The land described by nature writer Marcia Bonta in her books is now permanently protected, thanks to the donation of a conservation easement to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy on her family’s 648-acre property in southcentral Pennsylvania. This is among the largest conservation easement donations in the Conservancy’s 86-year history. For nearly 50 years, Bonta and her read more
Pennsylvania Continues to Lead Nation, Adds 31 Farms to Nearly 6,000 Permanently Preserved
At its April meeting, Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board safeguarded 3,134 additional acres on 31 farms in 17 counties through the state’s nation-leading farmland preservation program. The board preserved 31 farms covering 3,134 acres across 17 counties: Adams, Berks, Blair, Centre, Chester, Columbia, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lackawanna, read more
Brandywine Conservancy Welcomes Two New Staff Members
The Brandywine Conservancy recently welcomed two new faces to its team. Sarah Sharp joins the Conservancy as a new assistant planner in the Municipal Assistance Program. Sharp worked at the Conservancy as a planning intern for three months prior to accepting a full-time position. She is currently finishing up course work at West Chester University for a dual M.S. degree read more
Land Conservancy of Adams County Elects New President and Board Members
At its April 11 meeting, the Land Conservancy of Adams County Board of Directors chose Dave Salisbury to serve as its president, and selected Carrie Russell to serve as vice president. New board members Lynn Garskof and Betsy Meyer joined the meeting as well. Katie Epstein and Chris Little will continue serving as treasurer and secretary, respectively. read more
2019 Green Infrastructure Award Winners Announced
The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia recently announced the winners of the 2019 Excellence in Green Stormwater Infrastructure Awards. The winners will be recognized at a special celebration on May 23 in Philadelphia. The awards celebrate and elevate green stormwater infrastructure projects and innovations, the triple bottom line (TBL) benefits of a read more
WPC Adds Land to Bear Run Reserve
In early April, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced the purchase of four acres in Stewart Township, Fayette County that are now part of the Conservancy’s 5,119-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve. The four-acre area is located across from the main entrance to Fallingwater, includes more than 600 feet of frontage along Route 381, and is visible to all read more
Delaware Highlands Conservancy Hires Stewardship Associate
Join Delaware Highlands Conservancy in welcoming its newest staff member, Nicole DeCarolis. As a stewardship associate, she will be responsible for annually visiting all of the organization's protected properties and working with landowners on environmental questions and inquiries related to their conservation easements. DeCarolis has a B.S. in natural resources read more
Tinicum Conservancy Helps Preserve 107-Acre Property
On April 9, Bridgeton Township—in partnership with the Tinicum Conservancy—completed the purchase of a 107-acre tract near the Delaware Canal and within walking distance of the newly established Pennsylvania Highlands Trail. A former quarry, the site is framed by the dramatic and rugged palisades to the west and the Delaware River bottomlands to the east. Abandoned for more read more
Land Conservancy of Adams County Protects 80-Acre Farm
Working in partnership with Hamilton Township landowner Don Stabler, the Land Conservancy of Adams County has placed 80.16 acres of farmland under a conservation easement, ensuring the land will remain undeveloped in perpetuity, in accordance with the landowner’s wishes. When Don Stabler received his parents’ farm last year, he knew he wanted to read more
Lorna Atkinson Selected to Lead Radnor Conservancy Board
Join Radnor Conservancy in congratulating Lorna Atkinson in assuming the role of president of its board of directors. Laura Luker, previous President, remains an active member of the board. Atkinson has lived in Radnor since 2007 and has three children currently attending Radnor Elementary, Radnor Middle, and Radnor High School. She has served on the Board of the Radnor read more
Brandywine Water Trail Kicks off with Public Meetings
Almost 150 local residents, paddling enthusiasts and local stakeholders attended one of the Brandywine Conservancy's public meetings seeking feedback on a proposed Brandywine water trail. Held in Downingtown and Chadds Ford during the month of February, these informal gatherings sought input and suggestions on additional water trail amenities, put-ins, safety and privacy read more
The Nature Place Earns LEED Gold Certification
Berks Nature's The Nature Place has been awarded LEED Gold status by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). What does that mean? Here's a little cheat sheet: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is bestowed by the USGBC based on a rating system that measures a building’s environmental impact. Projects earn LEED points based on items such as read more
WPC Seeking Qualified Farmers to Lease Preserved Farmland
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) is now accepting proposals for two agricultural leases at 218 Uber Road, Findley Township, Mercer County. WPC acquired the farm in December 2018 as part of the WPC Farmland Access Program, which seeks to lease farms at affordable rates to farmers producing food for the Pittsburgh region. WPC's goal is to balance sustainable read more
Gov. Wolf Announces Winners of Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
On March 15, one individual and 17 organizations, businesses, and local governments in Pennsylvania have been selected by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to receive the prestigious 2019 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. “Prioritizing and protecting our environment is fundamental to maintaining Pennsylvania’s natural resources and preserving our read more
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Preserves Family Farm
In March, French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust preserved a 10.4-acre family farm in Charlestown Township, adding to the 1,100 acres of beautiful open space in the township. This new easement will protect the lush, rolling fields on Buckwalter Road, and will purify the newly-named Buckwalter Run stream corridor. French & Pickering is deeply grateful to the mother read more

















