areas whose health—including the animals and insects that live in them— is threatened by the aggressive growth of non-native plants. For more than two decades, fire has been part of Natural Lands’ comprehensive approach to land stewardship. Our staff members receive rigorous training in wildland fire behavior, firefighting techniques, and fire safety protocols. Natural Lands’ program integrates with the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Forestry, and the Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council Steering Committee. The crew, which includes six women, is recognized as one of the most experienced and skilled wildland fire teams in the region.
Binky Lee Preserve | Chester Springs, PA | 112 acres
Crow’s Nest Preserve | Elverson, PA | 712 acres
“When I participated in my first controlled burn in 2018, I was one of just two women on the crew,” said Preserve Manager Erin Smith. “Women are underrepresented in the land management industry, so I appreciate Natural Lands’ efforts to provide career pathways for women in stewardship.” Added Erin, “My male colleagues are fantastic and have fostered an environment of safety and communication. It’s great to be a part of a more diverse crew. Like in nature, diversity makes us stronger.” W
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staff accolade. Jack Stefferud, Natural Lands’ senior director of land protection, was honored earlier this year with the President’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. The award recognizes citizens who have made an impact in protecting open space, conservation, outdoor recreation, or volunteerism. Jack began his career with Natural Lands in 1988 and has had many job titles over the years. He served as farm manager, preserve manager, agriculture coordinator, regional manager, and assistant director of stewardship before he turned his talents to land protection.
Jack has completed more than 150 land protection projects resulting in nearly 8,000 acres of preserved land. This total includes the creation of new Natural Lands preserves, the expansion of existing preserves, the establishment of conservation easements, and the protection of natural areas that have been added to state parks, forests, and gamelands. Tom Ford, director of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, said, “Jack has been a tremendous partner to us and many others interested in the conservation of our natural lands. There has never been a project too difficult for Jack to tackle. He has worked through the myriad grant programs, funding sources, and landowner nuances on many, many projects. He excels at recognizing opportunities to engage with landowners, building trusting relationships, and he possesses the knowledge and fortitude needed to complete complex projects.” Congratulations, Jack! W
explore smarter. natlands.org/app
top: Mae Axelrod; bottom: AllTrails
This fall, Natural Lands partnered with the popular hiking app, AllTrails, as part of their Public Lands Program. We now have quick access to adjust route lines and trail descriptions on the app, share real-time alerts, and track usage. We invite you to download the free app, which will allow you to use your phone as a GPS tracker to navigate our trails. While we’ve loved our own Natural Lands app for almost a decade, it is no longer compliant with newer phone operating systems, and we’ve made the decision to retire it.
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news extra! extra!
Samantha Nestory
In case you missed it, our very own Stoneleigh: a natural garden was featured this past summer in the New York Times. Leading garden writer Margaret Roach interviewed Ethan Kauffman, director of Stoneleigh, about transitioning the 42-acre property to native species and gardening with sustainability and biodiversity at the forefront. In her article, “Formal Landscaping With Native Plants? Yes, It’s Possible,” Ms. Roach highlights the “conservation ethos” that stems from Natural Lands’ 70-year legacy of land conservation and restoration, and that guides Stoneleigh’s evolution. She and Ethan discuss the highlights and challenges of the garden’s first years, from removing 10 dump truck loads of non-native pachysandra; to planting the 220-footlong pergola with native vines, trees, and perennials; to designing around the aesthetics of the garden’s Tudor Revival stone mansion. “Can an ecologically focused landscape of native plants be integrated into such a place? The answer from Natural Lands and the Stoneleigh horticulture team is an emphatic: Yes.” Ms. Roach’s article captures the excitement and wonder we all feel as we watch Stoneleigh grow, with Ethan Kauffman as the garden’s passionate spokesperson: “I just look at plants and I think what are the possibilities?” Mr. Kauffman said. “And we experiment with them. That’s what we do as gardeners, right? We’re just having fun.” Ethan and Margaret dove deeper into native plants and their use at Stoneleigh in a recent episode of A Way to Garden podcast. To listen or read the transcript, visit awaytogarden.com and search for “Stoneleigh.” W
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top and bottom: David Korbonits
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into the woods Binky Lee Preserve | Chester Springs, PA | 112 acres
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Darin Groff was 19 when he began working for Natural Lands. It was 1990. George H. W. Bush was in the White House, the Internet was in its infancy, and cigarettes had just been banned on domestic flights. Binky Lee Preserve, an 89-acre property in Chester Springs, Chester County, had just been donated to Natural Lands by the Seiple family, who’d named the farm after a beloved horse. “Most of the land was in hay back then,” Darin recalls. “Harvesting it was a challenge because Binky Lee is so hilly, and we worried we’d flip the tractor. This land isn’t suited for farming—it’s way too steep and the soil just erodes. It’s meant to be a forest.”
