OLC to Apply for Accreditation

The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.

Open Land Conservancy of Chester County (OLC) is pleased to announce it is applying for accreditation in May 2021. A public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. If we are successfully accredited, it will make it easier for us to secure grant funding for land transactions, decrease our cost for insurance, and demonstrate to our members the depth of our commitment to land conservation.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how OLC complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust. For the full list of standards see http://www.landtrustaccreditation.org/help-and-resources/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org.

Comments may also be faxed or mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments: (fax) 518-587-3183; (mail) 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on OLC’s application will be most useful by July 9, 2021.

Member Outreach Results

In late April we asked members to vote on business matters and to provide feedback on what they liked about the Conservancy and on possible directions for the organization to take.  The survey results are available here.  

Here’s a sneak peek at one question:  Q7:  Why do you visit the Preserves?

The format has limitations of a standard download from Survey Monkey (we have not investigated the “weighted average” calculation in some tables, for example!).  We have added a few comments in RED where relevant.  Also, OLC's 2018 and 2019 financial statements have been compiled by an independent accounting firm, and their report is available to any member on request: just complete the Contact Form with the request and your email address, and we’ll send a digital copy.

Readers are free to draw their own conclusions from the survey.  Our own reading shows a diverse membership that finds many ways to enjoy the Conservancy’s precious open space and has many ideas to offer for the future.  One common theme was a regret that the parking for Diamond Rock is not closer to the Preserve, something we’ll keep working on.  One popular improvement was the possibility of adding descriptive vegetation signage; we are pleased with the Eagle Scout project to add signs to the trees in Airdrie and we’ll definitely look for more opportunities for that.  Also, there was common agreement that we should be looking for opportunities to use social media and Preserve events to build better connections with Preserve neighbors.

Many respondents indicated an interest to help with the Conservancy’s operations.  All the offers are greatly appreciated and as society returns to normal, we hope to reach out to everyone to explore how to take you up on that.  The more the Conservancy can reinforce its limited resources, the more of your ideas that can be implemented.

Thanks to all that responded.  We hope that this member baseline can be at least one good outcome from the pandemic, and will give us the opportunity to track progress into the future.

Stinging Nettles

The award for the most creative use of stinging nettles, (please see the first three attached photos), goes to Sarah S. a neighbor of Cedar Hollow Preserve.  Sarah turned her harvest of stinging nettles into “the spring tonic soup”, which is “full of calcium and rich in many minerals our bodies are craving after a long winter”.  Also, Sarah and her family keep honeybees that visit Cedar Hollow Preserve to collect nectar to make honey.

Jewelweed

Photo by and (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man).  Photo taken at the Tyler Arboretum.

The stinging nettle is a fascinating plant that has a long history as a source for folk medicine, food and textiles. It is also an extreme skin irritant. Stinging nettles need damp soil to grow, which makes Cedar Hollow Preserve wetlands a perfect environment for them to thrive.  If you ever had the unpleasant experience of being stung by a stinging nettle you know that the rash is immediate and irritating for hours. Ironically the antidote is often close at hand in the form of jewelweed (photo attached) which also grows in damp soil. Not only is jewelweed a traditional folk medicine to treat rashes but also there is scientific research showing that its high level of saponins helps its effectiveness treating skin problems. 

For more information regarding jewelweed see the following link:

https://www.outdoornews.com/2018/08/23/jewelweed-a-natural-remedy-for-poison-ivy-stinging-nettles/

Check Out This Video of a Recent Beaver Sighting in Valley Creek

Check Out This Video of a Recent Big Beaver Sighting in Valley Creek in Open Land Conservancy’s Valley Creek Preserve, taken by Preserve neighbor Greg Ermentrout.

If you visit the Preserve, you might also notice how the beaver and his/her family members like to sharpen their teeth and chew on the base of trees until they fall.

OLC Member Letter, On-Line Voting and Survey in lieu of Annual Meeting

Head outside and hashtag #MyHappyPlace, #Land4All and #LandTrust to share photos you have taken during your walks in the Nature Preserves.

April 24, 2020

Dear Member:

I want to thank you for your continuing support of Open Land Conservancy and its mission to protect wildlife habitat and provide access to our Nature Preserves for all to enjoy.

