NLT preserves 55.7 acres in London-Britain

Sisters Patricia Kraus Holt and Kathryn K. McClure on the property they helped preserve as open space. Last month, Natural Lands Trust protected a scenic 55.7- acre property in London Britain Township, preserving woodlands, rare plant species, and a valued part of the rural landscape. The property was placed under a conservation easement, which means that it remains in private ownership but is...

Working to perpetuate Rebecca Lukens’ legacy

Annual award goes to former BVA intern and longtime open-space advocate  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Molly K. Morrison chats with Susannah Brody, playing the role of Rebecca Lukens, at the Eighth Annual Rebecca Lukens Award ceremony in Coatesville. Attired in 19th-century Quaker garb, Susannah Brody provided the voice of Rebecca Lukens, and the elegant Graystone Mansion,...

Preservationist tapped for Rebecca Lukens Award

Natural Lands Trust head lauded by National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum Molly K. Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust, has been selected as the recipient of the Eighth Annual Rebecca Lukens Award. Photo by Bob Williams Bestowed by the Graystone Society’s National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville, the honor goes to individuals who exhibit the qualities of Rebecca Lukens,...

Residents urged to branch out, donate blood

10 trees will be planted for every pint collected at Lenfest Center The Red Cross blood drive will take place on Oct. 3 in the new Lenfest Center in Newlin Township. Pre-registration is requested. Giving help to others and giving back to nature will be possible simultaneously on Oct. 3, when the Lenfest Center hosts a Red Cross blood drive. For every pint of blood collected – and research shows...

Volunteer environmental stewards being sought

Natural Lands Trust recruiting trainees for “Force of Nature” program Natural Lands Trust announced this week that it is recruiting for the third class in its “Force of Nature” volunteer training program, designed to educate and train participants to serve as volunteer project leaders and ambassadors for the regional land conservation organization, a news release said. “The Force of...

385 acres of prime Pocono wildlife habitat protected

Bald Mountain Preserve to be managed by Natural Lands Trust Bald Mountain Preserve in Bear Creek Township will eventually be open to visitors for passive recreation. Photo courtesy of Joe Vinton A boon for area Pocono visitors:  A 385-acre property now known as Bald Mountain, located in the Pocono Plateau, will remain an unspoiled mecca for migratory songbirds, black bears, and bald eagles, thanks...

Land stewards: Thank lucky stars for Lenfests

9,300-square-foot, eco-friendly center set to debut at ChesLen Preserve In May 2012, Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust, joined Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest at the groundbreaking for the Lenfest Center. Its completion will be celebrated on Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16. The stars and planets have aligned – notably the constellation Hercules, a first-quarter moon, and Saturn...

County land steward earns state award

Peter Hausmann credited with helping to preserve tens of thousands of acres Peter Hausmann was recognized by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association for decades of land preservation. The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA) honored Chester County land preservationist Peter Hausmann with its Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award last week. Hausmann has served as chairman of the Board of...

Time to nurture seeds of gratitude to farmers

National Agricultural Day honors their deep-rooted dedication Jamie Hicks (from left) sits with his son, Graham, and wife Kate at the entrance to Meadow Springs Farm on East Doe Run Road. National Agricultural Day on Tuesday offers an optimal time to celebrate the long and distinguished tradition of Chester County farming – an industry that dates back to Colonial days. Farming remains Pennsylvania’s...

Renewal of tax incentive fueled conservation

Natural Lands Trust announces preservation of 134 acres in region at end of 2012 A high point of the “fiscal cliff” deal? The renewal of a tax incentive for private landowners—especially working family farmers and ranchers—who preserve their land with a voluntary conservation agreement, preservation officials said. That incentive, which had expired at the end of 2011, led to the preservation...