“ It’s meant to be a forest.
This land isn’t suited for farming.
Binky Lee, like the rest of southeastern Pennsylvania, had been a forest for millennia before it was colonized by Europeans. When William Penn first visited in 1682, almost 99 percent of the nearly 29 million acres that is now Pennsylvania was covered in trees. Adequate rain, rich soil, and moderate temperatures make our region ideal for forest growth. In fact, if you leave the land to its own devices, farm fields, meadows, and lawns will quickly give way to woody plants. So, Darin started planting trees. White and red oak, American sycamore, white pine, sugar maple, ash, and black gum, just to name a few. About 50,000 of them over the decades, with help from land stewardship colleagues and volunteers. Thirty-three years later, Binky Lee Preserve is a thriving example of the transformative effect of afforestation. A third of the now 112-acre property is wooded with the balance as meadow, which Darin—who’s been preserve manager there for decades and also serves as a regional stewardship manager—mows annually to control woody and invasive plant growth. This practice of creating a forest where one hasn’t been for a long time is called afforestation. It’s distinguished from reforestation, which is the replanting of trees in an area where the forest ecosystem is still in place.
opposite: Mae Axelrod
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top: Alessandra Manzotti; middle: Bea Rider; bottom (left to right): unknown, Harry Carl, Mike Coll, Bill Moses, Mark Williams
protect those plants. Examples of Natural Lands’ afforestation efforts can be seen across our network of 40+ nature preserves in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. It is often the rows of green plastic tubes that tip-off preserve visitors to a forest-in-progress. Tree tubes are essential to seedling survival. They protect the baby trees from deer and create a mini-greenhouse effect that can stimulate early tree growth. The trees are planted in rows spaced about 10 feet apart, leaving enough room for mowing in between the rows, which keeps invasives at bay. While this even planting pattern may look unnatural at first, other native species—like tuliptree and spicebush— fill in the gaps through natural succession. Once the trees are large enough and begin shading the ground beneath—usually after about a decade—our land stewards can stop mowing around them and address invasives as needed. The final step in an afforestation project is to help these new forests establish healthy understories. Nature often provides this essential layer on its own as seeds drop from nearby trees or helpful birds, but we accelerate this process whenever we can. Planting hardy native shrubs that can outcompete invasive species helps establish forest understory more quickly, protecting our investment and minimizing the maintenance needed for these new woods to thrive.
Sadsbury Woods Preserve | Coatesville, PA | 511 acres
Stroud Preserve | West Chester, PA | 571 acres
afforestation in action at binky lee preserve.
