Gwen Lacy, the founding executive director of The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC), has announced her decision to step down, effective April 30, 2018.
Lacy has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for land conservation, historic preservation, environmental education, and stewardship in the region for 14 years. She started in 2004 as director of the Kennett Township Land Trust (KTLT). As KTLT became increasingly active across the region, Lacy led its transformation into The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County, a nationally accredited land trust, in 2010.
TLC has since expanded to include a wide range of outreach and educational activities. Lacy’s vision, skill, education, legal background, and tireless advocacy have led TLC to conserve more than 1,000 acres and create five public nature preserves. Over the past 14 years, Lacy has orchestrated a team of staff and helped build a board that leveraged over $15 million for conservation projects. In 2017 alone, TLC raised more than $4 million to protect land in the region.
From 2015 to 2017, Lacy spearheaded a capital campaign that raised over $1.7 million in cash and in-kind donations to purchase TLC’s new headquarters and create the Chandler Mill Interpretive Center and Nature Preserve, which opened in December 2017. The Chandler Mill Bridge, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been preserved next to TLC’s Walnut Hill headquarters, thanks in large part to Gwen’s work for more than a decade. The bridge is now a key link in the proposed 12-mile Kennett Greenway.
After April 30, Gwen will continue to be involved with TLC until a new executive director has been identified. She has left a legacy that will benefit generations to come.
