Heritage Conservancy and The Conservancy of
Montgomery County Unite! 

 

On December 10th, we announced that The Conservancy of Montgomery County will merge all of its programs and conservation easements with Heritage Conservancy, becoming an important strategic element in a larger, stronger organization.

The merger results in Heritage Conservancy acquiring eleven conservation easements, totaling 126-acres in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and several historic building facade easements. We assume responsibility for monitoring and upholding these conservation and facade easements in Montgomery County.

As part of the merger, Mary Lou McFarland, President of the Conservancy of Montgomery County, will join us in an important leadership role. As Senior Conservation Specialist, Ms. McFarland will oversee the continual monitoring of the eleven acquired conservation easements, in addition to the conservation easements in Montgomery County already preserved by Heritage Conservancy. With an extensive background in historical research, she will head historic preservation projects in Montgomery County and surrounding areas as well.

"Heritage Conservancy and The Conservancy of Montgomery County share a common preservation mission. Working together, we will be stronger and more capable of fulfilling that mission," said Jeffrey Marshall, President. "We welcome Ms. McFarland, as she brings local knowledge, experience and expertise to our professional staff. This union ensures the perpetual preservation of Montgomery County's beautiful natural landscapes and historic resources well into the future."

Heritage Conservancy Welcomes Mary Lou McFarland as  

Senior Conservation Specialist  

Mary Lou McFarland began her career in preservation in 1984 as the first Executive Director of the Preservation Coalition for Greater Philadelphia, now known as the Preservation Alliance. In 1989, she helped form the Conservancy of Montgomery County (CMC). In 1990, the organization was incorporated as the first and only countywide organization to promote land and historic preservation in Montgomery County. Ms. McFarland served as President and accomplished many great successes over the years. CMC's conservation easements have protected a number of important natural and historic resources throughout Montgomery County. As part of Heritage Conservancy's union with CMC, she joins our team as Senior Conservation Specialist.  

(Left to right) Marv Woodall, Chairman, Mary Lou McFarland, former President of the Conservancy of Montgomery County, and Jeffrey Marshall, President, photographed at our annual Christmas for Aldie gala.

"I feel very strongly about preservation. It is important to preserve history and open spaces for the future sustainability and economic health of our communities," said McFarland. "Preservation helps communities highlight their own unique stories with tangible resources that can increase community pride. I look forward to continuing to work to promote preservation with Heritage Conservancy."

Ms. McFarland's interests include gardening, exercise, sports, travel and needlework.  She especially enjoys following the activities of her three children, all in their 20s. She hold a B.S. degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. degree from Ohio State University.  

Event Celebrates the 25th Anniversary   

of Restoration and Occupation of Historic Aldie Mansion

Decorated entrance of Aldie Mansion. Credit: Mike Landis

Our annual black tie gala, Christmas for Aldie, was held on Sunday, December 2nd, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Aldie Mansion, our headquarters in Doylestown, PA for the last 25 years. The annual fundraiser also celebrated this silver anniversary. The Mansion was adorned in red and gold seasonal decor as over 200 supporters came together in celebration of the 25th anniversary landmark for cocktails, dinner catered by Max Hansen, a live auction, and festive holiday entertainment provided by Central Bucks South's choir. 

The stately 1927 Aldie Mansion began its history as the private residence of William and Martha Mercer and evokes a time in America when craftsmanship reached an art form. The mansion changed hands several times over the years, and by the mid 1970s it was undergoing rapid deterioration. In 1987, we were given the opportunity to purchase the building for only $1, provided we could raise the funds necessary to restore it to its original splendor. 25 years later, the mansion is a beautiful and historic Bucks County landmark, community gathering space, and our home. Click HERE to learn more about our limited edition book, The Story of Aldie. 

Central Bucks South's choir singing carols during dessert. Credit: Mike Landis

"Thanks to a generation of Heritage Conservancy board members, volunteers, and staff, Aldie Mansion was essentially saved from ruin and has since become an important part of this community," said Linda Cacossa, Chief Operating Officer. "We are thrilled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our occupation and restoration of this beautiful and historic building."    

Click HERE to view photos from this event on our website.