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afforestation milestones.
tree planting
shade and canopy
worth the work, and the wait. The oldest of Binky Lee’s new forests are more than 30 years old. Is all that work worth the wait? The wildlife thriving in these woods answer with a resounding YES. These woods, like the others we are growing around the region, create essential habitat for wildlife, including neotropical birds that rely on dense forests for food, breeding, and shelter. They establish migratory corridors by connecting to already forested areas. They bolster important ecological services like slowing and soaking up floodwaters, producing oxygen, drawing carbon from the atmosphere, and cooling temperatures. When planted along streams, they prevent erosion, reduce flooding, and help improve aquatic life and water quality. What’s more, creating and improving forest habitat is perhaps the most cost-effective way to tackle the climate crisis. As trees grow, they absorb and store
2015
forest with understory
the carbon dioxide emissions that are driving global warming. A 2019 study reported in the journal Science calculated that planting a trillion trees worldwide would suck up nearly 830 billion tons of carbon from the atmosphere—equal to the amount of carbon pollution humans have created in the past 25 years. “What blows my mind is the scale,” said Tom Crowther at the Swiss university ETH Zürich, who led the research. “I thought [forest] restoration would be in the top 10, but it is overwhelmingly more powerful than all of the other climate change solutions proposed.” And, in its January 2020 report, “CarbonShot,” the World Resources Institute suggested that reforestation and afforestation will be key for the U.S. to have any hope of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
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graphics: vecteezy.com / Kristen Bower
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top to bottom (left to right): Creative Commons/Katja Schultz, Emma Schad, David Korbonits, David Korbonits, Creative Commons/Eric Hunt, Mae Axelrod
adaptive approaches. Despite the incredible impact trees can and will have on climate in the coming decades, changing weather patterns and rising temperatures require us to adjust which species we include in our afforestation projects. Northern tree species that are close to the southern extent of their range in Pennsylvania face increased stress and population declines, while southern or temperate species are spreading northward. Natural forest regeneration is threatened as vulnerable seedlings succumb to weather extremes like drought and deluges. Forest pests and pathogens, as well as invasive species, are expanding their range as temperatures warm, taking advantage of stressed trees. “All of those ash trees we planted in the 1990s and 2000s? They’ve all died because of the emerald ash borer,” says Darin of the destructive beetle that has decimated ash populations across the country.
Sometimes, the changes create impacts we don’t expect. “We now have longer growing seasons—by about seven to 10 days—which gives plants more time to grow,” said Dr. Marc Abrams, Penn State professor of forest ecology and tree physiology. “This has been highly evident in my tree ring research where we routinely see trees putting on much more diameter growth now than in the past. This is particularly evident in young trees, but we see it in old trees as well. This is remarkable. Old trees should be slowing down, not speeding up.” “Natural Lands has begun selecting more climateresilient species for our afforestation projects. We’re putting in more American sycamore, hackberry, boxelder, black gum, and eastern hophornbeam,” said Gary Gimbert, vice president of preserve stewardship. “ Instead of red oak, we’re selecting black oak, white oak, and chestnut oak species.” Darin adds, “The climate is changing so rapidly—tree species don’t have time to adapt. So, we adapt instead.” W
American sycamore
hackberry
boxelder
black gum
eastern hophornbeam
white oak
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the giving tree.
Downy Woodpecker
Every 70 days, a mature oak tree produces enough oxygen to support a human for one year. Its deep roots allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil, which reduces flooding during storms and recharges groundwater supplies. What’s more, oak trees are food for caterpillars, which are essential food for baby birds. More than 500 species of moths and butterflies lay eggs that hatch into caterpillars on native oaks. In contrast, many popular ornamental species like Japanese maples, crepe myrtles, Korean dogwoods, and Callery pears can’t support a single species of native moth or butterfly. Though an oak tree can grow to 100 feet with a similar crown spread, even homeowners with modest yards can plant one. Because their roots grow so deep, they aren’t likely to buckle pavement. And their open canopy allows sunlight to penetrate to lawns below.
