The Conservator - Bedminster Land Conservancy

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Jun 24, 2012 ... in animal husbandry and one in horticulture at the Upper Bucks. County Technical .... a bit more free time for her other interests after all these years.” We note that Wendy ..... checkerboard pattern floor cloth, made and donated by Michele. Hollick, was won by ..... Elephant Sewing Works, Harry. & Jennifer ...
BE D

NSTER I M Protecting the future

Preserving the land

REGIONAL LAND CONSERVANCY

The Conservator The Newsletter of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy

Volume XIV No. 1 Winter / Spring 2012

Your nationally accredited, regional land trust serving the upper Bucks County area since 1997

Welcome to the winter/spring issue of The Conservator. We are sending this issue as a complimentary copy to a broader distribution. Educating the public about issues of land conservation and open space protection is an important part of the conservancy’s mission. The efforts of many groups, programs, and individuals are needed to build a successful land conservation program! You can help preserve the natural beauty, heritage and character of our communities in the mid and upper Bucks County area by becoming a member. Membership information is listed on the last inside page of this issue.

BRLC Is Part of the National Success

Best Wishes, with Our Gratitude, Wendy!

Recently, the national Land Trust Alliance released the results of their National Land Trust Census. The census, which is completed every five years, measures the pace and quality of the conservation work of local, state and national land trusts in the U.S. For the census report, 950 land trusts from across the country, including the BRLC, submitted data and statistics on their conservation efforts through December 2010. Some key findings from the 2010 census include the following: • T  otal acres conserved by state, local and national land trusts grew to 47 million as of year-end 2010—an increase of about 10 million acres since 2005 and 23 million since 2000. cont. on page 2

After 15 years of unsurpassed, dedicated service on the Board of Directors of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy, Wendy Battisti has resigned from the board. As a founder and past president, Wendy explained her decision to step down by stating, “This is something I have been planning for some time, but before doing so I wanted to ensure an orderly transition. I believe we have accomplished that with the election two years ago of Eve Marschark as President, a highly talented and enthusiastic leader, and the assembling of an experienced and deeply committed Board of Directors.” Wendy continued, “Additionally, we secured the conservation expertise and professional skills of Barbara Drew as Executive Director of the BRLC. I feel very comfortable in stepping aside now with this team in place.” Asked for some highlights from her 15 years as the driving force behind the BRLC, Wendy quickly clarified that she didn’t do this by herself. She stated, “There were many dedicated individuals, too cont. on page 3

15th Annual Meeting & Buffet Dinner Wednesday, April 11th, 6:30 p.m. Presbyterian Church of Deep Run 16 Irish Meetinghouse Road (at Elephant Rd.) 6:30 p.m. Buffet Dinner – complimentary 7:30 p.m. Tribute to Wendy Battisti Special Award Presentations, l a i Annual Meeting & Guest Speaker c pe

S affle R t l i Qu g. 7 see p

“Our Wild Heritage: Protecting the Wildlife around Us”

Live presentation by Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with “Furred & Feathered Friends” To help us ensure adequate seating and food, RSVP by April 9th, by calling the BRLC voice mail at 215-795-2352: Leave your phone number, name & number of people attending.

TABLE OF CONTENTS In this issue, please find these featured articles ... and others: Accomplishments: BRLC’s 2011 Summary................p. 2 Artisans Show 2011 & preview 2012..........................p. 8 Tribute to Wendy..........................................................p. 1 Land Preservation News from the region:   Updates from Bedminster, Plumstead &   Solebury Townships.................................................p. 3, 5 Barns & Farms Festival: Recap of 2011......................p. 9 Sneak Preview: 14th Annual Garden Tour   Save the date: June 24, 2012...................................p. 9 Land Stewardship: Multi-flora Rose & Virus..............p. 6 Members, Sponsors & Volunteers for 2011.................p. 15 Preservation Perspectives.............................................p. 7 Expand Tax Benefits....................................................p. 13

Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy 2011 Accomplishments Education & Outreach: • Hosted Annual Meeting with guest speaker Mike Fournier, PennState Extension Service Bucks County Director, who spoke on the state of agriculture in Bucks County and Pennsylvania. • Cohosted with Bedminster Township, the Open Space Regional Roundtable in March, 2011 for open-space discussions with various municipalities in upper Bucks County. • Served as a resource network for area residents, public agencies, and other groups, attended farm-food focus workshops. • A ttended training at regional and national professional conservation conferences to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge. • Communicated to legislators on important open-space issues and those that impact our environment and our region, notably the extension of the federal tax incentive for conservation donations, and statewide issues on the environment. • Adopted a 2-mile section of Durham Road in Plumstead through the PennDoT Adopt a Highway program and conducted our first litter pick up. • Responded to land preservation inquiries in several municipalities. • Developed and distributed 2 issues of The Conservator. • Updated and expanded website. • Continued scholarship awards, recognizing two students: one in animal husbandry and one in horticulture at the Upper Bucks County Technical School.

BRLC continued to expand and strengthen its work. Highlights of this year’s many accomplishments include: Land in Preservation: •R  eached the milestone of 100 easements on the last day of summer! • Partnered with Bedminster, and Solebury townships and landowners in the placement of four new easements totaling over 175 acres, a 4% increase in acreage preserved from 2010; currently hold or cohold 101 easements on 4,394 acres of land in five municipalities including: ¤ 11 donated easements on 327 acres in Bedminster Township held by BRLC only; ¤ Accepted 2 new easements (92 acres) for a total of 26 on 1,509 acres in Bedminster Township, coheld with Bedminster Township or the Township and Bucks County Agricultural Preservation Program; ¤ Accepted 2 new easements (83 acres) for a total of 61 on 2,465 acres in Solebury Township, coheld with Solebury Township or the Township and Bucks County Agricultural Preservation Program; ¤ One easement on 51 acres in East Rockhill Township held by BRLC only; ¤ Accepted monitoring assignment for 35 acres in Plumstead Township, in addition to one donated easement on 18 acres, coheld with Plumstead Township; ¤ One donated easement on 24 acres in Springfield Township, coheld with Springfield Township.

Fund-raising: • Hosted or cohosted four successful fund-raising and community activities, the proceeds of which benefited our “Landowner Easement Assistance Fund”: • Garden Tour (June) – our 13th annual; • Barns and Farms Festival (Oct) – our 1st • Traditional Artisans Show (Sept.) – our 6th annual; • Vargo Car Show- our second as designated beneficiary of the show.

