WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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You are here: Home / Conservation / Troubled Times – Striving for a Better Future

Troubled Times – Striving for a Better Future

June 10, 2020 By Communications Team

Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of the horrific murder of George Floyd, my heart aches for his family, for the Black community that he represents, and for the systemic racism that persists in America that enable such tragedies to continue to happen – to include the senseless murders of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

As individuals we can strive to make a difference by using our voices, our solidarity with peaceful protesters against police brutality, and our votes.

As an organization, we ask ourselves what the Willistown Conservation Trust can do to help heal the wounds of years of injustices and inequality that pervade our society. We recognize that we and the land trust community need to do better in taking up this challenge.

I believe that there is a lot more we can do to make a difference, and that with meaningful actions we will be not only helping the healing process but will be making our organization and the land trust movement stronger. Historically, the conservation of land and nature has been enjoyed primarily by the white segment of our society. We have had the privilege of feeling safe and free in nature while others feel threatened – as was evidenced by the experience of Christian Cooper, a Black birder who, on the same day as George Floyd’s murder, was falsely accused of violence while birding in Central Park.

We must strive to make our land, our natural resources and all of our programs, from Community Farm to Bird Conservation to Habitat and Watershed Protection, more widely accessible and welcoming to all. The opportunities for sharing and inclusion are many, and we pledge to renew our commitment to this goal, starting now.

As a first step toward developing a positive and intentional path forward we have begun to form a volunteer working group to address this complicated issue – starting with an introspective look at our own practices. The group will consist of staff, Trustees, and volunteers to include those who are passionate about the issues of Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Diversity in the conservation movement. We will share our progress with you in the next six months.

If you are interested in joining the conversation, please send me an email with your thoughts. All voices are welcome as we work together on this important topic.

With hope for a better future in these troubled times, I look forward to hearing from you.

Gratefully,

Bonnie Van Alen
President and Executive Director

Filed Under: Conservation, General

OUR NATURE PRESERVES

Our nature preserves are open to the public 365 days per year, providing natural places that offer peace and respite for all. We will keep them open as long as it is safe to do so. While visiting our preserves, please practice social distancing and wear a mask if you encounter another person who will be closer than six feet … Learn more about our nature preserves.

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22 April

Spring Migration Bird Banding

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22 April

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“Kiss the Ground” Film Discussion: Why Soil Health Matters

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The Trust's holistic approach to land conservation, with a focus on the connections among land, farm, birds, and water, protects native habitat and provides open space for our earth to heal. Please help the Trust continue to preserve our natural world for all  generations and consider making an impactful donation … Donate Today

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925 Providence Road
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 353-2562
land@wctrust.org

OUR STORY

Willistown Conservation Trust's mission is to: "preserve and manage the open land, rural character, … read more

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The work of the Willistown Conservation Trust is concentrated on 28,000 acres of Willistown Township … read more

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