giant leopard moth
When we plant an oak or any other tree species at our preserves or Stoneleigh: a natural garden, we hope for it to live a long and healthy life. But trees keep giving even as they decline. A dying tree is host to myriad insects, which woodpeckers and other animals feast on. The soft wood gives way, creating cavities that provide shelter and nesting space for owls, kestrels, raccoons, and opossums. Standing dead trees— also called snags—provide perches for hawks and other raptors. Once the tree falls, lichens and mushrooms break it down and return nutrients to the soil, which is taken up by other trees and plants. As long as the ground isn’t yet frozen, winter is a great time to plant, as trees are dormant and less prone to stress. Plant an oak tree today! W
left: Laurie Carrozzino; top right: Bill Moses; bottom right: Jillian Sabre
white oak at Bryn Coed Preserve | Chester Springs, PA | 520 acres
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bird
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brained. “I’ve had this recurring dream that I can fly,” says Mike Niven. “In my dreams, I run, take a leap, and I’m flying. When I was a teenager, I got really into flying gliders. I guess it makes sense that I’ve become fascinated with birds.” Mike is among the 45 million bird-watchers—also known as birders—in America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Their interests range from casual observation at a backyard bird feeder to a passion that propels them around the globe in search of new species to add to their “life lists.” It wasn’t until he retired a few years ago that Mike’s interest in birds deepened. A dedicated Natural Lands Force of Nature® volunteer, Mike makes time to birdwatch daily, taking longer excursions at ChesLen or Sadsbury Woods Preserves at least three days a week. “I remember watching a Barn Swallow in my yard and I started thinking about how incredible it is that that tiny bird can fly almost 7,000 miles from South America to my house in Pennsylvania. My interest grew from there.” Scientists are taking a closer look at the benefits of
avian attitude.
birding to human health. Beyond the physical exercise that accompanies the hobby, research shows that birdwatching can change our brains and improve our mental wellbeing.
One of the study’s authors, Andrea Mechelli, said he was searching for answers to why city dwellers may be more prone to mental illness. “I don’t have a particular agenda focused on nature myself. I wasn’t thinking we were going to demonstrate nature has a strong effect,” Mechelli told National Geographic. A second study found that listening to audio clips of birdsong reduced feelings of anxiety, depression, and paranoia in healthy participants. Another study, published in 2020 in Ecological Economics, showed a correlation between happiness and the number of bird species around people’s homes and towns. Researchers concluded that being near 14 additional bird species was as satisfying as earning an extra $150 per month.
opposite: Mae Axelrod; this page: Brent Brennan
Tree Swallows
While numerous studies have shown the benefits of nature on mood, new research suggests there may be something particularly healthy about birds in particular. Two studies published last year in Scientific Reports found that seeing or hearing bird songs improved mental well-being. In one study, researchers asked participants to record information about their environment and well-being three times a day using a smartphone app. In analyzing their logs, researchers found a significant positive association between seeing or hearing birds and improved mental well-being, sometimes even hours after the bird encounter. The benefits weren’t explained by other environmental factors, like seeing trees, plants, or water, all of which the study controlled for.
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Scientists have two main theories for why nature may sooth us. The first is that homo sapiens evolved in nature and thus urban environments are jarring to our very beings. The second theory is called attention restoration theory. Like the first, it postulates that modern daily life requires intense focus. Nature allows us to disengage that focus and engage in a sort of open-eyed meditation. Mike Niven can relate. “Birding allows me to be in the present moment,” he says. “When I’m outside with my binoculars or even just listening to birdsong while I’m weeding my garden, I’m immersed in it. Everything slows way down.”
this is your brain on birds. Another study published last year suggests the effects of birding go beyond mood and may even boost cognitive ability. Aptly named researcher Erik Wing and his colleagues asked birders of varying experience levels to arrange bird images according to perceived similarity. Experts tended to group birds based on specific features, such as tail or beak shape. In contrast, non-experts more often based their grouping on superficial features like color.
Next, the researchers tested participants’ memories. First, they showed them a series of bird photographs. Next, they showed them a second series containing both novel and repeated species and asked participants if they had already seen each bird in the first series of photographs. The researchers found that those who grouped birds based on specific features performed better in the memory task than those who grouped birds based on color. Wing concluded that long-term knowledge of avian species helped people remember new birds more easily, and that gaining deep expertise in a subject area can change mental “scaffolding,” literally rewiring the brain. Natural Lands volunteer Mike Niven likes the idea of birds helping his memory, mood, and mind. He feels birds have enriched people’s lives—including their physical and mental health—so much, he hopes humans can return the favor. “As I’ve gotten more involved in birding and volunteering with Natural Lands, I find myself focusing on habitats. Without supportive habitats—meadows, forests, wetlands—we’re not going to have birds. So we all have to do what we can to save and care for nature. After all, what will we do with our stress if the birds go away?” W
birding opportunities abound.
