WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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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

Market in the Meadow Vegetarian Chili Recipe

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This recipe comes from What’s Gaby Cooking.
Cover photo by Jennifer Mathes

You all loved our Vegetarian Chili from Market in the Meadow, so we had to share!

A special thanks to our dedicated volunteers who harvested, chopped, and cooked this delicious meal at the Rushton Conservation Center. Most of the ingredients came right from Rushton Farm.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 2 extra teaspoons
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 large red onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 1/2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 14.5-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup dried quinoa
  • 4 teaspoons lime juice
  • serving suggestions: avocado, cilantro, crema, grated cheese

DIRECTIONS

  1. Heat a large heavy bottom pot with the oil over medium high heat.
  2. Add the sweet potato and onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened. Add the garlic, chili powder, chipotle, cumin, and salt and stir to combine.
  3. Add the stock, tomatoes, black beans, and quinoa and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir to incorporate.
  4. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  5. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the quinoa is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are soft.
  6. Add the lime juice and remove the pot from the heat. Season with salt as needed.
  7. Garnish with avocado, cilantro, crema, or cheese before serving.

Serves 4 people.

This recipe comes from What’s Gaby Cooking.

Your Voice is Valued! Help us Complete Our DEI Audit so Our Organization can Improve its Practices

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Cover Photo by Jennifer Mathes

In 2020 Willistown Conservation Trust made a renewed commitment to its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. As our society continues to grapple with the events of recent years that have highlighted significant disparities and inequalities in how persons of different racial, ethnic, age and income backgrounds are being impacted in starkly different ways, WCT has taken a deeper look into its role and duty to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive as an organization. We continue to evaluate how we, as an organization, can truly live out our mission and share our love of nature with individuals of all backgrounds. 

The formation of the Committee for Equity and Inclusion — led by Staff and Trustees — has taken steps to address the following goals made at the committee’s inception:

  • An ongoing effort to reflect on and actualize our commitment to diversity throughout all levels of our organization.
  • Examining our organization’s culture and business practices to ensure equity in our operations.
  • Actively seek opportunities to learn about biases and injustices in the conservation field, and how we as an organization can better promote inclusivity across our programming.

After many committee meetings focused on internal reflection, we felt it was critical to take a step further and work with consultants well versed in the DEI sector. We thoroughly researched a variety of providers and consultant firms, ultimately hiring Roshawnda Washington and Michael Matthews from The Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University. Michael and Ro will lead a series of structured conversations and retreats for the Board and Staff to connect on developing a shared organizational vision, review and discuss guiding principles (i.e. values, mission and vision), discuss organizational strengths and challenges, and formulate strategies and goals. The first of these retreats occurred in September, with a focus on defining the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion, and examining how identity, culture, stereotypes and implicit and explicit bias influence how we perceive, evaluate and react to others. 

The next step in this process is the completion of a DEI audit, something that we need your help completing! This audit is designed to offer a real and unbiased look at the current equity, diversity and inclusion conditions of the organization. This analysis is important because it provides us with the essential information to inform, evaluate and improve DEI strategic goals and priorities. We are asking for input from anyone connected to WCT, and we hope that you will take the time to complete this audit by emailing Kate Etherington a survey request here (kwe@wctrust.org).

Responses will be collected through November 11, 2022. We are deeply grateful for your feedback and look forward to sharing the audit results in the coming months. 

Plastic Free July Local Lessons from The Przybylowski Family

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During this year’s Plastic Free July, the Trust is committing to going plastic free and highlighting tips and tricks to reduce plastic use. Admitting we have a plastic problem is the first step to finding a solution, and that’s exactly what the Przbylowski family is doing. After partnering with NexTrex, 16-year-old twin sisters Kathryn and Madelyn distributed collection bins to gather plastic waste and raise awareness in our community. 

One of their collection bins can be found at the Rushton Farm Farmshed. We invite CSA members and visitors to Rushton Farm and Rushton Woods Preserve to drop off their plastic in this bin and in turn eliminate more plastic that makes its way to landfills everyday. Read below to understand what plastic is being accepted and learn more about this great project. 

Madelyn and Kathryn Pryzbylowski – NexTrex Program

Interview with mom, Tracy Przybylowksi, and her daughters, Kathryn and Madelyn.

Can you describe the project you are working on?

The organization we work with is called NexTrex and it’s through the Trex company which makes environmentally responsible outdoor products like composite decking and railing. We participate in the Trex School Challenge which means we compete with other schools our size across the nation to see who collects the most plastic film. Around Earth Day the winners are announced. This is a great program for schools because it raises awareness among students and families showing us first hand just how much plastic is used and thrown away, which is primarily single-use. We place our bins at Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School (we’re hoping to put one at Conestoga High Next year) as an easy way for families to drop off their plastic. We then collect the bin when it is full, we weigh it and bring it to Wegmans where Trex will then collect all plastic film to turn it into environmentally responsible outdoor products. We are trying to get as many schools to participate as possible. More information can be found here: https://recycle.trex.com/ 

How did you get involved in this project?