Easements and Easement Service: • Conducted annual monitoring on all easements in all five area townships, conducted pre-acceptance property walks of new properties. • Provided land stewardship recommendations to landowners on soil erosion, riparian areas, and more, reviewed numerous plans for agricultural structures such as turn-out sheds. • Welcomed and trained three new monitors to our easement monitoring program. (See related box).

Membership: • Maintained membership and welcomed new members in all categories. • Established membership tables at various farmers’ markets and outdoor events.

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance we received in 2011 from our:

Organization: • Appointed new Bookkeeper, Nancy Young, to begin in 2012.

Consulting Professionals: Catherine (Kate) M. Harper; Timoney Knox, LLP, Legal Counsel; Betsy Wertz, administrative assistance; Brendan & Patt Riley, B&C Design Inc., graphic design; Cynthia Bergvall, CPA, Bee Bergvall & Co, accounting and tax preparation; Gene Sterner, Bookkeeper

NATIONAL SUCCESS (cont. from p.1)

• T  he number of active land trusts in the U.S. stands at 1,723 organizations. California has the most land trusts with 197, followed by Massachusetts (159), Connecticut (137), Pennsylvania (103) and New York (97). • The number of active land trust volunteers increased by 70% since 2005. In Pennsylvania, as of year-end 2010, there were 188,944 acres of land protected by conservation easements. Of those total acres, BRLC held or coheld easements on 4,219 acres at the end of 2010 – that is 2% of the state’s total and that’s great for an organization that is just 15 yrs old!  Donna Shaw  BRLC Board Member

and Trained Volunteer Easement Monitors: (* indicates BRLC board member) Gib Battisti Janet Borowy Abby Brooks * Edward Breslin Dan Devery * Ryan Fitzgerald Philip Johnson Eve Marschark * Patrick Mason

Ted Mullins * Ralph O’Banion Hayden Saunier Charles (Chuck) Shaw Donna Shaw* John Spiegel * Marcha Witt Ron Wurz

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Bedminster Township Land Preservation 2011 Report

WENDY (cont. from p.1)

numerous to mention, in fact, who gave generously of their time and talents to make the BRLC become a reality. I’m sure these individuals take as much pride as I do in what has been accomplished, including the preservation of over 100 properties in five upper Bucks townships totaling 4,500 acres of our irreplaceable farmland and open spaces.” While she established a community-based organization, Wendy fully understood that land and water do not know municipal boundaries. and worked to protect lands in a large region. Former BRLC board member Barbara Thomas explained Wendy’s commitment to and skills in leading the organization by stating, “She not only said yes, we can do it, she did it,” referring to Wendy’s achievements in starting the organization and later taking on commitments to serve other communities near Bedminster in the upper Bucks County area. Wendy’s hard work and visionary leadership set a very high standard, laying the foundation that enables the BRLC to continue to pursue that standard; the BRLC has been rigorous in using “best management practices” for all its activities. Wendy also indicated with great pride that the BRLC has the distinction of being one of the first 22 conservancies in the nation to apply for and earn accreditation by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission. In 2010, after fourteen years, Wendy stepped down from the presidency but continued as a member of the board to assure a smooth transition to her successor. Her support and guidance in this role has been extraordinary and continues in an informal ‘President Emeritus’ status, available for guidance and historical background as necessary. A hard act to follow, with shoes impossible to fill, Wendy has created and maintained a well-run organization that continues to inspire dedicated board members and professional staffing. Commenting on Wendy’s contributions to the vitality and accomplishments of BRLC, Eve Marschark, BRLC President, said, “Wendy has been an inspiration for us. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to her for guiding the development of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy. Her wise and thoughtful leadership over the past 15 years has enabled the BRLC to have a major impact on the preservation of our agricultural heritage here in upper Bucks County.” Eve expressed the sentiment on behalf of all the board and staff, “We will surely miss her wise counsel, but respect her wish to have a bit more free time for her other interests after all these years.” We note that Wendy maintained her full-time job and professional career in scientific publications for Johnson & Johnson and another major pharmaceutical prior to that while serving on the BRLC. The BRLC logo “Preserving the Land, Protecting the Future” is exemplified by Wendy’s foresight, leadership and deep commitment. We will honor her many years of service at our annual meeting in April (see page 1 for details) and hope you will join us in expressing our appreciation to her!  Board of Directors

Preserving Bedminster’s farmland character remains the Township’s highest land use priority. In 2011, the Township completed important easement acquisitions and has been working on a number of key properties and new opportunities. The Township’s successful land preservation program is coordinated by the Bedminster Township Land Preservation Advisory Committee, chaired by Don Moss. Other members include: Barbara Thomas, Ken Bupp, Jesse Berdinka, Josh Rice, Larry Campbell and Jack Rice. The Committee meets monthly to review the status of pending land preservation applications as well as to process and prioritize new applications. Almost every month, there is at least one new parcel to evaluate and prioritize. The Committee maintains its contact with property owners who own highly ranked parcels and have expressed interest in preserving their land. During 2011, the Board of Supervisors and the Land Preservation Advisory Committee were successful in preserving parcels significant to Bedminster’s agricultural heritage. Easement purchases were completed to preserve two important properties totaling over 90 acres. The Anita Meyers (27.6 acres on Smith School Road at Scott Road) and Elsie Britt (62.4 acres on Irish Meetinghouse Road at Hill Road) properties were preserved this year. Additionally, the 135 acre Bowman farm that stretches between Hill Road and Creamery Road is now under agreement of sale with both Bucks County and the Township to insure protection of this beautiful farm in the center of the Township adjacent to other preserved properties. With the easements acquired in 2011, it is estimated that almost 6,800 acres of the Township are preserved through formal conservation easements or protected as park land owned by the Township, the County or the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This constitutes nearly 34% of the Township’s total land area. The Township continues to partner with the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy to assess and critique possible preservation properties, insure proper pre-closing procedures and diligently monitor properties already legally preserved. In April 2011, the Township and Conservancy co-sponsored a successful regional open space round table to share information and discuss various program procedures with other municipal representatives from Upper Bucks County. Financing the Open Space Program The Township’s Land preservation program has been funded in large part by $7,500,000 in voter approved referenda dating back to 1999. The remaining balance of these voter approved funds will likely be spent during the coming year as the Township continues its efforts to secure easements on large farms with important agricultural features. Additionally, the Township receives annual dedicated open space revenue provided through a voter-approved real estate tax levy (2.5 mils), and 0.25% earned income tax assessment. Much of these annual income sources are now dedicated to pay required debt service on the Township’s open space financial obligations. The Township continues to work closely with the Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation Program and the Bucks County Open Space Program to coordinate acquisition efforts and to utilize state or county funding when appropriate.  John T. Terry, Bedminster Township Manager

