(March 2007, #002)

For Immediate Release

Adding to an impressive record of conservation over 35 years, the Brandywine Conservancy's Environmental Management Center permanently protected 1,643 acres with land acquisition and conservation easements in 2002. Projects completed during the year raise the total number of acres protected by the Conservancy since it was formed in 1967 to 38,275.

Conservation easements acquired in 2002 were diverse in scope and focused on sensitive natural and agricultural resources in Chester, Delaware, Lancaster and Bucks County, Pennsylvania and New Castle County, Delaware. Highlights from the year include the following projects.

On July 24, Winterthur Museum's board of trustees donated a conservation easement to the Conservancy, permanently protecting 908 acres of the Winterthur property in northern New Castle County, Delaware from residential, commercial and industrial development. Winterthur's founder, Henry Francis du Pont, was one of the early trustees of the Conservancy, and this conservation easement secures his vision for Winterthur by guaranteeing its protection for future generations.

Also in New Castle County, Albert and Elsie Matlack donated a conservation easement on their 22.5-acre property in Mill Creek Valley. The Matlacks are devoted to their land and have an impressive knowledge of the many native plants that flourish on the forested property. Their easement prohibits any future development on the property thereby ensuring that the forest will remain forever in its natural state.

Further north in Delaware, the Conservancy concluded two conservation projects with the May family. The projects, which protect 91 acres along Smith Bridge Road in the lower Brandywine Valley, are the culmination of a 20-year relationship between the May family and the Conservancy to conserve a remarkable landscape. Mrs. I. Sophie du Pont May began the relationship in 1980 when she granted an easement on 76 acres on the east side of the Brandywine River. Seventeen years later, her sons, led by Irenee May, Sr., worked with the Conservancy to protect the family's remaining land. With the conclusion of last year's projects, the May family has permanently protected 270 acres.

In a project initiated by the Conservancy's Conservation Design Program, an easement was placed on 47 acres of the Cherry Farm, a 200-acre property slated for development less than three miles northeast of Chadds Ford. The easement protects a scenic meadow along Dilworthtown Road and a highly sensitive forested wetland which is a source for Chester Creek. The project was a cooperative effort between Thornbury Township, the developer, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Brandywine Conservancy. This residential development will include a trail system to provide residents with access to open space tracts throughout the property and to connect neighborhoods.

In Kennett Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Margaretta and Tom Brokaw donated a conservation easement on 29 acres along the Red Clay Creek. Dedicated to conservation, the Brokaws have carefully documented, managed and restored the natural resources on their farm. The eased portion of the property is mostly wooded floodplain supporting increasingly-rare vernal ponds, a critical breeding habitat for many amphibian species.

In Colerain Township, Lancaster County, Carol Ware Gates donated an easement on 141 acres of farmland near the Octoraro Creek. The easement preserves the farm's prime agricultural soils, maturing woodlands and high-quality waters of Bells Run.

Conservancy efforts to preserve farmland were concentrated mainly in western Chester County. Staff members contacted hundreds of farmers, 26 of whom sought our direct assistance in planning and submitting applications to the Chester and Lancaster County Agricultural Land Preservation Boards to permanently conserve their farms. These applications encompass 2,842 acres. Although only some of these farms will rank high enough for a county agricultural easement, the rest will be well positioned to reapply in future years.
While suburban sprawl threatens to destroy remaining open space in our area, landowners continue to show tremendous passion for saving their properties. Their conservation ethic and generosity will leave a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy. The Conservancy extends its appreciation to each of these donors.

Founded in1967, the Brandywine Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that preserves the art and the environment of the Brandywine Valley. The Conservancy's Brandywine River Museum has introduced millions of visitors to the area's rich artistic heritage and the Conservancy's Environmental Management Center is a leading local and national advocate for responsible land use. For more information about the Brandywine Conservancy, call 610-388-2700

Photography available upon request.