We’ve been “plogging” (picking up trash while jogging/walking) for several years around our neighborhoods and when we go to the beach after following Take 3 for the Sea. We noticed A LOT of plastic bags stuck in gutters and around waterways. We found this program and thought it would be a great way to educate our community and recycle plastic film. We started the program when we were in 8th grade which was around the time COVID-19 started. We have continued the program into high school. This was a good way to continue doing our community service since it requires no person to person contact and it was still the height of COVID through the first part of our sophomore year.

What kind of plastic do you collect?

We collect plastic film, specifically produce bags, store bags, ice bags, ziploc and other reclosable bags, cereal box liners, case over wrap, bread bags, news paper sleeves, dry cleaning bags, bubble wrap, plastic e-commerce bags. Acceptable plastic film poster here http://www.plasticsmarkets.org/jsfcode/upload/w493_q2_sp21_0_trex-recycling-posterpdf.pdf Unacceptable plastic film here http://www.plasticsmarkets.org/jsfcode/upload/wd_493/20220309150414_9_jsfwd_493_q2_1.pdf 

How much plastic did you collect last year?

During the 2020-21 school year, we placed 3rd in the nation by collecting 704 pounds. During the 2021-22 school year, we placed 3rd in the nation again by collecting 1,009 pounds.  

Who collected the most plastic last year?

The first place school that won last year was from Elmhurst, Illinois. They collected over 4,000 pounds of plastic. 

Where does the plastic that you collect go?

We place our NexTrex bins at Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School as an easy way for families to drop off their plastic. We’re hoping to put one at Conestoga High School next year as well. We then collect the bin when it’s full, weigh it, and bring it to Wegmans where Trex will collect all plastic film and turn it into environmentally responsible outdoor products. We are trying to get as many schools to participate as possible. More information can be found here:  https://recycle.trex.com/. You may also find bins at local libraries and Township buildings. If you can’t find a bin, Wegmans is a participating NexTrex business. 

Did you learn anything new, or did anything surprise you about this project?

We were mostly surprised by just how much plastic we have collected the last few years, and we know this is just a fraction of what is being thrown away everyday. Many families have shared this same sentiment. Before starting this project, we had no idea that plastic film could even be recycled into decking! 

Why do you think it’s important to use less plastic?

It’s hard to know exactly how long it takes for plastic film to decompose, but we know it’s at least a decade or more. It’s likely it will never fully decompose and will just turn into microplastics, which harm both humans and animals. The consumption of microplastics will only increase if we continue to irresponsibly dispose of single-use plastics. 

What are your collection goals for this year?

Our biggest goal is to educate our communities to use less plastic. We have given our collection numbers to local advocates who are trying to ban the use of plastic bags. Our hope is to continue to raise awareness and use more NexTrex bins in our townships so plastic film can be recycled responsibly and not end up in landfills and waterways. If plastic must be used, we hope that the plastic is then recycled into something environmentally responsible. We have recently had a lot of interest and questions from other schools looking to incorporate NexTrex in their schools so it’s exciting to see young people getting involved in environmental issues. 

How can people help you achieve your goals?

You can start helping by limiting the use of single-use plastic film! If you do have to use it, then properly dispose of it. We would be happy to drop off a NexTrex bin to your establishment! Or sign up for your own bin! You can also follow @Mainlineploggers on Instagram for some local environmental tips and programs that help keep our communities clean and green! 

Visit our Plastic Free July page for more resources.

Meet WCT’s 2022 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 Busby 
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op

Sarah Busby (she/her) is a fourth year Biology undergraduate at Drexel University with a concentration in Ecology/Evolution/Genomics and minors in Bioinformatics and Science, Technology & Society. Previously, she worked in the Macroinvertebrates lab of the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at the Academy of Natural Sciences collecting, identifying, and organizing macroinvertebrate samples from the Delaware River Watershed. She is excited to join the Watershed Protection Program at WCT and build upon her experience through interdisciplinary knowledge of watershed ecosystems. Outside of work and school, Sarah enjoys identifying species on nature walks, playing board games with friends, and exploring different corners of Philadelphia.
Vincent Liu
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op

Vincent Liu (he/him) is a 4th year Environmental Science major from Drexel University. He is minoring in Japanese and enjoys fencing and gaming as his hobbies.
Catherine Quinn
Watershed Protection Program Co-Op

Catherine (she/her) is an undergraduate student who attends Drexel University and studies environmental science. This is not Catherine’s first time working with us at the Trust; she worked between the WCT Watershed Protection Program and the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Environmental Biogeochemistry Section last summer. Catherine is looking forward to working on her independent project on freshwater mussels as well as continuing to gain hands-on experience within our different programs here at the Trust. When Catherine finishes her co-op internship, she plans to complete her B.S. in Environmental Science and hopes to find a career in conservation.