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Plumstead Township Land Preservation Report 2011

Phillips Mill Road and a wooded riparian area on both sides of the Primrose Creek. Preservation of the Berlinger family farm on Saw Mill Road was secured with a conservation easement coheld with BRLC. Located on a major scenic road, the 63.32-acre property is a very important one to protect for its scenic quality and prime agricultural soils that support productive crop fields. The property is adjacent to another eased property secured the prior year. The Land Preservation Committee (LPC) members are very actively involved in the various program components, setting policy and taking leading roles in the projects while serving as property representatives or liaisons between the landowner and officials. Karl Pettit served as Chair, Stan Marcus as Vice-Chair, and Malcolm Crooks, Christine Hafner, Ralph O’Banion, Jan Ubel, Phil Johnson and Charlotte Zanadikas, continued as members. Bob Heath, Jr. served as Board of Supervisor liaison, providing an effective means for communication and coordination of the preservation program by the two agencies. A key to the success of the land preservation program continues to be the commitment of its citizens to the protection of the natural and agricultural resources in Solebury. Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy serves as grantee on all new easements and continues to be a very responsive, dedicated organization of vital assistance to the township program.

Plumstead Township is pleased to announce that in 2011, three conservation easements, totaling approximately one-hundred and eight acres, were purchased. The largest of these is the Magill Property. Located south of Twin Silo Road, west of McNeil Road and east of Ridgeview Road, the property is a mix of woodlands, pastures, fields, and lawn surrounding a centrally located historic farmstead, with views that have changed little in over a century. The property’s woodlands, riparian lands, and improvements all play an important role in the quality of surface waters and the health of aquatic habitats in the Paunacussing Creek watershed. The Wild and Scenic River corridor extends approximately one quarter mile from the Paunacussing Creek and covers approximately eight-hundred feet of the southwestern portion of the Magill property. A twenty-seven acre conservation easement, purchased from the Hellerick family, protects the Hellerick Farm from non-agricultural development. The property, located at 5500 Easton Road (Rte. 611), contains open space, agricultural and hydrologic resources targeted for priority protection efforts. The easement advances the following resource goals of Plumstead Township’s Open Space Plan: to preserve and protect farmland and agricultural resources, to establish greenway linkages between parcels of open space, and to preserve scenic resources which contribute to the Township’s rural character. A conservation easement was also purchased for the Mandes property. Located on the east side of Wismer Road, north of the intersection with Stump Road, the seven-acre property is a mix of fields, grasslands, lawn, shrublands, hedgerows and woodlands. The purpose of the easement is to assure that the property will be retained forever in its natural, scenic, agricultural and open space condition, and to prevent any use of the property that will interfere with its status and value as a conserved property. The goal of Plumstead Township’s land preservation program is to maintain open space throughout the Township for agriculture, parks, and the protection of natural resources. Through Open Space bond referendums the Township has been able to ensure that its rural nature, which our residents value so much, will be saved for future generations. We are grateful for these three property owners’ commitment to land preservation, as well.



 Jean Weiss, Solebury Township Land Preservation Administrator

Memorial Fund The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy maintains a separate “memorial fund’ and accepts donations made in memory of a deceased loved one or friend. The fund is permanently associated with a list of the names for whom memorial contributions were made. With the establishment of a memorial fund, the BRLC will run a memorial ad in the subsequent issue of The Conservator. Each current memorial fund donor will receive a complimentary copy of that issue, and then be removed from the mailing list, unless they request otherwise. When money from the fund is used for a special purpose consistent with land preservation efforts, the fund will be recognized along with the list of memorial names. Thus, the fund is a thoughtful way to memorialize a loved one who had a particular interest in the area and enjoyed our area’s beauty and natural resources. People may contact the BRLC about contributing to the fund by leaving a message via voice mail or our website. You do not have to be a member to recommend memorial contributions be made to the BRLC. The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy is a 501C(3) corporation, whose mission is preserving the rural character and heritage of our area. All donations are taxdeductible. 

 Carolyn McCreary Plumstead Township Manager

Solebury Township Land Preservation Report 2011 This year two properties totaling 83 acres were placed under conservation easements, and three new projects totaling 155 acres were initiated. To date, 67 properties comprising 3032 acres have been preserved through the Solebury Township’s program. When this acreage is combined with lands protected by private land conservancies and public agencies, the total of land protected is well over one-third of Solebury Township - a very significant accomplishment. The Magill property, located on the corner of Phillips Mill Road and School Lane was preserved. Originally two separate 10-acre parcels, the property was combined and cannot be further subdivided. The Magill conservation easement coheld with Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy (BRLC) now protects the 20 acres, comprised of horse pastures, scenic views along

In Memory of Rudy (Joseph) Clark On behalf of friends and family in honor of his land preservation commitment. ~5~

