HC Header

   September 2010 ...  Preserving Our Natural and Historic Heritage
 

Stay informed!  Visit our website to learn more about our conservation efforts
and how your support can make a real difference in our region's quality of life!
 
Quick Links:   
Vote for Our
Peddler's Festival
Scarecrow!
 
Thanks to the efforts of
our Sandy Yerger and
Girl Scout troop 21811, the Conservancy has
entered a scarecrow
named Junior in the
Peddlers Village Annual Scarecrow Competition.

We are also one of three applicants which
Peddlers has selected
to have the making of
their scarecrow filmed
and placed on the web!

View HERE

There are two contests
for cash & prizes in
various categories
through Sept. 30th:an
online contest and an 
in-person one at
Peddlers Village.

If you can't make it to
Peddlers Village by the
end of the voting period,
the scarecrows will be
on display through
October 24th.

Please vote for our
scarecrow and help us
pocket some extra cash!

Thanks again to Girl Scout Troop 21811 for their efforts and creative talents!

Vote for Junior!
LTAC accreditation seal
 
Our accredited status demonstrates our commitment to excellence, trust and permanence.  
 
Out of about 1700 lands trusts nationwide, we're one of only 82 to receive this recognition. 
 
Who We Are ...
 
Simply put, we are a 52-year "young," not-for-profit conservation
organization that has been a loyal caretaker 
to the places you call home. 
 
Your continued support allows us to serve our community and its environs with a complete range of proven services that encompass open space and historic preservation as well as natural resource protection.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our success -- and for your generous giving.  
Did You Know? 
 
Aldie Mansion, our preserved headquarters, is an excellent example of adaptive re-use of an historic property.
 
Genuardi's eScrip Program

Sign up for Genuardi's eScrip program and Heritage Conservancy will automatically receive between 2-3% of your grocery bill!   It's easy ... and there's no cost to you!

Visit Genuardi's and register TODAY!

Note: Genuardi's records have indicated that the Conservancy has 20 supporters who need to re-new their loyalty by November 1.

If you have received email messages from eScrip about your free renewal, please take action as soon as possible.  Thank you!
 
Heritage Conservancy Receives $1 Million Gift from the Warwick Foundation

Heritage Conservancy, a not-for-profit leader in land conservation and natural resource protection, is pleased to announce that it received a generous gift of $1 million from the Warwick Foundation of Bucks County.

Founded in 1961 by Kenneth and Helen H. Gemmill, The Warwick Foundation of Bucks County is a private charitable foundation of the Gemmill family.

When you visit Heritage Conservancy's headquarters, Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, PA, you'll notice Kenneth and Helen Gemmill's names written on the loggia wall which is close to the entrance of the building.  The Gemmills were pivotal in the development of Heritage Conservancy. Their involvement was exemplary. 

Mr. Kenneth Gemmill was one of the founding members of Heritage Conservancy.  In addition to her husband's visionary gifts, Mrs. Helen Gemmill devoted much of her time and energy to the gardens at the historic mansion which was once owned by William Mercer.  She was the head of a small volunteer group called "The Weeders" who helped lay out the gardens at the conservancy.  In addition to the couples' vision and energy, they were also generous philanthropists to the organization.

Heritage Conservancy is fortunate to have the Gemmills' passion for conservation continue to live through their daughter Elizabeth "Betsy" Gemmill, who currently serves as a Board Member of the organization.

Learn more!
Board Chairman Hart Rufe, Betsy Gemmill and
Conservancy President Cliff David

Hart, Betsy, Cliff
Eighty-Four Acre Property Preserved in Durham Township

Two years ago, Durham Township contacted Heritage Conservancy seeking assistance in the preservation of the 84-acre Wallace Frank property.  The property contains several valuable water resources, including two headwater tributaries of Gallows Run, a high quality cold water fishery with numerous seeps and springs. 

This ecologically important tract also has a wonderfully varied habitat with upland woodlands and rolling agricultural fields. The natural resources serve as home to 63 bird species, including 10 rare breeders as surveyed by the Bucks County Audubon Society.

The preservation of this property assisted in the completion of over 700 acres preserved in the vital Gallows Run Watershed.

Through a joint effort with Durham Township, Heritage Conservancy was able to acquire grant funding from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Bucks County Natural Areas Program.

Unfortunately, Mr. Frank passed away before the preservation process was complete. Through the generous efforts of Wallace Frank's Estate, settlement on the conservation easement finally took place in late July.

Wallace certainly appreciated his property and the joy it provided his family for the past two generations and has left a wonderful legacy for all of the region's residents to enjoy.
Wallace Frank property
You're Invited to Our Informative and Fun-Filled Bat Program!
 
Bats-Flight and Fantasy in the Night
 
Learn about the beauty and benefits of bats!  Heritage Conservancy's Sandra Yerger will teach you all about the strange and wonderful habits of these "masters of the night."  And you'll also find out what the Conservancy is doing to protect and preserve key bat habitats in Bucks County.
 
 
This amazing program will describe different kinds of bats, their habits and habitats -- as well as offering ways to "bat-proof" your home so you can live in harmony with these magnificent creatures. 
 
Learn how to construct a bat box and how to attract bats to these safe artificial structures!
 
Saturday, October 9th at 9:30 AM
Wild Birds Unlimited
Rt 202, Buckingham Green
4920 York Road, Buckingham, PA 18912

Call (215) 794-3888 for information (no registration or fee required!)
.
First Savings Opens New Office At Poole's Corner

"First Savings is very excited to announce that our tenth branch office is now open at the corner of Route 202 and Route 313 in Buckingham Township," said Fred Schea, First Savings President and Chief Executive Officer.  Located just outside of Doylestown, the new office is situated on a parcel of property that has been known as Pool's Corner since the mid 1800s.  "After a successful reclamation of the property, the longtime eyesore has been converted into a longtime community partner."  

To celebrate the new office, a "Very Green Grand Opening" is being held through October 9.  As part of the celebration, the first 200 people to stop by will receive a tree sapling in conjunction with Heritage Conservancy, plus a tote bag made from recycled material.  There will also be a drawing for a Cannondale Hybrid Bike, a digital book reader, an iPad and an iPod Touch. Of course, no purchase or transaction is necessary!  Hot dogs and beverages will also be served during business hours on October 1, 2, 8 and 9. First Savings Poole's Corner

Grand Opening offers include up to $150 Cash Back and a Special CD Rate with the opening of a new personal checking account.  

For more information about First Savings' new Pool's Corner branch, call 215-257-5035 or visit online.


 New Member Special!

Membership has its rewards ...
 
Become a new member of Heritage Conservancy and you'll receive a handy Heritage Conservancy tote bag!  
 
Strong enough to haul groceries and other essentials, this great bag is made of 100% recycled material (of course!).
 
Click HERE to become a member today!  Or contact Sandy at 215.345.7020 x103 to learn more. 
 
Thank you for helping preserve our natural and historic resources!