RUSHTON FARM

Noa Djistelbloem
Rushton Farm Intern

Noa (she/her) is a second year student who attends Cornell University. Her major is Agricultural Science with a concentration in global health and sustainability, and she is minoring in nutrition. This is Noa’s second summer working at WCT and she’s happy to be back! In addition to Noa’s previous experience, she is also on the steering committee at her institution for a student-run organic farm. Noa is currently on a project team to work on implementing aquaponic systems in local schools and communities. Noa plans to stay at the trust until the end of summer. She is incredibly excited to learn more about small scale farming and its impact on communities and enjoys working with the Rushton Farm crew. Once her time at the Trust is over, Noa will go back to school to continue working on her degree.
Kat Harrar
Rushton Farm Intern

Kat (she/her) is a rising sophomore at Cornell University. She majors in Agricultural Science with a concentration in policy and business management and a minor in business. Before interning for the trust, Kat worked at the Kimberton Wall garden for two years during her time in high school. She also worked at the Swarthmore farmers market and helped with social media aspects. In addition, Kat worked at the Bryn Mawr farmers market where she was positioned as a vendor, setting up the stand and organizing produce. Kat hopes to gain more experience in the community surrounding food, and looks forward to seeing firsthand how everything starts at the beginning. After her time at the Trust is over, Kat will return to school to complete her degree and concentration.
Barlow Herbst
Rushton Farm Intern

Barlow (he/him) is a rising senior who attends Harriton High School. Prior to his internship at the trust, 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. Barlow will be interning for the trust until the beginning of the new academic year. He is looking forward to learning more about conservation farming and agroecology to discover more about the agricultural field as a potential future pursuit.
Abby Oswald
Rushton Farm Intern

Abby (she/her) is a second year student at UC Davis. She majors in Plant Science with a concentration in crop production. This is Abby’s third summer working at Rushton Farm. Abby also worked on the student farm at her school, both as an intern and as lead student farmer. Abby hopes to gain more experience in farming, and wants to learn more about crop production and agriculture. After her internship is complete, Abby will return to school and continue working towards her degree and working on the farm at UC Davis.

BIRD CONSERVATION & NORTHEAST MOTUS COLLABORATION

Phillys Gichuru
Conservation Associate

Phillys (she/her) has a B.S. in Zoology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture, and an M.S. in Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech. Before attending graduate school, Phillys was an intern for Kenya Wildlife Service and Jomo Kenyatta University. She was also a Product Manager with F&S Scientific Limited in Kenya. Phillys has shown interest about birds and their biology through bird banding. She is eager to learn  more about our Stewardship and Watershed programs. After completion of this internship, Phillys plans to obtain a career in wildlife conservation, and to work at the intersection of conservation, research and policy.
This position is generously funded by the McIsaac Family.
Kaitlin Muccio
Avian Field Technician

Kaitlin (she/her), having achieved her B.A. in Animal Behavior from Franklin and Marshall College, is currently working towards her M.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution at Tufts University. She has volunteered at wildlife rehabilitation centers as well as at the WCT banding station during the spring migration. Kaitlin has also worked for Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank Commission as a Wildlife Biology Research Assistant conducting avain, endangered plant and moth surveys, and assisting with the goat grazing program to manage grassland habitats. She is extremely excited to return to WCT and hopes to continue to build her banding skills and eventually establish a career in bird conservation and ecology.

COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH

Niya Juanita Moss
Communications & Outreach Intern

Niya (she/her) is a senior at Villanova University working towards her B.S. in Chemistry and her minor in Mathematics. She has a particular interest in sustainability and the impact of chemical disasters on the environment and people. This is Niya’s second year interning at the trust. In addition to her coursework, Niya participated in the Villanova Engineering, Science and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED) program which introduces these fields to students in under-resourced communities and schools and inspires those students who have the potential to expand our region’s and nation’s pool of future engineers. As a STEM student, Niya hopes to broaden her experience in the fields of research and conservation during her internship with the Trust. After her internship, Niya plans to go back to school to complete her bachelor’s degree and eventually obtain her MS in Environmental Science.
This position is generously funded by the McIsaac Family.

STEWARDSHIP

Will Steiner
Seasonal Land Steward

Will (he/him) is a junior who attends Ursinus College and studies biology. Prior to joining us at WCT, 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.