Many of you have stood with us year in and year out helping in our commitment to preserve, sustain, and enhance open space in our community. Today our commitment is to continue our conservation efforts to the best of our abilities and keep our members and families safe during this global pandemic. Our Nature Preserves remain open to the public daily for free. It is our hope that the Preserves can offer some tranquility for you along their trails and we ask for all to follow CDC guidelines including social distancing.

All group volunteer activities and Spring events have been cancelled through May. We will continue to follow Government guidelines and reassess future activities as needed, and keep you updated through email and the website.

Consequently, the Annual Membership Meeting traditionally held during Spring has been cancelled. We are substituting an on-line method through SurveyMonkey to record your vote on required business matters: the election of Directors, approval of last year’s Annual Meeting minutes and acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. We are also taking the opportunity to ask for your feedback about the Conservancy’s operations and direction. Click on the links to view the materials (if you would like a hard copy let us know), and you can also go directly to the survey link which will also guide you to the materials for review by clicking here. The Board is excited about this opportunity to connect directly with you, albeit virtually, and we encourage you to respond before May 17th , 2020.

We hope you will continue to support Open Land Conservancy during these stressful times, which reinforces the value of the open space we all love and protect.

Finally, I encourage you to stay in touch through our website and on social media (listed below). We are joining the Land Trust Alliance in posting photos from the Preserves with the tags #MyHappyPlace, #Land4All and #LandTrust. Feel free to use these tags to share photos you have taken during your walks in the Nature Preserves.

With our very best wishes for your health and safety.

Sincerely,

Michael F. Wilson, President

Please see OLC 2020 Annual Treasurer’s Report here.

Please see Annual Meeting minutes from April 23, 2019 here.

Escape From Isolation and Enjoy The Fresh Air at Open Land Conservancy Preserves

You have likely been inundated with emails and news reports about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact throughout the region. Most businesses are closed and you are being encouraged to stay isolated at home.
Open Land Conservancy nature preserves and their miles of beautiful trails are OPEN! More families are taking advantage of being outside, enjoying a walk in nature, some fresh air, and a break from the relentless news. We all know that being outside in nature can reduce your stress and fear, and the exercise can boost your immune system.

We encourage you to come visit our nature preserves. Check out our web site for directions and trail maps. https://www.openlandconservancy.org

Also, please check out the CDC web site for updated guidance about COVID-19 to govern your own decision making. We certainly encourage all to follow best practices to protect yourself and others:

• Practice social distancing in the great outdoors - don't gather in large groups and keep at least six feet from one another

• Keep your dogs on a leash and away from others at all times, and pick up after your dog

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after visiting an OLC nature preserve

• Take hand sanitizer with you and use it if you touch another person or a brochure holder

• Avoid touching your face, eyes and nose

• Please stay home if you are sick or showing symptoms of illness or if you are in a high-risk category with a medical condition

We recognize that this situation is evolving and we will abide by the guidance that we receive from state and local public health officials. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue enjoying nature in this challenging time. Fresh air, sunshine and outdoor activity are as important now as ever.

George Lorimer Preserve - 88 acres of meadows, woods, ponds, stream, and extensive trail system are managed to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife in a beautiful rural setting. Parking lot on North Valley Road

Thank you for your support of Open Land Conservancy in our mission to save open space, care for nature and connect people to the outdoors. We are gratified by the number of local residents who have recently joined OLC as members and made $80 donations in celebration of our 80th birthday. We are an all-volunteer organization and depend on your support to keep our trails open.

Cub Scouts Clean Up Valley Creek Preserve

Through its Preserves and Conservation Easements, OLC protects nearly 2 miles of Valley Creek - a state-designated “Exceptional Value” stream.  The creek is home to beavers, mink and naturally-reproducing brown trout, along with the herons, kingfishers and fishermen and women that enjoy them.  Three quarters of a mile of the stream flows through the aptly named Valley Creek Preserve.

The flood plain in Valley Creek Preserve also serves as a component of Tredyffrin’s stormwater management system.  Stormwater runoff from intense storms overflows from the creek into the floodplain where it can spread out and slow down, limiting erosion and damage downstream.  Unfortunately those floods also pick up and deposit all kinds of trash from upstream – and that’s where Cub Pack 81 came to the rescue!

