Open Space Hero -- Lisa Sullivan

Lisa Sullivan, President of the Valley Forge Audubon Society, claims she is not “a heavy-duty birder.” She doesn’t share all the knowledge held by some of her fellow Valley Forge Audubon board members. What she does contribute are her skills as an administrator. Indeed, Lisa might be known for digging in and getting things done. Lisa has served for seventeen years on the board and for two terms as president of the all-volunteer Audubon chapter that includes Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties.

In 1986, she and her soon-to-be husband Dan bought a house Lisa had been renting. It was really an old fishing cabin that had been abandoned along the Schuylkill River in Lower Providence Township. Before Lisa moved in, the cabin had gaping holes in the roof and floor. Luckily Dan shared her love of old buildings and had the skills to embark with her on a 25-year project to patiently restore and add-on to the home where they would raise their two children Emma, now 17, and Owen, 15. Although neither Dan nor Lisa were birders when they met, the abundant bird life they observed along the river piqued their interest. As they courted, they went on birding adventures. Now Dan is an experienced birder who leads walks for Valley Forge Audubon and assists with the bird census for the designated local areas in National Audubon’s Important Bird Areas program (IBA).

One of Lisa’s first challenges as a board member came in 1994 when Valley Forge Audubon was contacted by the Eva Meng estate to accept the gift and responsibility of 76 acres. The idea was to create a wildlife sanctuary on the land once used by Girl Scout Troup #3. Other all-volunteer groups might have turned the offer down, but Lisa, with then president Lynn McCall and the rest of the board, voted to accept the gift and fulfill the wishes of Eva Meng and sister Edna who were nature lovers. Thus began the work of creating the Eva R. Meng Wildlife Preserve and Bird Sanctuary. In collaboration with Natural Lands Trust, Lower Frederick Township, Limerick Township and nearby land owners, the group went on to expand the original preserve to over 100 acres by adding new parcels. Then in 2004 they took the important step of working with Montgomery County Lands Trust to place a conservation easement on 76 acres of the land – ensuring it could never be used for development by a future board or owner. The preserve now connects to Pennsylvania state gamelands, forming the 625-acre Stone Hill Greenway, a landscape in which over 95 bird species, 229 plant species, 52 types of fungus, and 20 species of mammals have been identified.

During the preserve’s early years, Lisa served as head of the ‘Meng’ committee leading the way with the Audubon board, husband Dan, and neighbors such as Phil Smith installing trails, adding signs, organizing work parties, and sponsoring nature walks. Now she is thrilled to have the expertise of board member Drew Gilchrist who works for Natural Lands Trust and serves as head of the committee. “He and Phil Smith have done a tremendous amount of volunteer work over the years to expand the sanctuary and maintain it,” says Lisa. Currently, she participates on the John James Audubon Stewardship Committee and is on the art task force committee. 

Lisa keeps a close eye on her community and has a tough time saying “no” when asked to jump in and help. In 2004 she assisted with the update of the Lower Providence open space plan. It isn’t as if she has extra time on her hands. Lisa has always balanced time devoted to her family with full-time work. She is currently employed at Vanguard.

“My passion still is open space,” says Lisa. She places a strong value on protected land, “especially the forested land that absorbs heavy rains, prevents flash floods, and recharges our groundwater.” Having endured flooding twice at their Schuylkill River home including the water brought by Hurricane Floyd in 1999, she is concerned about the impact of intensive upstream development on those living downstream. She loves looking out at the river. Reflecting on its beauty, she says “once you’ve lived on the water, it would be hard to live somewhere else.”

Because of her generous spirit and because of the substantial amount of time Lisa has given to community and worked to ensure the creation and safekeeping of a Montgomery County treasure, we proudly name Lisa Sullivan our Winter 2011 Open Space Hero.

To learn more about the Valley Forge Audubon Society and the Eva R. Meng Wildlife Preserve and Bird Sanctuary -- including its public walking trails, visit www.valleyforgeaudubon.org

Open Space Heroes -- Edward and Cameron Klavon

What draws us to nature? Why do we care for it to such an extent that we are willing to spend countless hours of our time and even our hard-earned dollars to protect it? What started this loyalty? Many of us spent time in our childhood playing by a creek, in the woods, or in a field. Perhaps a parent, friend, or grandparent introduced us to nature’s lore and treasures.

An interesting family with just such a connection is the Klavon family -- particularly Edward Klavon and his grandson Cameron Klavon. Ed, as he is known by most, is a former biology teacher and winning wrestling coach at North Penn High School. He is highly active with local conservation efforts and serves as board vice president for the Upper Perkiomen Watershed Coalition and as a creek warden for Marlborough Township. He and his wife Barbara have lived in the Unami Forest for 40 years on a property near the preserved Musser Scout Reservation. They would like to see their own land preserved some day and have begun a conversation with Montgomery County Lands Trust.

During Ed’s 38 years of teaching biology, he emphasized ecology. His early concern for the environment led to the founding of Enact, North Penn’s environmental club 30 years ago. The principal at the time, Walton Landis, permitted the staff to organize a school-wide event on the first national Earth Day in 1970. The newly formed club invited speakers and held teach-ins. Early projects focused on recycling and fundraising for the environment by selling seedlings supplied by the Montgomery County Conservation District. These days one of the things Ed enjoys is spending time with grandson Cameron.

Cameron, age 10, likes to peer under rocks to see what lives in the dark, moist environment underneath. He learned this trick while hiking with his father, Tim, a middle school science teacher who says he learned this habit from Ed (his father). Cameron published a poem about protecting the environment in the school journal because he believes it is important to learn about and help nature “because we have only one world to take care of.”