John McNamara
Want to boost your mood and improve memory? Thankfully, birds are everywhere from bustling city parks to rural nature preserves. “Anyone can become a birder just by taking note of what they see and hear around them,” says Debbie Beer, Natural Lands’ director of volunteers and avid birdwatcher. “You don’t even need fancy equipment, just a little time and curiosity. Exploring nature with more experienced birders can be a great way to learn.” Natural Lands offers about 20 bird-related events every year. Visit natlands.org/events to explore our current offerings.
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
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bonding over birds.
Birdability Birdability works to ensure the birding community and the outdoors are welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible for everybody. The organization focuses on people with mobility challenges; blindness or low vision; chronic illness; intellectual or developmental disabilities; mental illness; and those who are neurodivergent, deaf, or hard-of-hearing or who have other health concerns. Birdability has partnered with the National Audubon Society to create a crowdsourced map that describes in detail the accessibility features of birding locations all over the world. birdability.org
In Color Birding Club Founded in 2021 in Philadelphia, In Color Birding Club aims to make the birding experience a positive one for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) folks and their allies. Working with existing birding venues and locations, In Color Birding brings BIPOC voices into those traditional places. They also venture into new spaces that have been historically underserved with eyes to the skies. In particular, the non-profit organization strives to inspire youth. “We must first acknowledge how we got here, then create a physical, mental, and emotional pathway for our youth to thrive outdoors.” said Jason Hall, founder and board member. incolorbirding.org
Pileated Woodpecker
Philly Queer Birders This local group also began in 2021 to create community among LGBTQIA+ birders. They meet up monthly for explorations of the great birding the Philadelphia region has to offer. Said founder Elise Greenberg, “We welcome all birders who align with our values and seek to center the experiences and knowledge of queer people.” Philly Queer Birders also offers resources and articles on their website, including “Nine Great Spots for Bird-Watching in Philly and the ‘Burbs.” phillyqueerbirders.com
top: Randy Richard; left to right: Mike Fernandez, In Color Birding Club, Philly Queer Birders
In addition to improving physical health and mental wellbeing, birding can create community. While bird clubs have been around for a century, in recent years, there has been a rise in birdwatching groups aiming to empower people who may not feel safe or welcome in all outdoor spaces. Here are a few we love.
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saving open sp Montrose
Wellsboro
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January 1 – June 30, 2023
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Natural Lands has been protecting open
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space since 1953. In that time, we have completed hundreds of conservation projects,
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each unique inWilliamsport its own way. Saving Open
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Space is the first of our three mission tenets, and we go about it in a few different ways: we save land to keep and care for
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Natural Lands is unique among the region’s
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conservation organizations because of our large 81
to restoring habitats and stewarding natural
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network of nature preserves. We are committed resources on these 23,000 acres, and to sharing these special places with everyone.
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we save land to give away
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Because of our expertise in buying land outright
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(and in securing grant money to pay for it), we
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help conservation-minded entities acquire open space by buying land and then “flipping” it to
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this approach, we help add hundreds of acres to
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acres, is privately held by individuals who have chosen to restrict its development through
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permanently limits a property’s use based on
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a conservation easement. An easement is 83
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PHILADELPHIA Coatesville
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Much of the land we protect, another 26,000
future owners of the land.
