HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Preserve * Protect * Perpetuate

Have you noticed? In front of the Old Eagle School in Strafford and the adjacent Cemetery on Old Eagle School Road you will find an “America 250 Patriots Marker.” The Marker was unveiled on November 6, th 2022. This is the 7 marker placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Pennsylvania. The markers th commemorate the 250 anniversary of America's founding in 1776 to be celebrated in 2026.

“The members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated this marker in grateful recognition of the men and women who achieved American Independence,” said State DAR Regent Marguerite Fitsch. “May this marker help keep their stories alive. We especially remember all those buried in the Old Eagle School Cemetery. Their vision, courage, and sacrifices are not forgotten.”

Early in 2022, the Jeptha Abbott Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution approached Old Eagle Trustee President Ashley White regarding the significance of the Cemetery. There are several Revolutionary War soldiers buried there and even a few with headstones marked as “unknown.”

It should be noted that the base for this grand marker was put into place as an Eagle Scout project by William Cook of the Paoli 1 Scout Troop. The Troop provided Color Guard services, flag bearers, and installation of the Plaque.

by Pearl M. Nudy, Historical Commission Member

Tuesday, June 7 at Jenkins Arboretum: Camp Meetings & Chautauquas— th America's 19 Century Back to Nature Movement with architectural historian and guest lecturer Robert Wise

Wednesday, July 26 at Duportail House: Duportail—A Founder Forgotten with guest lecturer and Tredyffrin resident James McKinley

The Trust is excited to share the Jones Log Barn Living History Center with the community. We encourage you to visit on Sunday afternoons from 1 - 3 PM through October. As supporters of local history, we would also welcome you to attend a lecture.

For historic preservation to matter, and for our local history to be meaningful, it needs to be supported. A community that respects its history respects itself. How can you help? There are many ways that the Trust seeks volunteers do you have an interest in local history and time to help? Please call (610)644-6759 for further information.

Nation's Semiquincentennial will be celebrated in 2026. This was the first event in our Township to prepare for that great celebration. Rob Williams, Chair of the Township Historical Commission, has said th that for Tredyffrin Township, the 250 celebration will be about preserving the history of a Township steeped in the rich history of our Nation.

The Historical Commission has started planning for 2026-2027 commemorations within the Township. The community will be invited to join and lead efforts to promote historic preservation through education, local events, and other outreach incentives.

According to DAR Chapter Regent Teri Fischer, the last time a marker of this nature was placed by our Chapter was 90 years ago in 1932 at the Ye Olde Buck th Tavern in Ardmore. The 8 DAR America 250 Patriot Marker was installed at Historic Waynesborough in Easttown on March 26, 2023.

On December 17, 2022, Wreaths Across America sponsored by Jeptha Abbott DAR placed a wreath at every grave site in the Old Eagle Cemetery in a beautiful ceremony in which every branch of the military was recognized and represented.

Why is this so important since it took place last year?

As most of you know, America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are th approaching their 250 birthday: our

The Township is expanding volunteer involvement by opening Commission associate memberships. Not everyone has the time to serve on a Board. But if you are interested in becoming a part of what very well may be dubbed the all-time greatest birthday party this Country has ever known, an Historical Commission Associate Membership is for you. Also, you can volunteer for upcoming events.

AUTHORITIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Did you know that there are “behind-thescenes” people from the Township who serve on authorities, boards and commissions who willingly give of their time, expertise, and energy in service to Tredyffrin? Many of the folks who serve are volunteers.They are your neighbors, parents of your children's friends, and members of your community. You are familiar with the Board of Supervisors, the Township Manager and his Department Heads, the Superintendent of Police and his police department, the Public Works crews who you see out on the roads in the winter and in the parks in the nice weather, and the administrative staff who help you every day. Let's take a look at these ABC's in Tredyffrin.

Board of Supervisors

Members of the Board of Supervisors are elected officials and serve four-year terms and they are the Township's decisionmaking body of seven elected officials.Supervisors establish Township policy, initiate and adopt ordinances and resolutions relating to Township business, determine the rates for both real estate and other taxes they are empowered to use, and set both capital and operating budgets. Supervisors provide for police and fire protection, planning and zoning, street maintenance and snow removal, sewers, libraries, parks, and recreation, and regulate land use development and building construction. Supervisors also appoint key Township officials and residents to the Authorities, Board and Commissions.

Environmental Advisory Council

The seven members of the Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) serve three-year terms and are dedicated to exploring and promoting environmental initiatives in the

Township. The EACworks at the direction of the Board of Supervisors and as an extension ofstaff to research environmental issues and funding sources; to advise staff and supervisors; to sponsor environmental education; to partner with residents, outside agencies, and organizations with similar interests; and to coordinate environmental projects.

Historical Commission

The seven members of the Historical Commission (HC) serve three-year terms and advise the Township on matters concerning the preservation of historic resources.

