WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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Meet WCT’s 2023 Seasonal Interns

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Internships are an integral part of Willistown Conservation Trust’s (WCT) work. Each year, hardworking students join our team and bring with them a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. They provide essential duties during our busy seasons working on the farm, banding birds, maintaining trails, planting trees, taking water samples, mapping, interacting with volunteers, teaching our young Rushton Nature Keepers, and more. These students represent the future of the conservation movement, and we are proud to play a role in educating and inspiring these future leaders!

Get to know our interns below, and be sure to say hi when you see them!

WATERSHED

Sarah Barker (she/her)
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op
Sarah is a junior at Drexel University where she is majoring in Biology with a concentration on evolution, ecology, and genomics. Before she joined us, she spent six months working for a water quality start-up called Tern Water as a water chemistry research/lab assistant and another six months working at Polysciences as a quality control chemist. Now, as a Watershed Protection Program Co-op, her responsibilities include assisting in sample collection, equipment maintenance, data collection and entry, running laboratory analyses, and aiding in educational outreach. When she’s not learning about the local ecology and effects of land use on the environment, Sarah enjoys singing, writing, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with her two cats.
Sally Ehlers (she/her)
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op
Originally from Little Silver, New Jersey, Sally Ehlers is an undergraduate student studying Environmental Science, Biology, and Writing at Drexel University. Last spring and summer, she worked as a co-op for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries lab in Highlands, New Jersey, where she focused on projects that addressed the impacts of toxins on young life stages of marine and estuarine fishes. Here at WCT, she will assist with a variety of data collection including water quality monitoring, monthly sampling, and annual macroinvertebrate sampling. For her independent project, she will be analyzing macroinvertebrate data collected by the Watershed Team.

RUSHTON FARM

Maria DiGiovanni (she/her)
Conservation Apprentice

A recent graduate of Cornell University, Maria DiGiovanni studied International Agriculture and Rural Development, and as a Conservation Apprentice here at Rushton Farm, she is ready to take on the many daily tasks necessary to get food from the farm to our CSA members and greater community. Maria comes to us with all sorts of experience, including studying how niche meat farmers in North Carolina maintained resilience throughout the pandemic, launching a campaign on urban biodiversity in Rome, Italy, and interning for PennEnvironment to promote better state environmental policy. When she’s not getting her hands dirty weeding and harvesting produce, Maria enjoys baking, cooking, running, and grabbing coffee with friends.

Barlow Herbst (he/him)
Rushton Farm Intern

Barlow is a recent graduate of Harriton High School, and he is headed to Colby College in the fall! This is his second year interning at Rushton Farm. Prior to his internship, Barlow participated in the Rushton Bird Banding Program. Barlow has been birding for four years which is how he discovered WCT and all we do. He initially started with saw-whet owl banding and eventually began volunteering at Rushton Farm. When he’s not in the fields, Barlow stays busy practicing guitar, rowing crew, and doing ceramics.

BIRD CONSERVATION & NORTHEAST MOTUS COLLABORATION

Chris Regan (he/him)
Conservation Associate

Chris Regan joins our Bird Conservation Program with plenty of field experience and a degree in Wildlife Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry. In addition to his time working as a Piping Plover steward for New York State Parks and later as a Field Technician for the Town of Hempstead Conservation & Waterways Department where he banded Oystercatchers, Common Terns, and Tree Swallows, Chris has also studied biomass regeneration and carbon sequestration of various hardwood tree species. Here at WCT, he will be assisting the bird banding team with their MAPS Banding operation and helping Shelly Eshleman’s Eastern Towee research. When he’s not banding birds, you can find him with other bands — The Meantime and The MovieLife — playing shows throughout the Northeast. 
Victoria Sindliner (she/her)
Conservation Associate

Victoria Sindlinger is a recent high school graduate, and come fall, she will be pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania. Before then, she’ll be working here at WCT as an Avian Field Research Technician, where you can find her assisting Shelly Eshleman’s Eastern Towhee research, participating in grassland bird surveys, and taking on other field research duties as they come up. Victoria is no stranger to WCT’s Bird Protection Program, having volunteered with both migratory songbird and saw-whet owl banding at the age of 12! A bird-lover through and through, she is also devoted to the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, Wyncote Audubon, the eBird review team for Philadelphia County, and Bird Safe Philly.