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every year. we save land through conservation easements
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Vineland
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ace. CHESTER COUNTY, PA
1 Loch Nairn Golf Course 106.5 acres New Garden Township Key Partners: Conservancy Grant Program, Commissioners of Chester County, Pennsylvania; New Garden Township; PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation – Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; Stroud Water Research Center; Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation; White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic River Program; William Penn Foundation’s Delaware River Watershed Initiative Loch Nairn Golf Course
recommendations will likely include the installation of native trees and shrubs in place of extensive turf grass. Turf is as impermeable as paving when it comes to rainwater, creating runoff that floods nearby roads and basements. “Had this land not been purchased by New Garden Township, it very likely it would have become a 90-unit housing development,” said Todd Sampsell, vice president of conservation for Natural Lands. “As the climate crisis intensifies, with rising temperatures and stronger storms, protecting open space is essential to improving climate resilience and reducing flooding.”
Kate Raman
Just after the new year, Natural Lands assisted New Garden Township in purchasing the 106.5-acre Loch Nairn Golf Course, which it plans to convert to a passive-use park slated to open in 2024. The transformation will help improve water quality, absorb floodwaters, and offer free public access to nature for all. The property is a short walk to Stroud Water Research Center’s headquarters and includes a tributary to White Clay Creek, which was federally designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 2000. Stroud Water Research Center and Natural Lands are partnering to create a Master Plan for the newly designated park, which will focus on restoration work such as planting trees along the waterway to help absorb and slow water when the creek expands during storms. Additional
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2 Brown-Shire Property 10 acres Warwick Township Key Partners: Northern Conservation Initiative, Commissioners of Chester County, Pennsylvania; Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation; Warwick Township
Robyn Jeney
The Brown-Shire property has been a preservation priority for Warwick Township because of its proximity to other protected lands, high-quality forest, and scenic views. The land was preserved through a conservation easement, which is a legally binding, perpetual restriction that Natural Lands will uphold. “The valley our property overlooks has a nickname given by the locals: ‘Magic Valley.’ Unspoiled and beautiful,” said owner Ellen Shire. “Ever since we owned this land in Magic Valley, we have been fortunate to have surrounding neighbors feel the same about its protection.” Added co-owner Garrett Brown, “From the moment we bought the property, we knew we wanted to put it into an easement to keep it unspoiled for future generations.” The Brown-Shire property includes a section of forest dominated by tuliptree and American beech, along with
meadow and agricultural fields. It is located within the Hopewell Big Woods, the last large, unbroken forest in southeastern Pennsylvania. Because this land hasn’t been fragmented by development, it offers essential habitat for insects, plants, and animals that rely on connected forest canopy. The Brown-Shire property also protects the water quality of South Branch French Creek. It filters out chemicals and sediment and slows stormwater as it recharges the groundwater supplies. The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program gathers and tracks ecological information about rare plants and animals, significant habitats and geologic features, and significant habitats in the Commonwealth. This information is used to prioritize conservation and restoration goals across the state. “This scenic property is considered a ‘supporting landscape’ for 12 different Pennsylvania Natural Heritage areas,” said Robyn Jeney, land protection project manager for Natural Lands. “Some of the areas include Hopewell Lake, which is home to the northern long-eared bat, a critically imperiled species, and Great Marsh, which supports the rare Black Dash and Mulberry Wing butterflies.”
Brown-Shire Property
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“towards conserving A huge milestone
the entirety of this
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iconic property.
3 Crebilly Farm progress 102 acres Westtown Township Key Partners: Westtown Township; Conservancy Grant Program, Commissioners of Chester County, Pennsylvania; Marshall-Reynolds Foundation Saving Crebilly Farm from development has been an ongoing project for Natural Lands for several years. The finalization of conservation easements on 102 acres of the property earlier this year was a huge milestone toward the larger goal of preserving the entirety of the iconic farm. The property is one of the largest remaining parcels in Westtown Township and Chester County. These four easements—permanent, legal restrictions on development—are one element of a larger, two-part conservation plan. The second piece of the plan will be Westtown Township’s purchase of an additional 206 acres of the property for use as a publicly accessible, passive-use park. During last November’s election, residents voted overwhelmingly—two votes to one—
in favor of the creation of an Open Space Tax, funds from which helped fund the purchase of these easements. “The development of Crebilly Farm has been looming for many years. Everyone who has worked so hard to preserve this iconic property will sleep easier knowing the conservation easements are in place,” said Jack Stefferud, senior director of land protection for Natural Lands. “The preservation of Crebilly Farm has been—and continues to be—a long, complicated process. We just took a major step toward the finish line.” “It took more than a village to get us to this place. A team of individuals is working positively, creatively, and cooperatively to save Crebilly Farm,” said David Robinson, one of the owners of Crebilly Farm. “The family has many to thank, including 150 volunteers who worked toward the ballot referendum, the Westtown Township Board of Supervisors and manager Jon Altshul, and our advisors who provided expertise. Most importantly, we thank Natural Lands.” Work to conserve the final two-thirds of Crebilly Farm, which remains unprotected, continues.