Cub Pack 81 helps clean up Valley Creek Preserve, March 2020

Conservancy member and Cubmaster Mark Saylor took the initiative to organize a trash clean up day on March 7th.  A dozen cub scouts and their parents came out on a brisk but sunny Saturday morning, and over two hours scoured the Preserve from south to north.  The scouts made a terrific team; they were enthusiastic, energetic and enterprising, reaching into the creek and delving into brush piles.

The photos above show the team with their haul, along with parents and Preserve Manager and OLC VP Ray Clarke.  About eight full trash bags (lots of plastic, especially Styrofoam), two buckets (one collected from the Preserve), two tires (one with wheel included), and favorite finds including a mug, fishing tackle box, and a football!

The Conservancy is grateful to Mark and fellow leaders Dan Greenwood and Brad Osborne for organizing the event and particularly of course to all the cub scouts and their families who came out to keep our precious resource as pristine as possible so that all can enjoy it.

Cub Scout Pack 81 is chartered by St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge in Wayne.  Pack 81 serves boys and girls, kindergarten to fifth grade, primarily drawing membership from Valley Forge and New Eagle elementary schools.  With nearly 90 registered scouts, the Pack is among the largest and most active in the Chester County Council. 

OLC 2020 Birding Blitz Series- May event Cancelled

Please note the May event has been cancelled.

BioBlitz

Citizen Science Guided Walks June 13 2020, 9:00am-12noon

Free Event, Rain or shine!

Come join us for the first BioBlitz at the Lorimer Preserve! Help our experts observe and record flora and fauna species observed during our themed one-hour walks around the Preserve.

A “BioBlitz” is a snap shot survey technique used by scientists in the field to quickly assess an environments health. We will record our findings using the iNaturalist mobile app. There will be environmental experts to guide participants on each themed walk. Our findings will influence how OLC Preserves are managed in the future.

Citizen Science is a great way to Learn About and Give Back to the natural environment. No experience or registration required and all ages welcome.

We recommend you down load the iNaturalist mobile app on your phone before our walks.

Themed walks: 

• Plants 

• Insects 

• Amphibians/ Mammals

Questions please inquire through our website.

Photo credit to Rick Bunting, Photographer & Birder

Time:

All walks 7:30 AM - Noon

Location:

Meet at Lorimer Preserve Parking Lot Parking limited, carpooling encouraged.

Walk Dates: 

1. February 29th  

2. May 10th - CANCELLED

3. June 13, 2020

4. September 12th

Walk Sites in order

1. Lorimer Preserve

2. Valley Creek Preserve

3. Cool Valley Preserve

4. Cedar Hollow Preserve

5. Miller Preserve

An Eagle Scout Project to the Rescue

The OLC headquarters is located at the south-east corner of the Lorimer Preserve in the Gatehouse for Magnet Stone Farm, on LeBoutillier Road.  The farm was an original Benjamin Franklin land grant property – the farmhouse itself was built in 1789. Maintaining our Preserves and the Gatehouse is done by volunteers and Eagle Scout projects have been particularly effective in resolving specific issues.  

Recently Eagle Scout candidate John Riley from troop Paoli 1 made a major contribution to the appearance of the Gatehouse and the Preserve.  John’s project was to restore the badly dilapidated 100-yard fence that borders the driveway leading to the Gatehouse and farm. This was much more than the epic Tom Sawyer approach of convincing your fellow scouts and family of the fun of painting a very long fence.  Before the painting could begin, major repairs were needed, including building from scratch two new gates, replacing several fence posts and boards.

John did an outstanding job managing his team through the design, construction, building and painting process.  The results were excellent. The fence greatly enhances the view of the Gatehouse. Thank you, John, for your help.

Consider an annual membership to olc or make a donation in honor of a loved one

The Conservancy would like to thank everyone who helped in 2019 to sustain the open space under our stewardship, whether with your time and expertise or with your membership dues and donations. Not only do those contributions help to maintain the trails and meadows in the Preserves for public access, they also allow us to undertake projects such as tree planting that will help the Preserves to thrive for centuries to come.