Cameron says he learned many things from his grandfather such as how invasive species ‘suffocate’ the plants that support native wildlife. He followed the ongoing fight that his grandfather participated in to remove the invasive European water chestnut in the Unami Creek. In June Cameron participated in the Perkiomen school trout release program organized by his father Tim at which Ed and two other experts gave presentations. Cameron is keenly attracted to mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles. Following in the footsteps of Grandmother Barbara, who Ed credits with having ‘a terrific ear for recognizing bird songs,’ Cameron is now taking an interest in birds.

For their passion for nature and desire to protect the local environment, we proudly name Cameron, Ed, and the entire Klavon family our Summer 2010 Open Space Heroes. Their example inspires us to not only save our most important landscapes and habitats, but to teach others and pass on the good ideas that help us all act as better stewards.

Open Space Heroes -- Sandy and Charles Koenig

While Charlie and Sandy Koenig raised their family in a traditional Pennsylvania farmhouse adjacent to Limerick Veterinary Hospital where Charlie built his life-long career as a veterinarian, they owned a special wooded parcel not far away, elsewhere in the Township.

The Koenigs kept this 14.4 acre site in its natural state for almost three decades, unaware of the exciting choices they would make for it in the future. In 2004, building on their growing interest in protecting the environment and with the blessing of their two children, they generously donated their development rights and completed a conservation agreement with Montgomery County Lands Trust. Sandy says she and Charlie felt secure working with MCLT and that their own values were consistent with our mission. In addition, they simply felt they did not want to see the land developed. This was at a time when development in Limerick Township was booming, with builders paying top dollar for land.

With their land now permanently protected, the Koenigs liked knowing that those who use the informal trails on the land—whether for walking or for horseback riding—will be able to do so well into the future.

What was next for the Koenigs? As Charlie approached retirement, selling the farmhouse where the couple lived, adjacent to the veterinary hospital made sense. But where would they move? Why not stay in Limerick Township and build on the eased parcel? As in many conservation easements, the Koenigs chose to allow for building on a smaller, designated portion of the parcel and included that provision in their document.

While considering how new construction would fit with their values, the Koenigs soon realized their new home would have to be “green.”

Undaunted by what looked to be a steep learning curve, they forged ahead with a progressive team assembled by project manager Tad Radzinski of Sustainable Solutions. Brian Creswell, an innovative builder of Creswell and Company, built the couple a substantial green home in the traditional Arts & Crafts style they loved. The Koenig’s are thrilled with the results—and so is the U.S. Green Building Council who in December 2009 awarded the project a platinum LEED rating (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)—the highest rating in this rigorous voluntary certification program.

Because the Koenig home is so comfortable and classic in appearance, a casual observer might miss its many sustainable features. The home’s geothermal heating and cooling system maximizes energy efficiency while its strategic solar orientation ensures passive heating benefits. The roof-top solar collectors harvest energy, some of which has already been sold back to the energy grid. The air-sealed building envelope utilizes sustainable soy-based foam, providing the unanticipated benefit of insulating the couple from road noise! During construction, Creswell and Company took pains at every step to reduce energy use and the waste of resources. The completed home is 75% more energy efficient than the average home with Brian Creswell being one of 20 builders nationwide to receive the 2010 Energy Value Housing Award for the project.

The Koenigs hope that as more people build green, others become aware of the possibilities. You don’t have to “go full tilt,” Sandy Koenig notes, “but you can pick and choose what is doable and what will provide the greatest benefit.”

We proudly name Sandy and Charlie Koenig our Winter 2010 Open Space Heroes. Not only did they ensure the permanent protection of their special wooded parcel, they scaled the peaks to build a highly energy-efficient home using sustainable materials—while teaching us that green design can be delightfully traditional.

Open Space Hero -- Evan Brandt

If you have been paying attention
to news in Southeastern
Pennsylvania and especially
environmental news you may have noticed an intrepid small-town newspaper and journalist who stand out for coverage of
issues related to the environment and land use. The newspaper is The Mercury and the outstanding journalist is Evan Brandt. Evan
has worked for The Mercury since 1997, reporting on schools, local government, and business in Pottstown and the surrounding communities. He also specializes in writing about the environment, land use, and transportation.

Evan’s mounting interest in the environment and the impact of public policy began in childhood. He grew up in an old farmhouse in a traditional, walkable New York hamlet close to shops, but with nearby fields and woods. He first became aware of the idea that land could be consumed and harmed when he saw land cleared for two shopping malls near his community. One was never built and the 40-acre unfinished site left in a “permanent state of undress” became a stark, visual symbol to Evan of what can be lost when the natural world is hastily cleared for development.

While in college, Evan spent two summers living in Manhattan and was struck by how fit people were because of the need to walk everywhere. Reading influential books such as Suburban Nation helped him understand how post-World War II policy encouraged compartmentalized suburban growth patterns that encouraged sprawl, divided land uses, and created the need to drive everywhere. As an adult and a believer in walkable communities, Evan and wife, Karen Maxfield, chose to raise their son, Dylan in the heart of Pottstown Borough, close to Dylan’s school and Pottstown’s public parks.

Evan is by no means anti-development. When he reports on municipal meetings for development proposals, he often quotes developers. For in-depth stories, he calls the Builder’s Institute for their perspective. He does not believe demonizing developers achieves the larger goal of creating livable communities. He strongly values regional planning such as that done by the Pottstown Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee. Growth can’t be stopped, notes Evan, but it can be directed – toward places with existing infrastructure.