STEWARDSHIP

Will Steiner (he/him)
Stewardship Intern

Will Steiner is a senior who attends Ursinus College and studies marine biology. Prior to joining us in 2022, Will participated in a few research trips during his time in school. Will is looking forward to gaining experience from working with the Stewardship team and engaging in hands-on conservation work. After his internship is complete, Will plans to finish school and continue to seek biology and conservation-related opportunities. Out of the field, Will spends his time drawing and hitting the gym.

Willistown Conservation Trust to Establish a Public Preserve on Recently Sold Kirkwood Farm Property

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A conservation outcome for Kirkwood Farm has been guaranteed, thanks to Willistown Conservation Trust who — with support from conservation partners and donors — will purchase 90 acres of the 218-acre Kirkwood Farm property for the creation of a public nature preserve. 

Kirkwood Farm — located on Plumsock and Providence Roads across from Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) headquarters — was originally listed for sale during fall of last year, and in March 2023, movie director and screenwriter M. Night Shyamalan purchased it, ensuring that its 218 acres would not be lost to development. WCT had been invested in Kirkwood Farm’s fate for years, and the environmental nonprofit worked with Shyamalan to finalize its sale and plan for its future — a future that now includes further protective measures and this vision for a preserve, as outlined in the agreement of sale signed on June 2.

The future preserve boasts rolling hills and grasslands
View of the future preserve from Plumsock Road

WCT President and Executive Director Kate Etherington notes, “The chance to acquire and protect another portion of Kirkwood Farm is a dream come true for Willistown Conservation Trust. This future preserve will be an incredible asset to our community by providing public open space for all to enjoy, while protecting its abundant natural resources for generations to come.”  WCT Board Chair John Stoviak adds, “We are very grateful to Willistown Township, Chester County, Firstrust Bank, and WCT’s supporters for helping WCT pursue this game-changing opportunity.”

Originally 550 acres and owned by descendants of the Rockefeller family with a history that can be traced back to the 1700s, Kirkwood Farm sits at the heart of the Willistown countryside. Prior to its sale, it had been owned by the Rockefeller family for over 100 years. In 2004, WCT helped save a portion of the Farm by purchasing and protecting 95 acres as nearby Kirkwood Preserve located at 855 Grubbs Mill Road in Newtown Square. 

The future preserve’s beauty and natural resources include rolling hills and grasslands, mature woodlands, and two headwater tributaries to the Ridley Creek, designated as High Quality Waters by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The land provides prime habitat for numerous species of wildlife and includes critical areas for declining numbers of nesting and migratory birds. 

It is also an important connective piece between other local public preserves — including Rushton Woods Preserve, Kirkwood Preserve, and Okehocking Preserve — and once WCT establishes new trails here, it will enhance the greater network of hiking and riding trails enjoyed by so many. Additionally, WCT intends to restore habitat, create stream buffers, and plant native wildflower meadows to benefit wildlife.

WCT has already received funding for this project from private donors, in addition to a $500,000 grant awarded by the Chester County Commissioners that will go toward the anticipated $9 million purchase price and additional endowment.

Say County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, “The beauty of Kirkwood Farm can be found in both its spectacular landscape and vistas, as well as its ability to be publicly accessible in the near future, with planned parking and connections to surrounding preserved land. We are very pleased to partner with Willistown Conservation Trust on this project and thank them for their diligence in ensuring this portion of Kirkwood Farm remains forever protected.” 