Library Board of Trustees

The nine members of the Library Board of Trustees serve three-year terms. Responsibilities of the Board include fundraising for operations, overseeing the annual budget, determining policy, and working to help improve library services and resources at both the Tredyffrin Public Library and the Paoli Library.

Municipal Authority

The seven members of the Municipal Authority serve five-year terms and the purpose of the Authority is to provide funding for sanitary sewer and highway projects in the Township through the sale of Municipal Bonds. The Municipal Authority owns all the sanitary sewer facilities and leases them to the Township.

Park and Recreation Board

The seven members of the Park and Recreation Board serve three-year terms. The Board oversees the acquisition, development, and use of park sites and supervises park activities. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages through parks, recreation programs, and open space preservation.

Pension Trustees

The three Trustees oversee the management of the Township's pension plans.

Planning Commission

The seven members of the Planning Commission serve four-year terms and are authorized to prepare, update, and oversee implementation of the Comprehensive Plan, Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, and Zoning Ordinance, and to review land development and subdivision applications. Land development decisions by the Planning Commission are final, while the Board of Supervisors has final approval authority on all subdivision applications. Regular meetings, usually held on the third Thursday of the month, are formal meetings where applications are first heard, and decisions or recommendations are made. The public is welcome to attend and comment on any matter on the agenda.

Zoning Hearing Board

The members of the Zoning Hearing Board serve three-year terms and consist of three members and three alternate members. Appeals for relief from decisions of the Zoning Officer and/or requirements in the Zoning Ordinance are handled by the Zoning Hearing Board. This is a quasijudicial body whose decisions are not subject to the approval of the supervisors. Zoning Hearing Board meetings, which are open to the public, are usually held on the fourth Thursday of the month.

Open Positions

There are open positions on the Park & Recreation Board, the Zoning Hearing Board (alternate positions), and the Historical Commission. If you are interested in serving, please send a letter of interest and a brief resume to tredyffrin@tredyffrin.org

Snags and Brush Piles

Why they are important for birds and should be incorporated into your yard

by Jennifer Cox, EAC Member

The Township is distinctive for its woodlands. Whether in a preserve, park or residential backyard, you are never far from woods. Although often unnoticed in woodlands, decaying wood and leaves are integral to the ecology. For example, snags and downed wood can provide important food and shelter for woodland birds that visit your yard.

Dead and Downed Wood

Creating Snags and Brush Piles

Snags: Birds use snags of all sizes. Any snag that you can safely and comfortably leave on your property will benefit wildlife. Larger snags: Pileated woodpeckers, northern flickers and owls require larger snags (taller, broader dead trees) for nest cavities. Note: Dead trees that pose a risk to structures should be removed, but some can be cut to a safe height and still provide opportunities for larger birds to create nest cavities that will eventually be used by cavity-nesting birds. Smaller snags: Chickadees, titmice, wrens, nuthatches, and downy woodpeckers can use smaller snags (such as dead saplings) or the dead branches of larger trees for nest cavities.

Brush Piles: The best brush piles for

Snags and Tree Cavities

Snags are standing trees that are dead or dying. Snags provide a number of important benefits to wildlife. As a tree dies, its bark loosens and forms bark cavities. These cavities are used for roosting by forest-dwelling bats and as nest sites by small forest birds called brown creepers. Insects, a valuable food source for many species, are abundant in snags. A wide variety of birds (including flycatchers, raptors, and songbirds) also use snags as hunting and singing perches.

Tree cavities are holes that have been excavated in snags, often by woodpeckers. These holes are used for shelter and nesting by many species including owls, wood ducks, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, wrens, bluebirds, and woodpeckers. There are over 35 bird species found in Pennsylvania that require cavities for nesting. Consider leaving some snags on your property to benefit wildlife.

Dead wood is also important for wildlife habitat. As logs and fallen branches decay, they return nutrients to the ground and support the insects on which many birds and animals feed. Amphibians, such as salamanders, rely on downed trees for cover by hiding on the moist undersides of fallen logs. Birds that rely on decaying logs and branches for food and shelter include eastern towhee, northern flicker, winter wren, pileated woodpecker, and thrushes. If your property has a wooded area, consider leaving leaves, logs and branches on the woodland floor to degrade naturally, nurture the soil, and provide food and shelter for birds and other animals. If you don't have woods, you can provide dead downed wood for wildlife while still keeping your yard tidy by assembling fallen logs and branches into a wildlife start with the largest materials (branches or logs) at the bottom and end with the smallest materials (small limbs or shrubs) at the top of the pile. The materials are arranged so that the brush pile is raised slightly above the ground. This makes it easier for wildlife to get under the brush pile and into cover. It is best not to place brush piles close to structures.

Sources for this article include: https://extension.psu.edu/wildlife-habitat-relationships Management