If you enjoy OLC Nature Preserves and wish it continuing success in preserving our natural environment for future generations, please make a donation to allow us to fulfill our mission. Your membership and contributions directly support the maintenance of 360 acres owned by OLC, the oversight of 100 acres of conservation easements, the planting of new trees, and further acquiring additional land for passive recreation and promoting watershed protection.

We appreciate your support.

Mac Wilson
President

Eagle Scout Relocates Lorimer Preserve Trail

OLC’s George Lorimer Preserve has about three miles of walking trails, and one of the most popular sections is the steep section down to the small pond. Unfortunately the combination of heavy traffic and the straight downhill route for erosive run-off rendered the trail not only steep but also rocky and uneven.

To the rescue: Eagle Scout candidate Zach Munch and his team from the Devon 50 troop. Zach worked with Preserve Manager Art Blumenthal and OLC VP Ray Clarke to identify a switchback by-pass route through the adjacent woods. Not only did the projected route reduce the steep slopes, it also allowed the removal of many of the non-native honeysuckle shrubs that have invaded that section of the hillside.

With the route marked out and the largest shrubs cut at the base with OLC chainsaws, the boy scouts could get to work. The stumps were pulled, large numbers of multi-flora bushes and other weeds were removed, and the ground was raked to clear a minimum six foot wide trail through the woods. The team refined the route as the work progressed. The last step of the trail work was to spread and rake grass seed and cover with straw. The new section is currently cordoned off to allow the new grass the best chance to become established over the winter.

As the grass began to sprout, Zach worked to build a signature aspect of the project – a natural log bench. This was installed next to the “Lorimer Stone” memorial to George Lorimer II, which now marks the upper entrance to the re-routed trail. Resting on Zach’s bench gives visitors a moment to reflect on the Lorimer family, without whose generosity the Preserve would likely be yet another housing development. The words engraved on the stone:

FOR GEORGE LORIMER

WHO LOVED THIS LAND

FROM THOSE THAT LOVED HIM

The Conservancy is grateful to Zach and his team of scouts and parents, and all the Eagle Scouts who have done so much to sustain our precious open space and make it accessible for visitors to enjoy.

The photos above show Zach astride the freshly cleared new section (with the current trail to the right) and views of the same section looking down from above the memorial stone and looking back to the rock and to the lovely Shagbark hickory tree at the top of the hill. Finally, Zach relaxing after all the work (while mom appears to be cleaning up in the background!).

A small aside: We have completed a minor improvement at the bottom of the hill, where last year’s storms had torn up the channel that takes overflow when the inlet pipe to the small pond reaches capacity. The recent respite from rainfall has given the replacement seed and sod installed by OLC Board members to become established, as shown in the last photo above.

Downstream erosion remains to be addressed.

The Bad and the Good in Valley Creek

This post was started in the first days of July after the June floods had subsided, in the hope that there would be respite from the storms. No such luck, as a couple of inches of rain on July 11 th brought Valley Creek nearly three feet over flood stage. Not as severe an impact as last month’s seven feet, fortunately, so we are going to continue the originally planned optimistic outlook of this post!

The Conservancy creek-side Preserves were beginning to recover. Volunteers have been checking the flood plain and clearing the trails, and the other day we came across a couple of notable features in Valley Creek Preserve.

Our recent blog post covered the effect of the flood on our recently planted trees; the photo above shows why those new trees are so important. The floods brought down a large box elder that had been guarding the left bank of Valley Creek where it enters the north of the Preserve.

The tree fell completely across the creek and took out a large chunk of the bank with its root ball. Over the years, we expect that our new and diverse native trees will replace (and multiply!) the reinforcing, shading, food and habitat functions of that tree.

In the short term, the tree fall did of course send a lot of sediment downstream and will lead to more erosion as the creek finds its way around the blockage, but the news is not all bad. The flood plain is a dynamic place, and changes bring opportunity. For example, the creek’s naturally-reproducing brown trout now have a new set of eddies and backwaters where they can hold comfortably and pick over the food carried in the faster currents. If trouble comes (eg a visit from one of our majestic great blue herons or energetic belted kingfishers), the trout can instantly dart under cover.