The 90 acres is not open to the public at this time. To learn more about this preserve in the making, please visit wctrust.org/future-preserve

Press Contact: Monica McQuail, mjm@wctrust.org

Meet our Corporate Partner: Veritable

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By Wesley Yamamoto, Veritable Partner

With a long-shared history of preserving the natural beauty and fostering a sense of community in Willistown, Veritable is proud to be the inaugural corporate partner of Willistown Conservation Trust.

Over 37 years ago, Veritable was founded by Michael Stolper, a University of Pennsylvania ornithology major turned investment industry entrepreneur. He set out to create a new model in the investment business that was free from the traditional conflicts of the industry and better aligned his goals and values with those of his clients. The principles of independence, client advocacy, and intrepid innovation resonated with successful families in the Philadelphia area, the northeastern United States, and soon across the country. Today, Veritable proudly serves as investment advisor and family office to over 225 clients and their collective $17+ billion in assets under management. Veritable is now one of the largest, independent investment advisory firms in the nation with clients in over 35 states. However, Willistown remains home to its national headquarters and many employees.

In the firm’s early years, Michael sought out new office space to house his rapidly growing team. Counter to the conventional approach of a financial firm renting a downtown office in Philadelphia or New York City, Veritable — then known as Stolper and Co. — embraced the idea that independence from the traditional bank and brokerage model environment could extend beyond a business model to the firm’s actual physical presence as well. In 1992, the firm found its permanent home at 6022 West Chester Pike: a 22-acre campus featuring a turn-of-the-19th century farmhouse backed up by hilly woodlands.

Veritable’s Farmhouse Office
“Farside,” Veritable’s newest expansion to their office

As the plans for the farmhouse office conversion were drafted, Veritable’s relationship with Willistown Conservation Trust officially commenced. Michael made the decision to ease 10 acres of Veritable’s campus in perpetuity with WCT. For over 30 years now, Veritable and Willistown Conservation Trust have only strengthened ties. Many of the firm’s 80+ employees have embraced and frequently participated in WCT’s programs and offerings. Some highlights cited by partners and staff were: Northern saw-whet owl banding, hiking and exercising in the preserved lands, the CSA program, and the lecture series. Beyond Veritable’s corporate support over these many years, several senior investment team members at Veritable have served in official and unofficial capacities at the WCT. Of note, former board member Matt Taylor is an investment team leader and partner at Veritable. He served on the finance committee of the WCT for several years. Current board member Justin Thompson is a senior member of the investment team at Veritable. He succeeds Matt as current Chair of WCT Finance Committee, and he serves as Co-Chair of Run-A-Muck.

Across Veritable’s staff and leadership, there is a palpable appreciation for nature and the importance of sustainability. As the firm approaches its 40th anniversary, it continues to invest in its people and its business here in Willistown. With a campus adjacent to preserved lands and supported by a close-knit community of stewards, the firm’s investments are always made with intention. For Veritable, there is no starker example of both the time that has passed and the commitment that remains than the newest expansion to the office. A geothermally heated, 10,000 square foot, modern office building equipped with floor to ceiling windows for employees and visiting clients to forest bathe and birdwatch as they go about their business.

To learn more about Veritable’s services visit veritablelp.com.

Interested in becoming a Corporate Partner?

When you participate in WCT’s Corporate Partnership Program, not only do you receive exposure and recognition among our broad network of supporters and visitors, but you are also given direct access to nature. Choose from our three Corporate Partnership Levels — PRESERVE PARTNER ($25,000), PROGRAM PARTNER ($10,000) and COMMUNITY PARTNER ($5,000) — to enrich your employees’ lives, support local science, and make a far-reaching environmental impact. Learn more about our Corporate Partnership Program here.