Mark Williams
Crebilly Farm
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LUZERNE COUNTY, PA
4 Nasre Property – addition to Bear Creek Preserve 373 acres Bear Creek Township Key Partners: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation – Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; the Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund.
Creek Preserve to provide better foraging, mating, and nesting habitat for birds whose populations are in decline due to habitat loss. The newly added acreage offers additional forested cover that Natural Lands’ stewardship staffers can optimize for these struggling bird species. The addition also contains two tributaries to Bear Creek, which flows into the Lehigh River and ultimately the Delaware River. These tributaries are designated as “High Quality-Cold Water Fisheries” by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These cool, clear streams support aquatic life and help contribute to safe drinking water for everyone in the watershed.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA
5 Clemens Property – addition to Fulshaw Craeg Preserve
7.5 acres Salford Township
Greg Snyder
Nasre Property
The addition of the Nasre property to Natural Lands’ Bear Creek Preserve brings the preserve’s size to 3,938 acres. The land will be available to visitors free of charge, year-round. “The addition of this parcel—once an inholding within Bear Creek Preserve—closes the last gap in a conservation corridor of protected lands that includes state parks, forests, and Game Lands that spans more than 150,000 acres,” said Natural Lands President Oliver Bass. “Had the property been sold to a developer, up to 150 houses could have been constructed, fragmenting the dense forest habitat that is so critical for songbirds—like Ruffed Grouse, Golden-winged Warbler, and Wood Thrush—and other wildlife species.” Natural Lands has been working with partner MidAtlantic Audubon, funded by a grant from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, to study and improve the forest at Bear
Key Partners: PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund; Montgomery County Open Space Program; Salford Township; Fred Redekop/ The Redekop Family Endowment at Everence Foundation While small in size, the 7.5-acre addition of the Clemens Property to Natural Lands’ Fulshaw Craeg Preserve is nonetheless significant. It is the latest in a long tradition of adding land to our preserves when adjacent parcels become available. Fulshaw Craeg is one of a few properties under Natural Lands’ care that are not actively promoted for visitation due to sensitive plant and insect species and limited parking facilities. The preserve is strewn with large boulders and slabs of diabase outcrops, including a “field” of these stones so extensive there are no trees or other vegetation. The locals call this area “the potato patch.” The original 108-acres became a Natural Lands preserve in 1988. Additions of contiguous parcels over the years—including the recent Clemens property—bring the property to its present total of just over 328 acres.
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6 MacPhee Property 38 acres Lower Moreland Township Key Partners: Estate of Margaret MacPhee; Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust
MacPhee Property
Clemens Property
top: Estelle Wynn Dolan; bottom: Jacob Kratz
The estate of the late Margaret MacPhee donated a 38-acre adjacent parcel of land to the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT). Natural Lands placed a conservation easement on the wooded property. As the former owner specified, the land will be used as a sanctuary for local wildlife while offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy and learn about nature. In addition to forest dominated by oak and beech, the land includes a tributary to Pennypack Creek, which is designated by the PA Department of Environmental Protection as “impaired.” Preserving and stewarding land improves water quality downstream over time. “We were thrilled to help ensure protection of mature woodlands and headwater streams so close to urban Philadelphia,” said Todd Sampsell, Natural Lands’ vice president of conservation. “We were able to work with the estate, commonwealth courts, and our partners at Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust to ensure the wildlife habitats were permanently protected. Under PERT’s stewardship, they will be restored and improved. Future generations will benefit from this protected natural space and outdoor classroom.” W
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land for life. nature for all.