FARM ✧ GARDEN ✧ HABITAT Support Your Local Farmers

Land Stewardship Notes

Moyer’s Village Farm in Dublin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-249-3616 183 N. Main Street, Dublin Hay and straw, express wagons, garden furniture. Trauger’s Farm Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 610-847-5702 Route 611 (across the canal) Kintnersville Winter - pumpkins, open for dairy produce, their own eggs, candy, jellies, fruit & gift baskets, flowers. Phone orders for freezing. Market open all year round. Dean Overholt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-766-0534 311 Irish Meetinghouse Rd., Bedminster Twp. Boards and trains horses in a state-of-the-art horse farm, hay. Penn Vermont Fruit Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-795-2475 Rolling Hills Road, Bedminster Twp. Spring - strawberries, raspberries (pick your own). • Summer Corn, tomatoes, variety of fresh fruit and vegetables • Fall - apples, pears, cider, pumpkins, variety of squash, honey, maple syrup. AGA Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-795-0660 1333 Elephant Road, Bedminster Twp. Fall - pumpkins, corn maze, hay rides • Winter - Christmas trees • Spring - B&B evergreens and shade trees. • Now available for field restoration - reclaiming abandoned farmland with a powerful new machine - a combination of huge brushhog and rototiller that opens the soil while grinding above ground. James and Gail Crooke   Windybush Hay Farms . . . . . . . . 215-766-2865 • 215-669-8545 108 Irish Meeting House Road, Bedminster Twp. Hay, straw, Easter lambs. Manure, triple-ground mulch, mushroom soil. Babydoll Sheep Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-453-9164 1385 Elephant Rd., Bedminster Twp. www.babydollsheepfarm.com • Baby doll sheep for sale as pets. Hellerick’s Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-766-8388 5500 Easton Rd. (Rt. 611 S. of Plumsteadville) Spring - strawberries. (Pick your own) • Fall - Pumpkin Festival. Mark Schmidt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-795-2591 Deer Run Road, Bedminster Twp. • Hay and straw. Glenn Wismer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-766-0675 87 Log Cabin Road, Bedminster Twp. • Hay and straw. Matt Kanagy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-527-2370 235 Smith School Road, Bedminster Twp. • Hay. Myerov Family Farm Market & CSA. . . . . . . . . . . . 215-249-3145 306 Elephant Rd. - 1 mile north of 313, Bedminster Twp. Tomatoes, fancy salad mix, fragrant herbs and other produce. Bedminster Orchard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215-795-0303 1024 Kellers Church Rd. Bedminster Twp. Spring - (Pick your own) strawberries, Summer - peaches, watermelons, cantaloupes, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, eggplants, Fall- 15 varieties of apples, pumpkins, all fruit and vegetables grown on farm. Plumsteadville Grange Farmers Market • 5917 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611) Next to Plumsteadville Grange Hall. June through Oct. Saturday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Ottsville Farmers Market • Linden Hill Gardens 8230 Easton Rd. (Rt. 611). April 29th - Oct. Fridays 4 to 8 pm NEW! Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Myerov Farm Members receive weekly share of produce. ************************************************ Any local farmer wishing to be listed here should call 215-795-2352 and leave a message. This service is free!

Support, and Thank, Our Local Farmers The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy wishes to acknowledge all the farmers who grow and harvest the crops on preserved lands! Whether they are the landowners or the farmers who lease the land, we appreciate the stewardship and care these farmers provide to these important properties!

Rosa Multiflora & a Beneficial Virus “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” — Juliet, in William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” In late May and early June, you can smell the fragrance of Rosa multiflora wafting on the late afternoon air. But, say the name multiflora rose to anyone who has a garden, pasture or crop land, and they will not say this is a sweet name! It is one of the nonnative, invasive plants that has been a problem in our area. Multiflora rose grows readily in fertile, well-drained moist uplands and bottomlands. It is a hardy plant, and can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, from shade to sun, and damp to dry conditions. However, it does not grow well in standing water. It is often rampant in hedgerows. Introduced in the east from Japan in the late 1800’s, it was originally planted in gardens for ornamental purposes. In the 1930’s, the U.S. Soil Conservation Service promoted planting multiflora rose for soil erosion projects. It was also considered to have wildlife benefits since it was considered a “living hedgerow.” Former BRLC board member Barbara Thomas recalls that plants were handed out by the Game Commission. Even as recently as the late 1960’s, cuttings were distributed to property owners by state conservation services. Methods to control this thorny invasive include mowing on a repeated basis, over several years. To protect ground-nesting wildlife, the BRLC recommends no mowing between mid-March and mid-July. Hand-removal, which involves digging and pulling individual plants from the ground can be a major undertaking. A new tool, called a “Weed Wedge” can facilitate the process. In our area, a virus known as rose rosette disease (RRD) has been spreading slowly. You will know a plant has the virus by noting that the leaf growth is stunted and is redder than on other plants. Good news: multiflora rose plants infected with RRD usually die within two years. Although RRD may not eradicate multiflora rose completely, it may help reduce this invasive plant over the long run. According to the PennState Extension Service, another biological or natural control for multiflora rose is having goats or sheep eat the plants: if you have the adequate facilities and if managed properly, goats and sheep reportedly can help control multiflora rose. cont. on page 8

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FARM ✧ GARDEN ✧ HABITAT Preservation Perspectives

preserved lands and the Carriage Hill subdivision now under construction. The Hirst family operates Highland Hill nursery with a retail operation nearby on Rte 313. The BRLC will conduct the monitoring of this easement.

In 2011, the BRLC partnered in the preservation of four properties with conservation easements on 175 acres. A brief summary of the two easements coheld with Bedminster Township, and two easements coheld with Solebury Township follows. The BRLC will be monitoring a recently preserved property in Plumstead Township.

Solebury: The 20-acre Magill farm comprises scenic views along Phillips Mill Road with historic barns, pastures and riparian woods surrounding Primrose Creek. Originally two parcels, the conservation easement prohibits any future subdivision of the farm. The preservation of this property marked the BRLC’s 100th easement. Upon placing the easement, Helene Magill stated, “In 1968, I came to Bucks County for the first time to look at a horse, and fell in love with Bucks County. I loved the feeling of the area, with its history and the old stone houses and barns. I am pleased to do something that helps to keep that character for our community.”

Bedminster: The 30-acre Meyers farm, located on Smith School Road near Scott Road includes two parcels. The property’s 21 acres of prime agricultural soils, active cropland, a forested area, and a small wet meadow are protected by the easement. Located adjacent to 54 acres of protected open space containing an existing community pathway, which links a Proposed Trail Route along Smith School Road in front of the Meyers property to a dedicated Trail Easement along Scott Road. The Britt farm comprises 62 acres on two parcels divided by Meadow Lane. Both parcels include moderate to steep slopes and offer scenic views of open farmland on rolling hillside along Irish Meetinghouse and Hill Roads. Deep Run Creek runs parallel with Meadow Lane in a wooded riparian area. Having previously been a dairy farm, the Britt farm is primarily agricultural land, with prime agricultural soils that currently support active cropland.