Introducing WCT’s Strategic Plan

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STRATEGIC PLAN | 2023-2025
Saving, Studying, and Sharing Land, Water, and Habitat


WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

Land conservation efforts have been underway in the Willistown area for over 40 years. A satellite program of Brandywine Conservancy, formed in 1979, was known as the Willistown Area Conservation Program. With the encouragement of the community and key local conservation leaders, Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) became an independent, community based land trust in 1996 with a committed and active Board of Trustees.

Using the Crum, Ridley, and Darby Creek watersheds as a boundary guide, WCT’s traditional program area encompasses 28,000 acres in Chester County and portions of Delaware County, and is located approximately 20 miles west of Philadelphia. Despite tremendous growth pressures that have converted many neighboring communities into vast tracts of sprawl development, the WCT program area still remains largely an oasis of green space.

Successful land conservation and stewardship paved the way for major growth within the organization. Since its founding, WCT has grown to include a suite of activities focused on science, stewardship, education, and community engagement. In addition to Land Conservation and Land Stewardship, these core activities include Bird Conservation, Community Farm, Watershed Protection, and Outreach and Education. This holistic approach to conservation explores the connections among land, birds, habitat, agriculture, and water, and educates the public on these connections.

Our land protection and stewardship efforts have been focused on the Willistown area; however, our work has a regional and national impact on conservation.

WHERE ARE WE GOING?

Over the next three years, as our land protection efforts thrive and new opportunities in our traditional program area diminish, we anticipate a growing emphasis on habitat conservation and restoration, education and community outreach. Within these conserved lands, we will use our growing body of research in bird, water, and agro-ecology to inform best practices and engage with the community to educate and inspire an ethos of conservation and care of our land, waters, and habitat where wildlife thrives. In addition, we will identify and consider land protection and conservation opportunities outside of our traditional program area that fulfill service gaps in surrounding communities and meet vital conservation needs, as we interact and collaborate with new communities and organizations.

We will continue to be a robust organization that is well established, broadly supported, and attracts leaders at the forefront of the conservation field. Our science-based programs will contribute research to inform conservation priorities and best practices on a regional, national and international scale. We will attract a diverse group of staff, Trustees, and volunteers who are deeply committed to the mission of WCT and bring a variety of perspectives, skills, and experiences to our work. We will offer robust community and educational programs that attract a wide swath of participants. We will use our established expertise and connections for the conservation benefit of communities outside our traditional area of focus.

To read our Strategic Plan in full, click the cover below:

It’s a Wrap for the Campaign for Rushton Woods!

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Cover Photo by Jennifer Mathes

In 2018 Willistown Conservation Trust embarked upon an ambitious $2 million fundraising campaign. Named the “Campaign for Rushton Woods,” the effort came on the heels of the construction of the Rushton Conversation Center (RCC), located on the grounds of the Rushton Woods Preserve. 

The Campaign supported a vision to enhance the Rushton Woods Preserve, featuring the stunning new RCC as its heart, as a hub of conservation activity for WCT. Specifically, the campaign was designed to raise funds to renovate the White Farm House on the property, establish an environmental master plan for the Preserve, improve circulation and recreational enjoyment of the Preserve, and provide much needed operating support for the vibrant programs based from Rushton Woods: Watershed Protection, the Community Farm, Bird Conservation, and Land Stewardship activities. 

We are thrilled to report that the WCT community of generous funders and donors came together and, as of December 31, 2022, successfully completed the Campaign.

Many results made possible by the Campaign can already be seen by the community. The White Farm House which sits just west of the RCC has been attractively rehabbed and expanded. It now boasts a guest room which has provided overnight accommodations to visiting conservationists and scientists. Ornithologists from Tadoussac Bird Observatory in Canada recently commented, “Such a wonderful place with such wonderful people! We had an amazing time at WCT and we learned a lot from all of you,” upon conclusion of their stay. A first floor conference room and bird book library now serve as a small group meeting space for organizational meetings, as well as a place for farm staff to cool off over lunch on hot summer days. 