Bryn Coed Preserve | Chester Springs, PA | 514 acres
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It’s the heart of our mission. And a promise we pursue thanks to a Natural Lands community— of supportive members, dedicated volunteers, and invested partners— open space, caring for nature, and connecting people to the outdoors and each other. Now. And forever. Togetherness. It makes all the difference when it comes to conservation in our region. We are full of appreciation. For you.
opposite: Jillian Sabre; this page (left to right): Taproot Photography, Mae Axelrod, Alessandra Manzotti
that cares deeply about saving
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the wild life.
Our 23,000-acre network of preserved open space provides vital habitat—food, water, and safe places to live and breed—for creatures of all sorts. We celebrate all these friends who call Natural Lands home.
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PHOTOGRAPHERS opposite, top to bottom (left to right): Steve Eisenhauer, Caleb Arrowood, David Korbonits, Mike Coll, Bill Moses, Kristen Ryan, Dave Mosbruger, Jennifer Mathes, Dan Barringer this page, top to bottom (left to right): Bill Moses, John McNamara, Edward Dailey, Molly Smyrl, Jillian Sabre, Abdo Allahabi
mission
board of trustees Peter O. Hausmann chairperson Susan P. Mucciarone vice chairperson Jane G. Pepper vice chairperson Barbara B. Aronson Lloyd H. Brown Rayenne A. Chen Jason Duckworth Regina A. Hairston Gail Harrity Jeffrey Idler
Paulina L. Jerez Ann T. Loftus, Esq. Stephan K. Pahides Robert K. Stetson Douglas W. Tallamy, Ph.D. Andrew I. VandenBrul David W. Weaver William Y. Webb emeritus trustees
Henry E. Crouter John A. Terrill, II William G. Warden, IV Theodore V. Wood, Jr.
land for life. preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders.
nature for all. creating opportunities for joy and discovery in nature for everyone in our region.
president’s council
Lin and Ralph Hall Catherine “Kate” Harper Kathy Hodgkiss David N. Hunter, Sr. Steven and Ann Hutton C. Scott Kulicke Frank and Anita Leto Joyce I. Levy and Phyllis A. Rosenberg Meg Maffitt Victoria B. Mars Christy Martin Amy McKenna Leah and Jason Morganroth Hugh G. Moulton J. Kenneth Nimblett Fred Redekop
Franny and Franny Abbott Beth and Scott Albright Jim Averill Timothy B. Barnard and Meredyth D. Patterson Joanna Jane Bartholomew Richard and Jessie Benjamin Bob Berry and Laura Snead Paul S. Black Clarke and Barbara Blynn Maggie Brokaw Raj Chopra Eleanor Davis Phoebe A. Driscoll Charlotte Friedman
James L. Rosenthal Missy Shaffer Steve Shreiner Julia H. M. Solmssen Robin and John Spurlino Karen Thompson Jim B. Ward Lee and Bill Warden Penelope P. Watkins Ardythe Williams Susan P. Wilmerding Debra Wolf Goldstein Theodore V. Wood, Jr. Minturn T. Wright, III Sherley Young Eliza and Peter Zimmerman
NextGen council Leah and Jason Morganroth co-chairs Jarrodd Davis Alicia Forero Rachael Griffith Anna Haslinsky Riley Hennessy Elissa Klinger Hunter McCorkel Joseph Monfort
NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Media, PA Permit #138
1031 Palmers Mill Road Media, PA 19063
find yourself outside Our nature preserves and public garden are open year-round for you to explore. Visit all our featured properties, collect a code word at each, and we’ll send you a free t-shirt! natlands.org/findyourselfoutside
Stoneleigh: a natural garden | Villanova, PA | 42 acres
David Korbonits