Where Evan thinks he can be effective as a journalist is through education. “You can’t force ideas or conservation on people,” says Evan, “they have to have the desire for it.” He explains how journalists can provide information that leads to understanding. They can bring events and trends to people’s attention, opening their eyes to how policy can affect their lives. It is a great opportunity for education because what is written about doesn’t have to be abstract (as may be the case in national papers). A local journalist can localize national trends by writing about real places people relate to such as their neighborhoods or locations from childhood. “What is more local than land?” asks Evan.

Montgomery County Lands Trust proudly names Evan Brandt as our Summer 2009 Open Space Hero for his in-depth, plucky, and wide-ranging coverage of land use and environmental topics. Thank you, Evan, for dedicating your career to helping us better understand our communities and our environment.

Open Space Hero -- Arthur F. Loeben

The state of Wyoming has
Yellowstone National Park.
NewYork City has Central
Park. Montgomery County has Valley Forge National Park…along with Evansburg State Park, Fort Washington State Park, twelve additional county parks and over 100 municipal parks. But how does a state, a county, or a city go about acquiring its cherished public open spaces? Is it by accident or is it the result of wise planning? We enjoy our special landscapes, but do we know who acted behind the scenes to make them possible?

Many individuals have contributed to Montgomery County’s exceptional
system of trails,parks,preserved farmland, and natural open space,
but one pioneering planner who stands out is Arthur F. Loeben,who
served as Director of the Montgomery County Planning Commission for
38 years.During his tenure, from 1957 to 1995,Montgomery County
experienced an unprecedented rate of growth. Art helped ensure
that this growth was met with good planning and strong incentives for
smart land use. He reflects that “he liked to get things done.” He and
his committed staff focused on four important areas including open space
preservation, historic preservation, transportation, and building regulatory
controls of land use. When he first joined the planning commission,
only 21 Montgomery County municipalities had adopted zoning.
An important goal for the county was to have every municipality develop
zoning codes and ordinances.By Art’s retirement, all 62 of Montgomery
County’s townships and boroughs not only had been zoned, they had also
developed comprehensive plans.

Beginning in the 1960s,Art pursued a goal of what he calls “government
partnership.” He urged the county, 62 municipalities, and school districts to
work cooperatively in pursuit of controlled growth, quality development, improved transportation, and a high quality of life for residents. Art points out that the county has the unique ability to borrow money at the lowest percentage rate because of its large tax base and that this funding
should be shared to achieve the goal of“government partnership.”

In 1962,Art persuaded the County Commissioners to dedicate the first
county funding for open space, directing 50% of the funding resources
to municipalities for open space purchases. Then in 1993 the county
initiated the first Montgomery County Open Space program, budgeting 100
million dollars toward open space, again channeling a good portion of
funding to municipalities. This fueled a broad range of open space projects –
everything from tree planting and pocket parks in boroughs to preserved
farms and larger land parcels protecting the waters of theWissahickon,
Pennypack, and Perkiomen Creeks. With Art’s guidance, the planning
commission was instrumental in establishing Evansburg State Park –
3,300 preserved public acres along Skippack Creek.

Art continues to contribute his planning expertise on a volunteer basis, serving for many years on the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission board and with numerous other non-profit groups
including the board of Montgomery County LandsTrust as treasurer. Having
studied and taught atWharton University of Pennsylvania before his planning
career,Art deeply values education. He personally established generous
scholarship funds atTemple University Ambler and Montgomery County
Community College.

Art says what really drives him is“shaping a community.” He believes
establishing strategic open space in the suburbs helps direct where traffic goes and can make all the difference in how a community looks, adding to the quality of life for residents,while preserving that “hard-to-replace”
character and charm.

For dedicating a life-long career to outstanding planning and for his
continuing leadership in preserving open space,we proudly name Arthur
F. Loeben ourWinter, 2009 Open Space Hero. Thank you,Art, for making our
present bounty of open space benefits possible.

Open Space Hero -- Barb McMonagle

Barb McMonagle’s passion for open space and her commitment to two Montgomery County communities show how ordinary citizens can make a difference by joining with others to achieve a common goal.
Barb says her contributions, first in Worcester Township where she lived until 2004, and now where she lives in Salford Township were possible only because many others before her persevered to preserve open space. Yet donating countless hours of her time, Barb exemplifies the perfect open space hero. Some of her accomplishments include being a founding member of the Friends of Worcester (FOW), previously serving on the Parks and Recreation Board in Salford, participating with enthusiasm on the Salford Township Open Space Committee, and serving as an active member of the Salford Township Planning Commission. Loyal to Worcester, she is still very committed to FOW’s efforts in her role as their board secretary.
Still rural, Salford Township is in the position of Worcester 20 years ago with many remaining open space opportunities. After moving to Salford and learning about local issues, Barb joined the Salford Township Open Space Committee which includes Supervisor Larry Anderson, Supervisor Charlie Loughery, Melody Leithold, Harris Moser, John Feldi, and Mark Polatty. Barb says this dedicated group accomplished so much because of the supportive environment created by the local officials. She admires former Salford Supervisor Don Lodge, current Salford Supervisor Larry Anderson, and former Salford Supervisor Bob Rohland (who has since passed away) for their efforts in managing development through zoning. These supervisors helped create the Indian Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan, updated zoning ordinances, added subdivision and land development ordinances, and started implementation of stormwater regulations. Don Lodge, a key person, continues on the Salford Township Planning Commission and is a member of the Indian Valley Regional Planning Commission.

           According to Jake Lea, Director of Land Preservation for Montgomery County Lands Trust, Barb works with great determination and has skillfully applied for multiple grants including three to secure the purchase and conservation of two properties to expand the Whites Mill Preserve. This Salford treasure lies within the nationally recognized Pennsylvania Highlands region and now totals 143 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. It protects a wide variety of fragile native species and provides a spectacular setting for walking, horseback riding, fishing, and observing wildlife. The Salford Township Open Space Committee also pitched in with the preservation of the Linford Barndt Farm, a four-generation family farm, by securing a Green Fields/Green Towns grant for it when it entered the Farmland Preservation Program. Currently the committee is applying for a county grant to purchase a portion of a parcel to provide critical open space connections in the Ridge Valley Creek corridor as well as teaming with Montgomery County Lands Trust to protect three wooded parcels totaling 59 acres that connect to over 200 acres of preserved farmland and the village of Tylersport.

           As a volunteer who increased her land conservation skills through community service, Barb encourages everyone to take that first step toward making a difference in their community -- perhaps by supporting a local group or by attending a meeting just to learn what is going on. Regarding her passion for protecting open space, Barb says, “The time to do it is now. You have to seize the moment because once it’s gone, it’s gone…We can all do a little bit, but together we can do amazing things!” 

Open Space Hero -- Claire Betz

Faced by the pressures of encroaching development and the escalating costs of maintaining farmland, some people sell off their land bit by bit. Claire Betz and husband John D. Betz did just the opposite. Over 35 years ago, the Betz family began acquiring small and medium-sized parcels of land so that their original holdings of 67 acres grew to over 300 acres. They were concerned about preserving the special rural character of their community.

By making these bold land purchases and donating large parcels to area conservancies to ensure their permanent protection, Claire and John Betz provided a wonderful gift to their community and all of Montgomery County. Neighbor Phoebe Driscoll notes that the land purchases made by the Betzes inspired at least seven other neighbors to preserve their own land, creating an expansive greenway in this verdant corner of our region.

When Claire and John (who passed away 17 years ago) first moved to first moved from a more densely built suburb, they fell in love with the landscape. Claire completed raising seven children on the farm. She notes that country life was new to her at the time, but she dug in and reached out to her community, inviting Phoebe and others to continue using the land for riding. Many years later, in a recent visit to Claire’s home, Phoebe brought eggs over from her chickens. Claire, long-known by neighbors for her cooking and baking was delighted. Claire speaks of other neighbors and the fond memories she has of their friendships. Each July, Claire hosts an extended family reunion that features extraordinary fireworks to the delight of her neighbors up and down Swedesford Road.

Once the Betzes had acquired additional acreage to prevent its sale for development, they realized it would be costly and impractical to maintain the land. It made sense to not only preserve it, but to share it with others. In 1986, they donated 110 acres to Natural Lands Trust. Pleased with the Trust’s initial efforts, John and Claire made additional land donations of 66 and 35 acres and helped with other land purchases in Lower Gwynedd Township to form Gwynedd Wildlife Preserve. Open to the public and host to an array of habitat types supporting a diversity of wildlife, the Preserve currently has 235 acres of meadows, woodlands, wetlands and meandering trails. Claire says, “I get letters from new neighbors and people I don’t know telling me how happy they are to walk on the land.”

A substantial gift made by Claire and John also made it possible for The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association to acquired Evans-Mumbower Mill and its adjacent land in 1987. The historic, abandoned grist mill at the other end of the neighborhood was badly in need of repair. With continuing support, the mill was carefully restored in its special setting. Not only is the mill now open to the public for tours, but its millstones will once again grind grain thanks to the generosity of the Betz family.

Claire likes to give husband John much of the credit for making the early decisions to preserve land in their community, but she has been steadfast in her support of area conservancies, wildlife groups, and watershed organizations.  

When asked how she felt after the land was preserved for all to enjoy, Claire said she felt, “Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!”

Open Space Hero -- Montgomery County Planning Commission

The Montgomery County Planning Commission and supporting staff on the courthouse steps. Since 1993, 5,600 acres have been protected through the county open space programs. An additional 7,147 acres of farmland have been preserved through the county farmland preservation program begun in 1990. With 65 miles of trails completed and another 95 in the pipeline, our county trail system is one of national significance.

This summer we are pleased to celebrate the Montgomery County Planning Commission who leads the way for open space accomplishments in our county and in the region. Because of their strong commitment to open space and foresighted planning, the citizens of Montgomery County enjoy a wide array of historic and natural parks, treasured rural landscapes, protected working
farms, and one of the most extensive trail systems in the United States. We join hands with the planning commission in our own work to preserve and connect the natural areas, farmland, and neighborhood green spaces that ensure a great quality of life, abundant water supply and healthy regional economy.

Every day the planning commission lays the groundwork to ensure that our communities are well-designed, green and vibrant. This skillful staff, dedicated to public service might be described as our “workhorses behind the scenes” whose approach is tenacious and visionary. Whether they are tracking demographic trends to anticipate housing and transportation needs or investigating the effects of storm water, their practices are based on sound research, thorough analysis, and collaboration.

When compared to peers across the state, Montgomery County stands in the vanguard of many planning and implementation areas. The planning commission provides eleven model ordinances, with many more in the works, created specifically to make it easier for local communities to address a variety of issues such as incorporating town centers and commercial districts. The county has also shepherded the expansion of the farmland preservation program, which has become highly proactive, preserving a total of 7,147 acres to date. Environmental issues also fall squarely within the planning commission scope and include water management, but even green house gas reduction for which a public task force was formed in 2006.

Recognizing that open space is the keystone for creating livable communities, the planning commission got behind the first Montgomery County Open Space program in 1993 for which substantial funding was approved by the county commissioners. The goal at the time was to develop a county-wide culture of conservation in which citizens understand and expect their communities to make wise open space decisions. In 2003, recognizing the pressing need to dedicate additional resources toward open space, they supported a county, voter-approved referendum dedicating $150 million toward open space. With Montgomery County Lands Trust spearheading passage of this critical referendum, the planning commission followed it up by developing a new comprehensive plan in 2005, completing a new natural areas inventory in 2007, and helping local municipalities to develop open space plans tailored to the unique needs of their communities. Executive Director Dulcie Flaharty notes that the planning commission has been extremely helpful and supportive of nonprofit organizations including Montgomery County Lands Trust. “When our own organization was founded in 1993, they were there for us every step of the way and they continue to generously aid our efforts with their expertise and resources.”

Because of their foresight, persistence, and skill in producing terrific open space benefits for the citizens of Montgomery County, we proudly name The Montgomery County Planning Commission our Summer, 2007 Open Space Heroes.

Open Space Hero -- The Honorable Ray Bunt, Jr.

Montgomery County leaders whose vision, commitment, and action protect our cherished way of life in Montgomery County make the perfect open space heroes. Our choice could not have been clearer this time when we selected the Honorable Raymond Bunt , Jr., for this special recognition.

“Ray,” as he is known by constituents and colleagues, served for 24 years as Pennsylvania’s State Representative representing the 147th District. This district encompasses a large section of Montgomery County – from Skippack Township in the southeastern corner to East Greenville in its northwestern corner. Ray’s accomplishments, however, go far beyond his home district and benefit not only Montgomery County but the entire state of Pennsylvania.

For over eight years, Ray wielded masterful influence as Chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee which oversees legislative matters related to Pennsylvania’s number one industry – agriculture. Ray kept his eye on protecting the livelihood of Pennsylvania farmers while safeguarding Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage for all citizens. Created in the early nineties, PA’s farmland preservation program grew steadily in popularity and size under Ray’s watch and it now leads the nation in the number of acres preserved.

Ray led the way with so many bills benefiting Pennsylvania agriculture and open space they are too numerous to list. New legislation (HB 629), spearheaded by Ray and passed before his retirement in 2006, now makes it possible for farms as small as 35 acres (revised from the 50-acre minimum) to gain eligibility for state farmland protection funds. This provides additional opportunities for the smaller, niche farms of Montgomery County.

Colleagues reflect on how fervently Ray represented the non-conventional aspects of agriculture that exist within Montgomery County and by doing so, helped educate the more traditional agricultural community to the diverse nature of viable operations.

Ray was also a strong supporter of the statewide Growing Greener II program, including eliminating the sunset provision of the expiring program so the new $625 million program would be furnished with a perpetual source of funding. Growing Greener II provides funding toward farmland and open space preservation as well as projects benefiting our rivers, creeks, and streams.

Ray’s commitment to open space began early in his career of public service – starting in the 1970s when he served on Lower Frederick Township’s planning commission and as a member and service chairman of the Lower Frederick Municipal Authority. From 1976 to 1983, Ray also served on the Montgomery County Planning Commission board. In speaking with Ray on the topic of open space, it is evident he feels a deep calling to help people appreciate and respect the valuable open space in our region. He believes there is room for growth, but that good planning is essential.

Ray is near and dear to our own organization. Soon after our founding in 1993, he established a strong working relationship with Executive Director Dulcie Flaharty. Ray says “Dulcie and I developed a friendship that we sustained -- even during periods of “financial drought.” Year after year Ray secured funding for our efforts through generous PA Department of Community and Economic Development grants. Ray says he always felt strongly that we were doing great work and that he was proud to be a part of our team. He adds that he does not wish to “wave away or goodbye to this team.”

The sentiment is mutual, Ray. We will keep you securely in our hearts and we thank you for all you have done… for the Trust, for our local Montgomery County communities, and for the entire state of Pennsylvania.

Open Space Hero -- Phoebe Driscoll

Open Space Heroes are Montgomery County citizens whose vision and hard work have made a difference in the quest to protect the special green places in our region. We bestow the honor this time with extra pleasure because we recognize one of our own – Phoebe Driscoll.

Phoebe is a founding board member of Montgomery County Lands Trust and the current chair of our Land Preservation Committee. Working closely with our staff, she has helped us permanently preserve over 2,100 acres in a county that is under intense development pressure. In 1993 Phoebe was named to the Montgomery County Open Space Task Force, which shaped the first $100 million open space initiative. Her insights and experience gained her the Vice Chair position of the county Open Space Board. She continues to serve on this board, which oversees the nationally recognized Green Fields/Green Towns program, responsible for disseminating $150 million worth of open space grants in Montgomery County’s present program.

Phoebe’s lifelong passion for protecting the environment began in 1954 when she went to work for the Governor’s Committee to Keep Maryland Beautiful. Because of her pivotal role there, when she left the state it was said “ Phoebe is Keep Maryland Beautiful.”

In Pennsylvania she dedicated her energy to volunteer efforts protecting land and the environment. For thirty-six years she served on the board of the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association where she continues as an active advisor. Demonstrating her spirit and vitality, Phoebe was one of the leaders on the successful watershed campaign begun in the mid-1980s to preserve a 77-acre parcel of wetlands, forest and meadows known as Penllyn Woods.

Working at both the local and the national level, Phoebe has committed her life to volunteer activism. She has served on the state board for The Nature Conservancy and she has served as chairwoman for the Garden Club of America’s National Affairs and Legislation Committee. During her leadership, GCA gained a reputation in Congress for consistency, dependability, and “volunteers who were purely grass roots.” Those who know Phoebe describe her as “tenacious,” “sincere,” and “an insightful leader with boundless energy.” She is both a dreamer and a doer who views no challenge as being too tough. This spring Phoebe was awarded the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association’s 2006 Lifetime Leadership Award for “her remarkable life of service to the environment and for being an exemplary contributor to land preservation efforts in Pennsylvania.”

Phoebe and her husband, Lee Driscoll, long supportive of her efforts, increased their conservation commitment in a personal and generous way six years ago. Working with the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, they donated a 66-acre conservation easement on their property in Lower Gwynedd Township . In making the donation Phoebe remarked, “We have loved this land and it has loved us back. We want future generations to have the same opportunity.”

With great pride, we name Phoebe Driscoll our summer, 2006, Open Space Hero. Phoebe’s remarkable life of service advance our shared conservation goals and her selfless dedication ensure the permanent protection of our region’s most valuable green resources.

Open Space Hero -- Lee Mangan

The Borough of Lansdale boasts an array of assets, but one of its greatest may be long-time manager Lee Mangan. Lee Mangan is Lansdale’s dedicated manager who has both staying power and a vision. He understands that open space amenities not only belong in a borough, but nurture its economic growth. To say that Lee’s commitment to Lansdale runs deep is an understatement. After growing up in Lansdale, going away to college, and then completing a master’s degree in municipal management, Lee returned home as the borough’s manager. He has been there for 27 years and his enthusiasm for Lansdale only seems to grow.

Lee sees a strong tie between green infrastructure and economic vitality. The impact of trees, pockets parks, and other green streetscape improvements cannot be overrated according to Lee. For example, tree planting is one of the first and often easiest steps boroughs can take to attract people to a downtown and Lansdale has planted over 320 trees under Lee’s leadership. Pocket parks and numerous green streetscape enhancements have further enriched the ambiance of Lansdale.

Lee’s open space achievements extend beyond his own borough, however. He was instrumental in ensuring that Montgomery County’s Green Fields/Green Towns program addressed the special needs of our borough communities. Boroughs were previously undervalued and he believes the turning point was the Montgomery County 2000 Study which identified boroughs as an important Montgomery County resource needing greater attention. Lee’s advocacy resulted in his being named to the diverse Green Fields/Green Towns task force in 2003. The Green Fields/Green Towns program now includes a unique open space component aimed at boroughs.

As a member of the task force, Lee advocated for a special focus and tailored program for our boroughs which includes a generous county 80% contribution with a 20% local match. A community’s sense of ownership and also the long-term success of a project, he believes, are greater when a community invests its own resources.

When Lee starts talking about the parks of Lansdale Borough, he becomes quite enthusiastic. Eighteen parks are owned and maintained by the Borough Lansdale, comprising over 153 acres of land. Stony Creek Park, made up of 18 acres added during the first county open space program, recently added another 3 ½ acres for a passive recreation facility. Plans to improve the park will utilize Green Fields/Green Towns funding for a passive, naturally wooded area with gardens and an extended trail system.

Under Lee’s guidance, the borough is also working with the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Philadelphia Water Department to enhance the natural features of its 18-acre Wissahickon Park. For this project the headwaters of the Wissahickon Creek will be protected through stream bank restoration and riparian work. Trails will incorporate an educational component so park visitors can view environmental work being done in a borough setting.

Lee takes pride in the borough’s many completed projects and new projects, noting that his team works closely with the Montgomery County Planning Commission who carefully reviews each project as it is proposed and developed.

Because of Lee’s dedication not only to Lansdale but to all the communities of Montgomery County and because of his visionary approach to borough revitalization that features open space amenities as a key component, we proudly name Lee Mangan our Open Space Hero.

Open Space Hero -- Palmer Retzlaff

With his boundless enthusiasm, Palmer Retzlaff, known by fans as “Pete,” serves as a role model for athletes, business leaders, and those working to make a difference in their communities. Some might say heroics come naturally to Palmer who played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1956-1966. He helped lead the Eagles to victory in the 1960 NFL Championship and for many years he held the Eagles’ record for total number of receptions and receiving yards. Yet his modest demeanor belies his accomplishments in so many areas.

Palmer made his mark on open space in Montgomery County long before it was fashionable. In 1993, as chairman of Save Open Space, he helped lay the foundation for Montgomery County Lands Trust. Named by the county commissioners to the County’s Open Space Task Force, he was a key member of the group who structured the county’s first Open Space program to fund land acquisition and community open space planning. He then dedicated over a decade of service to the County’s Open Space Board, working to make sure the Open Space program was responsibly managed.

Palmer walks the talk when it comes to open space. When other Eagles champions of the 1960s used bonuses to buy sports cars and homes in Florida, he had his eye on land, purchasing his first 63 acres in Lower Salford Township. Next he bought the farm where he lives in Gilbertsville, adding additional farm parcels to it so that his total holdings in Montgomery County now approach 300 acres. He had the foresight to preserve his Gilbertsville farm through the county/state farmland preservation program. He and his wife Patty raised their three daughters and son in Gilbertsville. Now Palmer has nine grandchildren whom he enjoys.

Touring Palmer’s Lower Salford property, his love of the land is obvious. When he first purchased the parcel, the tallest tree was a shagbark hickory surrounded by a few struggling conifers. Now his property features a gracefully added pond and thousands of tall hardwoods and conifers planted and nurtured by him. Fifty-nine species thrive on this land and Palmer has interesting stories to tell about many of them.

Palmer’s attachment to the land started early. He grew up in a rural community on the plains of North Dakota and has always been drawn to wide open spaces. During summers off from South Dakota State University, he earned money working on farms in Idaho and Montana as well as for the U.S. Forest Service as a student fire fighter. It was while working among the towering, old-growth forests of the West that he became interested in trees.

Today, noticeably healthy and strong, Palmer credits his fitness to the work he does on his land where he finds the digging, planting, and mowing to be cathartic and relaxing. His passion for the environment lives on as he talks about his active role on the board of the Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation, a group dedicated to protecting our watersheds and preventing pollution. Pete continues to convey an inspiring vision on the topic of open space. He would like to see the early purchase of development rights for as many large parcels as possible in the Green Fields/Green Town program. He believes escalating land prices will limit such opportunities in the near future.

Because of his fervent commitment to the land, his selfless community leadership, and his passionate championing of the environment, we proudly name Palmer Retzlaff our Open Space Hero. Palmer inspires us all to work a little harder so we may leave this place a little greener for our children and our grandchildren.

Open Space Heroes – Betsy and Dan Daley

Betsy and Dan Daley’s combined spunk, dedication, and organizational talent fuel the efforts to preserve and renew the Schuylkill Canal. The Schuylkill Canal runs along the Schuylkill River in Upper Providence Township. For many decades the retired canal was overlooked as a valuable resource. Betsy and Dan saw its potential when they moved to the village of Port Providence in 1980. They were tickled to have the 19th century waterway as their front yard. For well over 15 years Betsy and Dan worked tirelessly with the Schuylkill Canal Association (SCA) to preserve the canal and surrounding land as a local and regional historic and recreational resource.

Appointed to SCA’s Board of Directors in 1992, Betsy jumped into the day-to-day work of promoting the canal. After becoming Board President in 1996 and serving for six years, she accepted her present position as the Association’s first Executive Director in 2002. Betsy also serves on the County’s Schuylkill River Greenway Advisory Committee. She is a member of Upper Providence Township’s newly formed Open Space Committee and remains a great advocate for the Green Fields/Green Towns Open Space Program.
 
Dan plays a major role in maintenance issues and capital improvements for the 60-acre linear Schuylkill Canal Park. He joined SCA’s Board of Directors in 1996, serving as Vice President and taking on numerous responsibilities. As chair of the Association’s Grounds & Waterways Committee, he works side-by-side with Betsy, providing valuable expertise.

The Schuylkill Canal Park consists of 60 acres that lie parallel to the Schuylkill River. The 2.5- mile canal that forms the heart of the park runs past the historic villages of Mont Clare and Port Providence, once known as Oaks Reach.  The present site includes all the components of a lock system and is a prime example of 19th century industrial engineering, featuring a timber-cribbed dam, a forebay, various canal water control structures, an 1836 Locktender’s House, and the impressive remains of Lock 60 – now featuring fully operating mitre gates.

Recreational opportunities abound and visitors may fish, canoe, kayak, hike, bicycle, watch birds, picnic, or simply enjoy their natural surroundings. SCA promotes a 5-mile loop trail consisting of a towpath and river trails running through natural woodlands and also a 5-mile water trail for canoes and kayaks utilizing both the river and canal.

Betsy and Dan credit cooperation with government entities and also partnerships with like-minded organizations in helping to preserve this gem. They praise Upper Providence Township who they call their “number one partner” and recognize Montgomery County for providing the support and assistance needed to accomplish SCA goals.

Montgomery County Lands Trust proudly names Betsy and Dan Daley our December, 2004 Open Space Heroes. As a result of their selfless dedication, the Schuylkill Canal Park grows steadily brighter as a jewel in the open space crown of Montgomery County.  

Open Space Hero -- Feodor Pitcairn

Feodor Pitcairn is an open space visionary who saw a brighter future and abundant possibilities for the Pennypack Creek, its surrounding lands, and all of Montgomery County. The story of Mr. Pitcairn’s accomplishments begins in the environs of Huntingdon Valley where the scenic Pennypack Creek flows.

If you were to travel 40 years back in time, “scenic” would not have been the word used to describe the Pennypack Creek. Lack of land use planning was causing serious problems. Flooding stemming from rapid runoff of impervious surfaces became commonplace, and increased demand for sewage treatment taxed the existing facilities, leading to further declines in stream water quality. By the early 1970’s, the creek had become so degraded that it lacked even the necessary dissolved oxygen for fish to survive. Stream cleanups led by small, citizens’ groups attempted to remedy the situation, but the threats facing the watershed were too large in scope.

Motivated to tackle the problems, Feo Pitcairn saw possible solutions in watershed-based planning such as that begun by the Delaware River Basin Commission. Mr. Pitcairn helped to form the Pennypack Watershed Association, becoming its first president in 1970. Working jointly with various government entities, the organization made large strides in just five years to improve the quality of the Pennypack Creek. Implementing better planning and sewage treatment, the surrounding communities became strongly committed to protecting the watershed. This freed the association, now known as Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, to focus its efforts on land conservation. Leading these efforts, Mr. Pitcairn served actively on the board for 20 years.

Feo Pitcairn’s contributions to open space and watershed protection extended far beyond his commitment to Pennypack Trust. He also served as chairman of the Bryn Athyn Borough Planning Commission and as chair of the Montgomery County Planning Commission (MCPC). During his tenure with MCPC and the county’s Open Space Preservation Task Force, he worked hard to promote the implementation of the county’s first $100 million open space program. He was also a founding member of MCLT.

After having worked for decades for the investment company founded by his father and two uncles, Mr. Pitcairn retired as chairman in 1991. He began a new career as an under water filmmaker. The first episodes of his “Ocean Wilds” series were broadcast internationally in 1996. In 2001 his additional two high definition shows along with the earlier episodes were broadcast both nationally and internationally on PBS.

When not filming underwater, Mr. Pitcairn savors his walks along the Pennypack. Last year he published Dreaming Wild in the Heart of the Pennypack, a book of his stunning photographs that capture the changing moods of the Pennypack. The book’s text was written by Mary C. Robertson and her husband, David, the executive director of Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust. Proceeds for sales of Dreaming Wild support the Pennypack Trust’s efforts to control non-native plants, reforest portions of the watershed, and manage the white-tailed deer herd in the 720-acre Pennypack Preserve.

For devoting many years of his life to preserving and restoring the land of our region, we proudly name Mr. Pitcairn our Open Space Hero. Through the lens of his camera, Mr. Pitcairn continues to convey the delight and wonder he sees in nature. He inspires others to dream of greater things for all our landscapes, just as he has so generously done for both the Pennypack Preserve and Montgomery County.

Open Space Hero -- Elkins Wetherill, Pioneer in Preservation

Some people are ahead of their time. Without the foresight of visionaries like Elkins Wetherill, who took important steps before the term “open space” entered our vocabularies, places like Plymouth Township would be filled corner to corner with development.

Born in 1919, Elkins came from a family who valued open space. He grew up on a large farm in Abington that his grandparents farmed for many years, even as it became surrounded by development. He bought his own farm in Plymouth Township in 1947, expanding its acreage until it totaled 60 acres.

Those who travel through the more scenic sections of Plymouth Township may have seen Harriet Wetherill Park. The park is named in honor of Harriet Wetherill, Mr. Wetherill's first wife who passed away in 1994. To ensure the preservation of this parcel, Elkins sold the land in a bargain sale to Plymouth Township several years ago.

The 55-acre park consists of public open space that is actively farmed.

Ardfuar Farm is now preserved.

Mr. Wetherill is unwilling to boast of his achievements, but his involvement in land preservation extends far beyond his own land. When he was asked to join the first Open Space Task Force ten years ago, he generously joined because he believes that “the protection of open space is extremely important.” Since 1993, he has served as Chairman of the Open Space Board and was appointed earlier this year as a member of the Green Fields – Green Towns Task Force. MCLT welcomed him to our Board of Directors in December, 2002. Mr. Wetherill's long list of accomplishments also include his election as Montgomery County Treasurer, Chairman of the County Commissioners, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission, and from 1965 through 1981, President of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.

We proudly name Elkins Wetherill our Open Space Hero for devoting many years of his life toward the protection of open space and for living up to his credo by protecting his own farm in Plymouth Township.

PETER SCHLOTTERER STEPS IN, SAVES 31 ACRES

Sometimes a hero is a person who simply steps in and takes action. Peter Schlotterer was just that person when he committed to purchasing a large parcel of farmland during a critical moment for Worcester Township. The property in question, a 31-acre piece of farmland once owned by the Gerstemeirer family, combines with other properties to form a valuable oasis of open space that includes active agriculture, natural habitat, and historic farm landscapes. Connecting properties include Merrymead Farm - a popular dairy farm open to the public, Peter Schlotterer's land, and the Peter Wentz Farmstead - a 93-acre historic property. A timely sale of the Gerstemeirer property, tied to a conservation easement purchased by the township, would ensure permanent preservation. But after an earlier sale fell through and as the deadline approached, it appeared the land would become available for development.

"REACHING INTO HIS OWN POCKET FOR THE SECURITY DEPOSIT, HE PUT HIMSELF ON THE HOOK TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY."

Peter feared the loss of this key parcel and consulted Montgomery County Lands Trust regarding his concerns. As the clock ticked and as land prices soared, with guidance from the Trust, Peter stepped in and signed an agreement of sale. Reaching into his own pocket for the security deposit, he put himself on the hook to purchase the property. Meanwhile the plunging stock market put him at some risk. Peter was more interested in seeing the land preserved than in being its ultimate owner, so MCLT and Worcester Township identified another local land buyer.

   In the summer of 2002 the deal was sealed with the conservation easement intact. The permanently protected land is now farmed as it has been for centuries and MCLT maintains and enforces the conservation easement that it co-holds with Worcester Township.

   Long supportive of MCLT's efforts, Peter is one of our original members. His interest in conservation began decades ago on his own land of 17 acres where he has planted thousands of oaks, hickories, and other native hardwoods. With the goal of turning his land back into the forest it was 300 years ago, Peter has had an exceptionally busy retirement. He values the hardiness of native trees along with their ability to support diverse wildlife. We proudly name Peter Schlotterer an Open Space Hero for preserving habitat on his own land and for stepping forward with the necessary resources to help preserve this beautiful section of Montgomery County

Leadership Makes Perkiomen Trail Reality

Excitement and enthusiasm builds with each visitor to the Perkiomen Trail. Try it. You cannot helpbut find an activity to your liking that is available on a trip to the Perkiomen Trail. Our county's newest trail provides recreation or respite. You can bike, hike, run, cross-country ski, bird watch, fish or just enjoy the natural and

Montgomery County Commissioners Ruth Damsker, Chair Mike Marino, and Jim Matthews.

cultural wonders of this great county. There is no doubt that our latest county amenity enhances the quality of life in any lucky host community and all those who visit.

Upon completion of the 19 mile multi-purpose trail, scheduled for December 2003, a trail user will be able to trek from Green Lane Park to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, experiencing a range of scenic vistas from small towns and farm fields to dense forests and urban landscapes. The team effort that is producing the trail utilizes the energies of the skillful Montgomery County Planning Commission, the hardworking Department of Roads and Bridges and the diligent Office of the Solicitor; energized by the tenacity of the Montgomery County Commissioners.

Montgomery County Lands Trust heartily commends The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners for the vision and leadership to build the Perkiomen Trail. The development of the trail provides an invaluable gift to the citizens of Montgomery County.for today and the future. How refreshing to see our tax dollars utilized on something that does not get used up, does not go away and is available to every member of Montgomery County's diverse population. Whether you use the trails to exercise, to socialize or just to find a quiet moment to reflect, join us in thanking our County Commissioners, Michael Marino, James Matthews and Ruth Damsker for "a trail well done."