The Master Plan for Rushton Woods was also completed with Campaign funding, and it outlined a framework to address identified environmental and recreational improvements needed in the Preserve. As a result of the Master Plan, several projects have already begun, including the first step in restoring the hedgerows in the center of the Preserve. The first 100 feet of invasive species were removed by Land Studies Inc., and replanted by Preserve and Facilities Manager Mike Cranney with the help of volunteers. The project was funded with a grant from Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology. 

A new visible result is the just-completed equestrian/pedestrian trail through the woods, constructed by Green Roots Landscaping. This beautiful and functional path will be enjoyed by hikers and horses alike as they wind their way through the woods on sure and dry footing. Further enhancements planned in the coming year include an ADA accessible trail connecting the Rushton Farm shed to the RCC with a section of hedgerow restoration along Delchester Road as well as a bioretention basin, which will address stormwater, improve stream health by reducing erosion, provide habitat, and be accessible to all with an additional ADA trail loop.

Campaign funds will also support WCT operating activities and programs. Rising costs and growth of our departments require constant funding, and our ability to keep the departments running relies upon the generosity of a community who understands the importance of open space and conserved land and its positive impact on wildlife preservation and a healthy environment.

The Board and staff of WCT would like to acknowledge and thank all those who came together in this effort. There were approximately 71 donors, made up of individuals, foundations, and governmental organizations. Additionally, the work at this Preserve wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteers and Land Stewardship Team. We will continue to provide updates to the community, as work is completed at Rushton. The entire community is welcome and encouraged to visit the Preserve to enjoy a solitary winter hike or a lively, warm weather picnic at one of our Community Super Series events. There is something for everyone at Rushton Woods Preserve!

A big thanks to everyone who contributed to this Campaign:

Anonymous (2)

1976 Foundation

Mr. Timothy B. Barnard and Ms. Meredyth Patterson

Lisa Hatcher and Charlie Bernard

Michael and Linda Burg

Mr. Adrian A. Castelli and Ms. Molly G. Love

Chester County Preservation Program

The Colket Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cozzi

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener

Diamond Ice Foundation

Anthony and Linda DiValerio

Ray Dombroski and Colleen DeMorat

Dick and Nancy Eales

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher B. Ebmeyer

Kate and Ben Etherington

First Cornerstone Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. John Fry

Jim and Dina Gibson

Steve and Christina Graham

Julie S. and K. David Graham

Mrs. Perry C. Gresh

Dr. Janet F. Haas and Mr. John Otto Haas

Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel P. Hamilton Jr.

Meg and Chris Hardesty

Alice and Peter Hausmann

Lynn Hitschler

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Hofmann

Mr. and Mrs. Bill T. Howard

Elayne Howard

Beth and David Hucker

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Johnson

Mrs. Barbara M. Jordan

Michelle Kichline

Mr. George F. Krall Jr.

Ms. Lisa Krall

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Layden, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Ledger

Lindsay and Ted Leisenring

Michael McGraw

McLean Contributionship

Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. McMenamin

Dr. F. Arthur McMorris and Dr. Joanna Balcarek McMorris

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morse

Donna and Bill Oliver

Otto Haas Charitable Trust

Heidi S. Phelan

Marshall-Reynolds Foundation

Quaker City Foundation

Lang and Marilyn Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Spinner

Veritable, LP

Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Stolper

John F. and Holly H. Stoviak

Jennifer H. Gorman-Strawbridge

Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge

Jeanne and Doug Swope

Mr. Matt E. Taylor and Ms. Francie Ingersoll

The Darling Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation

The RJM Foundation

Bob and Carolyn Turner

UNFI Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen II

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander S. Van Alen

Mr. and Mrs. Rob B. Van Alen

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Warden

The Honorable Thomas D. Watkins and Mrs. Penelope Watkins

Ms. Lida A. Wright

Alex and Janine Zozaya

501(c)(3) EIN 23-2841453