But there are other forces that may tempt the trout into the open. A little downstream of the tree fall we photographed Preserve neighbor and long time stalwart Conservancy volunteer, Dennis Nackord, casting his fly. “The creek has changed a lot over the decades, said Dennis.

“Conditions are perfect right now”. He is one of many avid fishermen/women who treasure the state-designated (and Conservancy-protected!) Exceptional Value creek so close to dense development.

Dennis not only enjoys the rich habitat and beauty of the Preserve, he also maintains the trail leading to and around the warm-season grass meadow in the center of the Preserve. The wide mowed trail allows visitors of all interests and abilities the opportunity for a country walk to enjoy the Preserve, its flora and fauna, and its vistas up to Diamond Rock hill.

So, if you are an early riser in Valley Creek Preserve and come across Dennis mowing the trails or casting for trout, please say “Hi!” and pass on your appreciation for his years of care for the Preserve.

Spring and Summer Sightings in the Preserves

The Conservancy wildlife camera and Preserve visitors have captured a number of spring and summer denizens of the Preserves, shown in the attached photographs.

The camera was set up during the winter by a creekside trail in Valley Creek Preserve to capture the comings and goings of the pair of beavers that built a lodge on the bank of the creek further downstream. The beavers seemed to have moved on now, but were very busy during springtime nights cutting down and moving some large trees.

In recent days the camera has caught some daytime activity. Shown here are a pair of whitetail deer fawns and their mother, a good-looking great blue heron and a pair of foxes. The younger fawn nestled in the woods in the other photo was found by OLC Director and Valley Creek Preserve neighbor Art Blumenthal. Mom was probably off feeding and hoping that if anyone found the fawn it was not the coyote that was seen this spring making off with a groundhog!

Finally, Mac Wilson and Ray Clarke were inspecting a section of Diamond Rock Preserve and found what looked like fresh blood on some fallen logs. Closer inspection suggested that the bright red growth is a fungus, although a cursory internet search has not revealed its identity.

Can any readers help us out? Fill out a comment if you can!

Volunteers Fix Flood Damaged Tree Plantings

2019 rainfall has continued last year’s torrid pace, culminating in a three and a half inch downpour in a few hours on June 20 th . On top of saturated ground, the perfect conditions for a flash flood. Valley Creek at the USGS gauge in Valley Forge Park rose from less than 4 feet to nearly 13 feet, 7 feet above flood stage. That flood water tore through our riparian tree plantings in Valley Creek and Cedar Hollow Preserves and we feared the worst.

It turned out that the trees held up pretty well – testament to the excellent planting and ongoing routine maintenance by Conservancy volunteers. Many trees were leaning or flat – see the photo of Valley Creek after the flood - but roots were mostly intact. However, it was definitely time for emergency response teams to resurrect the fallen and ensure their survival.

The smaller planting in Valley Creek Preserve was an easier task. Preserve Manager Ray Clarke checked just about all the trees; most are well out of their protective tubes and could be made vertical again with work on stakes and tubes.

The 750 trees planted in Cedar Hollow just two years ago were a larger challenge. Preserve Manager Tim Magee assembled a team with stalwart volunteers Bruce and Steve Shock, along with Ray Clarke (showing off their work in the photo taken by Preserve enthusiast Elizabeth Potter). They started at 7am and worked non- stop for five hours to beat the heat. A higher percentage of those trees were vertical, but about one in seven had not become established. About 100 tubes and stakes were removed (and taken to the OLC office for storage) and all surviving trees were returned to vertical – with a small number retrieved and replanted. Both areas are now in excellent shape, as shown in the photos. One remarkable observation is the proliferation of vegetation. Both these areas were previously a monoculture of the invasive Phragmites grass; now it seems there are enough wetland herbaceous species to warrant a new vegetation survey!

The Conservancy is grateful for all its volunteers, who do so much to sustain our precious open space and make it accessible for visitors to enjoy.

Volunteers Renovate Cedar Hollow Run Bridge

Visitors to Cedar Hollow Preserve will now can now complete the loop along Valley Creek and Cedar Hollow Run with greater security thanks to the hard work and skill of champion OLC volunteers Greg Sprissler, Bruce Shock and Steve Shock.  They teamed up with Preserve Manager Tim Magee and OLC VP Ray Clarke to replace one of the joists supporting the bridge over Cedar Hollow Run at its confluence with Valley Creek.