Plumstead: The Hirst Family Trust granted an easement on 35 acres of land on Ferry Road, protecting open scenic views, several small tributaries and an active landscape nursery. The property is highly visible along nearly a half-mile of public road frontage offering scenic views of fields, hedgerows and the riparian woods. The conservation easement protects land in close proximity to other

The 63-acre Berlinger property, located on Sawmill Road, is contiguous with several other preserved farmlands. The property includes scenic views, a wetland area and tributary to the Paunacussing Creek, and woodlands protected by the easement. The Berlinger property includes historic barns and ruins and landscaped grounds in addition to pastures for horses. We extend our appreciation to all these landowners for placing their lands under conservation easements and congratulate the townships for their continuing successful land preservation programs!  Barbara Drew

Antique quilt Raffle! Raffle ticket - $5 per chance, 3 for $10 Antique coverlet, hand-quilted from the 1950's, with multi-colored (pastels) log cabin pattern, 84" x 71", in excellent condition. Benefits BRLC land preservation programs.

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FARM ✧ GARDEN ✧ HABITAT Made in America: Our 2011 Traditional Artisan Show

Artisans Raffle: Win-Win-Win Situation! In 2011, three artisans generously donated their beautifully hand-crafted items to benefit the BRLC. Based on the popularity of our prior year’s artisan raffle, these three artisans enthusiastically supported this fundraising effort by expanding the raffle to include their three special items. Ticket sales started at the BRLC Annual Meeting in April and were offered at other BRLC events, ending at the Barn Festival on October 16th. The 6’ x 8’ hand-painted checkerboard pattern floor cloth, made and donated by Michele Hollick, was won by Betsey King of Newtown. A special edition redware jug with a farming theme to commemorate the BRLC was donated by Greg Shooner, Shooner Redware and won by Mimi Chronister of Dover, Delaware.

The annual 2011 BRLC Traditional Artisan Show was held on September 11-12th, 2011 at the Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS). The event showcased the traditional artwork of more than 40 artisans from many places including Indiana, North Carolina, all of the Northeast USA and Ottawa, Canada. We saw a lot of smiles accompanying those armloads of purchases as customers hurried out to their cars and returned to continue to explore their shopping opportunities. The mood was upbeat and inviting as artisans explained and demonstrated each type of artwork to interested visitors. In this age of mega department stores and the internet, there are fewer craft people learning and practicing these traditional decorative art forms. We are all heartened when we see young people interested in learning how a pewter mug, or a Queen Anne desk, or a decoy is made - by hand. Yes, made by hand and in America! To see what you missed, take a stroll through our website www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org (Calendar, past events). Thanks to the many capable volunteers it took to host this high-quality, juried craft show, our customers were able to return to the much anticipated annual event. And, thanks to the welcoming, ever-helpful staff and faculty of UBCTS, not only did our artisan friends benefit from the event, but the students had the opportunity to show off their fine work to the public. By show’s end, the student’s cabinetry pieces were sold out! Michael Kennedy, Cabinetmaking Teacher at UBCTS remarked on the many positive experiences, stating that “For the students to be able to showcase their work alongside some of the finest woodworkers in America is quite an honor. This opportunity not only boosts student confidence in what they are learning but it helps them to raise money for our educational trip to Colonial Williamsburg.” He also thanked all the Artisans who gave of their time to talk to the students about their craft. Michael praised the Artisans and stated, “I heard nothing but positive things from the students about what they learned from the Artisans. Participation in the show was also very helpful to the Horticulture students and the Skills USA Club members, who were able to raise much needed funds by selling plants and food throughout the show.” Our thanks go out to everyone who participated and supported this event (see complete list on page 16). Chubby’s Dairy Barn donated ice cream and Early American Life Magazine along with First Savings Bank of Perkasie, BC Design and Bucks County Soapstone sponsored the event. Put the BRLC’s 7th Traditional Artisan Show on your calendar for September 15th and 16th, 2012! Your support allows YOUR conservancy, the BRLC, to continue to preserve and protect open space, natural resources and agricultural heritage throughout the upper Bucks County area.  Eve Marschark President

The tiger maple wall clock donated by Len and Eve Marschark, 18th Century Clocks, was won by Freda Schopfer of Bedminster. All three winners were so thrilled; when called you could hear their cries of excitement over the phone! BRLC is grateful for the generosity of these artisans and all who supported the raffle. ROSA MULTIFLORA (cont. from p.6)

Herbicides are another option and require careful consideration near crops and water resources. Please consult professionals for options and application methodology. Follow-up maintenance practices are a must for long-term control. For more information on multiflora rose and its management refer to the publication Agronomy Facts 46: Multiflora Rose Management in Grass Pastures. A copy can be obtained through your local county extension office or online at http://pubs.cas. psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uc117.pdf. For more info on the plant and control measures, contact Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, (215) 862-2924; www.bhwp.org.  Barbara Drew

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FARM ✧ GARDEN ✧ HABITAT Barn Festival: Celebrating Autumn Harvest

Vargo Dragway Car Show Revs Up the Fall Fun!

Competition, fall fascinators, antique quilts, beautiful jewelry, jazz, refreshments and sunshine shared the stage at the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy (BRLC) Barn Festival Sunday, October 16, 2011, at the beautiful barn and farm of hosts Trish and Don Wolfe. Benefiting the BRLC and attracting more than 150 children of all ages, the festival ensured that a happy day was had by all. Some attended the BRLC’s Barn Festival to win prizes, find treasure, paint pumpkins and cookies; others came for presentations to learn how to knit, tat, spin, or tie some flies for fishing. Visitors enjoyed the fall day by making wine or fall fascinators (jewelry), smoking and then eating salmon, and enjoying the refreshments that included popcorn, homemade soups and freshly baked cornbread. Jill & Harlan Howard expertly smoked the salmon, while Kathy Martin-Jensen provided tasty sandwiches and Carl Martin dished delicious home-made ice cream. Adding to the festivities, wine making was described by Don Moss. From children’s activities led by Ron and Colleen Wurz and Patrick Mason, to fly-tying and fly-fishing demos by Don Wolfe there was something for everyone. Textile craft demonstrations ranged from tatting demos by Pat Worthington, to knitting by Melissa Dupuis. In addition, Natalie & Grace Carabetta demonstrated their Drop Spindle skills. At noon, the Mitchell Cheng Quartet set the mood with live music featuring “jazz standards played with a deep groove and stylistic flavor as well as beautiful original compositions,” according to their own description. At 1 p.m., the music became a nice background for judging and eating the pies, and the band continued to play throughout the afternoon, providing entertainment for all.

Cars, trucks, even modified hearses were there for the viewing at the Vargo Dragway Annual Fall Car Show November 5, 2011. Organized by Dan Devery of AGA Farms, and held at his family farm which includes the original drag strip, the event benefited the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy (BRLC) and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 610. Volunteers from BRLC’s Fund-raising Committee assisted with the event coordination and enjoyed the enthusiastic and energetic help of BSA Troop 610 on a beautiful fall day at the farm. Artists, photographers, car enthusiasts, and some of the original race drivers, as well as supporters of the BRLC and scouts, came from near and far to revel in the cars of the past.

Some of the original dragsters that raced at Vargo Dragway were on display at AGA Farms. Mark your calendars for the next Vargo Dragway Annual Car Show, for Saturday, November 3, 2012, 8 am to 3 pm, set on the old dragstrip on the grounds of preserved land, AGA Farms, Elephant Rd., Bedminster.

apple pies. Following the judging, pies paired with homemade ice cream were served to everyone hovering around the pie table. There was nearly a sweep in the Cookie Contest with Judy Harcher of Quakertown taking first place with cranberry-almond biscotti and third place, with macadamia nut-white chocolate chip. Karen Baranowski, of Warminster won second place with “Tea Time Tassies.” All the bakers wore their banners and medals proudly throughout the day. At 3 p.m. the long-awaited drawing for the Artisans’ Raffle took place, to the delight of three lucky winners! (See related article, p.8) Glamorous women and young girls, leaving the event stylishly, displayed Kady’s Fall Fascinators assisted by Kady Dalrymple & Charlotte Neuville, and Victoria Brown’s beautiful ribbon embroidery bracelets and other handmade jewelry accessories. Celebrating the autumn harvest bounty straight from the farm, and raising awareness of the important work of the BRLC, was the goal of this community event. The many smiles filling the late afternoon as people reluctantly parted made for an unqualified success. We thank all who contributed contest entries or sponsored activities!  Bernadette Schaffhausen for the Fund-raising Committee

Some contestants flew in for the Apple Pie Contest: the top prize was captured by Kathy Jensen, Las Vegas, Nevada; second place Emma Woehr, Revere; and third place, Nancy Clark, Bedminster. The judges were winners as well, tasting all 10 pies. A miscommunication brought in one chocolate cream pie, (was that really an accident?) and no one missed a beat in making short work of that along with all the fragrant, beautiful and delicious

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FARM ✧ GARDEN ✧ HABITAT Sneak Preview: Save the Date for Our June 24th Garden Tour!

Farm Fresh Recipe Corner

The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy’s (BRLC) 14th Annual Garden Tour promises new excitement as you explore and experience private gardens. Ponds, pools, and patio pots are the theme for this year’s tour. See how private yards can be transformed into a garden oasis for relaxing in your own “vacation spot.” Discount tickets, $15.00, will be sold at the BRLC’s Annual Meeting, Wed. April 11th, 7:30 pm Presbyterian Church at Deep Run. Tickets will be available at $18 at Dublin Agway, Earthkeepers at Roger’s, Doylestown Bookshop, Linden Hill Gardens in Ottsville, and Chubby's Dairy Barn in Plumsteadville. Tickets may also be purchased through the BRLC website up to several days in advance. Tour day tickets are $20.00, still a bargain – we are able to continue to offer tickets at this value, made possible through the generous support of our business sponsors. What a great Easter or Mothers’ day gift! The garden tour, organized by the BRLC’s Fund-raising Committee, benefits the BRLC’s land preservation program. For information, visit www.bedminsterlandconservancy. org, or call 215-795-2352. 

Cucumber Recipe Courtesy of Barbara Drew Be sure to pick up fresh produce from your local farm! Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day – just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc. Tip for gardeners: If you have grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds, place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive away garden pests. Try this 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel: Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won't leave streaks (and won't harm you fingers or fingernails) while you clean.

2012 Traditional Artisans Show Saturday, September 15th from 10-5 PM Sunday, September 16th from 10-4 PM Upper Bucks County Technical School 3115 Ridge Road Perkasie, PA 18944 Admission price: $8 per person Proceeds benefit the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy

Contact info: (215) 795-0375 www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org

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“We are a part of everything that is beneath us, above us, and around us. Our past is our present, our present is our future, and our future is seven generations past and present.” - Haudenosaunee teaching quoted in Winona LaDuke’s, All Our Relations (1999)

You must see for yourself the fine work being done today by the best traditional artisans in the country. High-quality, handmade furniture, pottery, oil, watercolor, Fraktur, & theorem paintings, floorcloths, miniature quilts, painted furniture, Shaker boxes, animal carvings (Chris Murray, wildlife carver shown) and more by over 40 nationally recognized craftsmen and artists from 12 states. Come early! One-of-a-kind pieces go quickly!

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* LEGISLATION & NEWS OF OUR REGION AND BEYOND * The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy strives to keep our members aware of changing legislation as well as the availability of resources related to land preservation and conservation. It is important that our members also take time to express their thoughts to our politicians and stay aware of how they vote.  Barbara Drew

NATIONAL: Agriculture, Summer 2011 Crop Relief: Farm operators in Bucks County are eligible to be considered for financial assistance from the federal Farm Service Agency (FSA). In November, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Secretarial Disaster Designation in light of the destruction to crops from excessive rain, wind and drought during the period of June 1 through August 20, 2011. Assistance includes FSA emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE). Check with the local FSA for SURE and loan application procedures: 215-453-9527, at the USDA office, 1000 E. Walnut Street, Building 700, Perkasie, PA 18944. Farming: A new program run by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency, “Beginning Farmer Land Contract Program,” reduces the financial risk for retiring farmers who sell their farm land to a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, by providing a federal guarantee of three years of “prompt payments.” Contact info for USDA as above. Federal Funding for Conservation and Farm Programs: The Agriculture Committees will start a new Farm Bill process this year. Congress did agree to essentially level funding for the agricultural conservation easement programs. Let your legislators know that conservation is an important investment -- just 1.26% of the federal budget that helps to support 9.4 million jobs and over $1 trillion in economic activity, according to a new study. Overall, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) will increase by $21.9 million, to $322.9 million. The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) will increase slightly to $53.4 million, a vast improvement from the $3 million proposed in the House bill. Negotiations for the next budget began in February, so now is the time to tell your legislators which federal programs you rely on and how they benefit your community. Learn more at: www.lta.org/conservationfunding Forests: Today, the total forest cover in the U.S. is only about 70 percent of what it was before European colonization: 746 million acres, down from 1.04 billion, according to the U.S. Forest Service. In addition to some forests lacking diversity or second-generation growth, many forested lands are now fragmented. All of these factors affect wildlife habitat and forest sustainability. To remain healthy, forests need to be buffered by protected or undeveloped land. Forest cover has declined by only 1.5 percent in the past century, thanks to government rules, improved stewardship, and the reversion of marginal farmland to forest. There has been an increase in the number of forest reserves in parks and wilderness areas; however, 93 percent of U.S. forestland isn't permanently protected by federal law. Mercury & Air Quality: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the landmark Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, requiring outdated coalfired power plants to clean up, change fuels, or shut down. These important new rules will slash toxic pollution of mercury, arsenic and other power plants pollutants that can cause death and a wide range of health problems including brain damage and developmental disorders in children. EPA estimates that the rule will prevent thousands of premature deaths and 130,000 asthma attacks per year, with the estimated annual economic value of air quality improvements for health running in the tens of billions of dollars.

the Keystone Fund. In 2011-12, Keystone supported approximately $9.5M in community parks and recreation projects, $3.8M in land trust projects and $11.4M in state park and forest rehabilitation. Governor Corbett's proposed 2012-13 budget eliminated all conservation and recreation funding by redirecting the Keystone funding to the General Fund. This means a loss of roughly $25M for conservation in 2012-13 alone. (Keystone funding for libraries and historic preservation would remain intact for now.) Gas Drilling: Marcellus shale legislation – After three years of debate, compromise legislation was passed and signed by the Governor to establish a local impact fee on natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale. The fee (1.5%) would fluctuate with the price of natural gas, and starting in 2013, the rate of inflation. The legislation provides that 60 percent of the fees go towards localities directly affected by drilling, for road repair, etc. The remaining fees go towards statewide projects including recreational and open space projects. Drilling would be allowed in residential areas (overriding local municipal zoning) however, municipalities could apply zoning restrictions as they do to other industries for aspects of the industry – such as lighting and noise. Protection for water quality include increasing the well-setback distance from 100 feet to 300 feet for streams, rivers, ponds and other water bodies, and from 200 feet to 500 feet from buildings and private water wells and to 1,000 feet for public drinking water systems. Counties may also enact their own fee. Farmland Preservation: Currently, $20.485 million from the cigarette tax is directed annually to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund (ACEP), which helps preserve Pennsylvania farmland. The cigarette tax is an excise tax on the sale or possession of cigarettes and little cigars in PA. The Governor's budget proposal calls for elimination of the transfer to the ACEP fund for 2012-13 and after.

BUCKS COUNTY & REGIONAL: Watershed improvement: The PA Dept. of Environmental Management approved a $293,900 grant to the Bucks County Conservation District for Core Creek/Lake Luxembourg watershed improvements. Green Buildings: The Philadelphia City Council this week unanimously approved a new zoning code with key sustainability elements to help Philadelphia protect its parks, encourage development near transit stops, provide incentives for green buildings, promote farmer's markets and urban gardens, and make it easier for citizens to shape the future of their neighborhoods.

STATE: Farm Mapping & Nutrient Management: Penn State Cooperative Extension now has an online software tool called PAOneStop that allows farmers to map their fields and helps with compliance on nutrient management and nutrient balance sheet regulations. The site displays recent satellite photos to view practices that are being implemented on the farm. The PAOneStop program is free of charge and does not require users to add new software. For more info: www.PAOneStop.org Open Space Funding: Since 1993, the Keystone Fund, a state-budgeted funding program, has helped communities achieve tremendous and lasting conservation, recreational and economic benefits for the people of the Commonwealth. The Keystone Fund has also supported thousands of community park development projects including athletic fields, community centers, playgrounds and pools. Hundreds of miles of recreational trails have been built with Keystone funding. Tens of thousands of acres of community open space, wildlife habitat, state forests and parks are forever protected and available for public enjoyment because of

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Your Opinion Is Important! Please contact your federal and state representatives to make your concerns or support for legislative issues heard. Your voice is important. Your actions can make a difference in saving our communities. Senator Robert Casey, 2000 Market St., Suite 1870 Philadelphia, PA 19103, 215-405-9660 Email: www.casey.sen.gov Senator Pat Toomey, 600 Arch Street, Suite 9400 Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-597-7200 Email: www.toomey.senate.gov Congressman Michael G. Fitzpatrick 1717 Langhorne Newtown Rd. Suite 400, Langhorne, PA 19047, 215- 579-8102 Email: Fitzpatrick.House.gov Senator Charles McIlhinney, 22 So. Main Street, Suite 220 Doylestown, PA 18901, 215-489-5000 Email: [email protected] Representative Bernard O’Neill, 210 West Street Rd., Warminster, PA 18974, 215-441-2624  Email: [email protected]            Representative Marguerite Quinn, 1032 N. Easton Road Doylestown, PA 18901, 215-489-2126 Email: [email protected]

EAST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP 215-257-5167 215-257-9156 Fax 215-257-1299 1622 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA 18944 [email protected]

(215) 249-1981

KEYSTONE MUNICIPAL ENGINEERING, INC. 123 NORTH MAIN STREET DUBLIN, PA 18917

Ph: 267-867-1021  Fax: 267-867-1022 Thomas J. Fountain, P.E. President Municipal Consulting Excellent Engineering Results. Expect Nothing Less.

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Expanded Federal Tax Incentive for Conservation Pending

Adopt a Highway Nets Many Bags!

The expanded benefits for federal tax deductions for charitable conservation contributions by landowners expired in December, 2011, and the law reverted back to prior allowances for deductions. The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy continues to work with the land trust community to assure that high standards are maintained so that Congress will support reestablishing this important tax incentive for conservation and making it a permanent measure. Recently, Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-PA) announced that there are 300 House co-sponsors—a majority of Republicans and Democrats—for a bill that proposes to make the enhanced tax incentives permanent. It is a testament to the strength and importance of our land trust community that land conservation is something upon which so many in Congress agree. The expanded benefits would help landowners receive a significant federal tax benefit for donating the value of a conservation easement. The benefit also applies to partial donations or “bargain sales” where part of the easement value is purchased (for example, through the county or municipal preservation programs) and the remaining value is donated to the easement holder. The original benefits for tax deductions for charitable gifts of conservation are once again in effect. The enhanced benefits being considered now in Congress would:  Raise the maximum deduction you can take for donating a voluntary conservation agreement from the current 30% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to 50%;   Increase the number of years over which you can take deductions from the current 6 years to 16 years; and   Allow you to deduct up to 100% of your AGI, if you qualify as a farmer or rancher. These new incentives make it easier for average Americans, including working family farmers, to donate the development rights through an easement on their land. These changes allow many modest income landowners to deduct much more than they could under the old rules, bringing increased fairness to the tax code. If you have been considering preserving your land, we hope that you will contact us, as well as your legislators about the pending enhanced tax benefits. As always, it is required to have the value of the conservation easement established by a qualified, certified appraiser. Also, it is recommended that you consult a financial/tax advisor if you decide to proceed. Contact the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy if you are at all interested and would like to learn more about the process and IRS qualification standards. We will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail or answer any questions you may have about land preservation.  Barbara Drew

The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy (BRLC) has recently adopted a two mile stretch of Route 413 as part of PennDOT’s Adopt a Highway campaign. In October, two teams of three volunteers from the conservancy, each dressed with orange vests and armed with gloves and plastic trash bags, picked up litter along both sides of Route 413 between Point Pleasant Pike and Groveland Road. The BRLC filled 17 bags of trash as well as large items such as tires, buckets and plastic siding. BRLC President Eve Marschark stated that “The BRLC is pleased to be doing this kind of service for the community. It is symbolic of our commitment to protect and preserve open space by actively caring for our scenic byways.” BRLC Board member Donna Shaw, who organized the cleanup, reported that the next pickup will be Friday April 13, 2012 and all are invited to pitch in! Contact the BRLC at 215-795-2352 if you would like to help. 

Inspired by Senator Gaylord Nelson’s call for an environmental teach-in, the first national Earth Day was held April 22, 1970, and has been celebrated ever since, sometimes as Earth Week. In 2000, an estimated 184 countries held formal Earth Day celebrations.

Jerry Fritz Garden Design, Inc. P.O. Box 10

Ottsville, PA 18942 Tel: 610-874-1300

LLC 5660 WISMER ROAD PIPERSVILLE, PA 18947 215•766•7776 FAX 215•766•2239 CELL: 267•446•0811

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“The human race is challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery, not over nature, but of ourselves.”

KEN CHWAL TURF ESTABLISHMENT EROSION CONTROL STRAW MULCHING FINE GRADING

- Rachel Carson, Native of Pennsylvania, Author of Silent Spring, (1907-1964) ~ 13 ~

Route 611

Fax: 610-847-1324 www.jerryfritzgardendesign.com

Phone: 215-766-7000 Fax: 215-766-8777

5990 Potter’s Lane Pipersville, PA 18947

CONSERVATION RESOURCES A

D I V I S I O N

O F

K E N

C H W A L

H Y D R O S E E D I N G

LLC

TURF & EROSION CONTROL PRODUCTS Heide Chwal President

PATRICIA H. SIWERT Tax collector 3505 Fretz Valley Road Ottsville, PA 18942 (215) 795-0287 (215) 795-2296 FAX (215) 795-2675

Your Ad Here!

1166 Elephant Rd. Perkasie, PA 18944

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Members of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy 2011 We greatly appreciate our members and their support! We have started our membership drive for 2012. If you are a member, we hope that you renew early, and thank you if you have already done so! If you just joined for the first time in 2011 or in Jan 2012, you are in our records as a new member and are marked below with a # - Welcome, and thank you! If you are not a member, please join us and help us preserve the rural lifestyle, farmland and scenic beauty of this area! Our annual membership fees are very reasonable, starting at just $15 for Seniors and Students. Our current membership categories are listed on page 17. Several members have joined as Benefactors with lifetime membership. Membership contributions are tax-deductible. BRLC is a 501 C-3 organization, registered with the IRS and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Kathy & Peter Achorn # Genevra & Rick Allen Rick & Kathi Angello Anonymous Rich & Kathi Atkinson Kathleen Augustine Jeffrey & Noelle Barford Stanley Barker Paul Barnes & Paul Secraw # Kevin and Andrea Bateman Gib & Wendy Battisti Richard & Jeanette Baum Edward Bazinet Molly Beck & Chris Golding Joe Berardi Glenn Bergenfield Janet Borowy # Dr. & Mrs. Malcolm Borthwick Maureen Boyle Corcoran # Audrey Bostwick * Douglas H. Brangs Abby Brooks R. Porter Brooks Thomas & Carol Brubaker Dr. John & Beverly Bryan Elmer & Joye Bryan Warren & Lois Buckman Peggy & Anthony Cataldi Anthony & Colleen Cerino Albert T. Chadwick* Ellen Chapman & Michael Moss Joseph Chiesa Rudy & Nancy Clark Lake S. Clemmer Georgiana Coles Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Cook Morgan & Nicole Cowperthwaite, III Sandra Cowperthwaite Anita Cox Martha Cramer James Crooke Malcolm & Elaine Crooks Mike & Kathy Dearborn # Lillian & Duane Deming # Al & Joann Desris Gerald & Catalina Detweiler Mr. & Mrs. Louis Dierking J. Greg Dougherty * David A. Downs & Ruthann Nagle # Barbara Drew Julia M. Duane

Alex & Kath Duckett # Mary Tiebout & Nato Evans Barbara Farmer Charles & Bernice Fees Richard Foggio & Robert Ferguson Philip & Regina Franchois Chris Frei Chris French * Bob & Marge Froman Peter & Catherine Getchell *# Bill & Sandy Goble * Susan Graybill Stephen R. Grossman Allan Gummo Tom, Anne & Kim Hanna Robert Hansen & Gary Westerfer Charles D. Healy Florence & Charles Henry Leroy & Kathleen Herstine Jay Hibbs # Lester High Charles Hoeflich * Robert & Barbara Holland Doris & Robert Holmquist Elfrieda Holzhauser Harlan & Jill Howard Peter & Kelly Jerrom # Pam Johnson # Phillip Johnson # