Located within the Cooks Creek Watershed, the Metzger farm is over 250 acres of cultivated farmland and pastures, including equestrian facilities. Over the past two years, Heritage Conservancy has helped guide the preservation of the property through Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation Program. The preservation of the Metzger property is an example of the lengths land trusts go through in order to complete worthwhile projects. This property contains the largest farm preserved through the Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation Program to date.   

We began working with Mr. Metzger in 2008. Mr. Metzger's attorney approached us to work out an alternative to a large-lot subdivision that they were attempting to get approved.  We initially devised a conservation-based development project that would allow for the majority of the property to be preserved, with a small portion developed in keeping with a conservation design. We worked with Mr. Metzger and other professionals to come up with a plan that met the needs and wishes of both parties. After many meetings with the community, including Springfield Township's Open Space Committee, planning commission, and board of supervisors, enough common ground was seen to end Mr. Metzger's appeal for subdivision approval.

The project's momentum increased dramatically after application to the county's agricultural preservation program was approved for 250+ acres. With the county and the state providing funds for those tracts, the township preserved an adjoining 35 acres. Using township funds as a match, Heritage Conservancy prepared an application for funding to the Open Space Institute to close the final gap in the funding puzzle.

"The Metzger property was a keystone property for a successful open space program because the property is very large and prominently located," said Jeff Marshall, President. "At the start of this project, the invested parties were far apart and the stakes were high. Thankfully we were able to balance the owner's needs and the township's vision. This was an extremely gratifying project."  

Located adjacent to Historic Bristol Borough's Waterfront Park, the 33-acre Bristol Marsh Preserve contains a freshwater tidal marsh and forest habitat with unique ecological significance. An asset to this area, the marsh helps protect the Delaware Riverfront from some of the impacts of flooding and stormwater pollution. Fresh water tidal marshes contain critical natural features that support a wide variety of plants, birds and animals. It is a unique and important environmental resource.

For the past five years, in many different weather conditions, this cleanup has taken place to raise awareness of the site's unique historic and natural features. Our restoration and educational programs in the marsh are financed, in part, through a Federal Coastal Zone Management Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

"Our community volunteers and borough staff have been doing such a thorough job these past five years that I was concerned there wouldn't be enough trash to cleanup," said Susan Myerov, Senior Planner.  "This beautiful area is unfortunately used as a dumping ground for some. Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and the staff of Bristol Borough public works, we hauled away a significant amount of trash and debris."

"This annual day of service at Bristol Marsh is part of an on-going initiative to partner with community leaders, public officials and the public toward a common goal of good will to each other and the environment," said Linda Cacossa, Chief Operating Officer. "Thank you to the volunteers who participated. Through their effort, we are better able to ensure the preservation of our land and natural resources."

View photos from this event on our Facebook page HERE.