The bridge was built by Eagle Scout Jack Fields in 2010.  It consists of three 24 foot beams braced underneath and held together by the planks that form the top walking surface.  The bridge is shaded and subject to periodic flooding, so the beams and planks, even though pressure treated, are subject to rot.  The upstream joist was replaced a few years ago, and this year it was the turn of the center joist and a number of the top planks.

The team built the joists on site from 16 foot and 8 foot lengths of 2x10 beams they hauled down to the site.  The photographs show the team with the assembled joist on top of the bridge, and then, after the planks were removed, resting on its side on the right outer joist ready to be installed in place of the deteriorated joist on the left.  Tim and his hatchet were called into service to ensure a level surface for the back and knee-breaking work of installing the top boards.

The final photos show Greg, Tim and Ray with the finished bridge, looking as though they did all the work themselves, although it literally could not have been completed without the full team!

The Conservancy is grateful for all its volunteers, who do so much to sustain our precious open space and make it accessible for visitors to enjoy.

Americorps Team Restores Cedar Hollow Trail

Visitors to Cedar Hollow Preserve will have a much easier time hiking the loop trail along Valley Creek and Cedar Hollow Run thanks to the efforts of a hardworking team of Americorps volunteers on April 20th.

Last year's rains had soaked the ground where the trail runs through the woods from the iconic sycamore tree to Valley Creek, leaving a slippery and unpleasant stretch of mud and muck.  Preserve Manager Tim Magee envisioned and tested a solution: raise and restore the trail by relocating gravel from stormwater sediment in the Preserve upstream of the trail.  His pilot showed promise, but left us with the problem: how to move all that gravel and dirt?

To the rescue: Conservancy friend Kate Jensen who is managing a team of Americorps members at Valley Forge Park.  The team looks for opportunities outside their regular work to volunteer their free time for community organizations and Kate made the connection for us.  It turned out to be a perfect project: a combination of the young backs and energy from Americorps and great planning by Tim, so that everyone was focused and effective. Tim estimates that the team shoveled and moved by wheelbarrow at least three cubic yards of material.

The two wettest sections of that part of the trail should now drain more effectively and allow for easier, less sloppy travel.  And it was really gratifying that one of the Preserve's most frequent visitors happened to walk by during the work-in-progress and relayed her appreciation to the team.  Thanks to all for this great collaboration!

Conservancy Meadows receive their "Spring Cleaning"

Recent visitors to three of OLC's Preserves will notice a dramatic change as the meadows in Lorimer, Cool Valley and Cedar Hollow received their annual mowing on April 18th and 19th.  Mowing is an important component of our Preserve management plans.  It controls woody invasive vegetation such as multi-flora rose, olive and honeysuckle and makes space for herbaceous perennials such as goldenrod, milkweed and the occasional joe pye weed that grace the meadows in the summer.

Our neighbors in Valley Forge Park have been using prescribed fire in their meadows.  While that is an appealing natural process, it requires expensive professional expertise and is not a solution for the small Conservancy meadows, hemmed in by residences and woodlands.

So we rely on neighbors and professionals to mow the meadows in early Spring.  Although we have received excellent service from our contractor Lentzcaping in recent years, this year we found a supplier, All Seasons Landscaping of Acton, with equipment that is both voracious and speedy.  All Seasons clears roadside vegetation for PennDoT during the summer, and the side and rear flail mowers attached to a tractor make quick work of our meadows, too.

The only challenge came in the unusually wet south meadow in the Cedar Hollow Preserve.  The tractor proved too heavy for the saturated ground at the lowest point and had to be pulled from the mud by a tracked skid steer.  This was clearly not this first hiccup for long time All Seasons employee Bill Ruh, though. He was unfazed and finished both Cedar Hollow meadows as thoroughly and carefully as the others.

While All Seasons does the bulk of the Conservancy meadow mowing, we also recognize the service provided by long time neighbor Bud Coleman to mow the east Lorimer meadows and the contribution of neighbor and board member Art Blumenthal to the south meadow in Valley Creek Preserve.  Many thanks to all involved and to the members that make this possible!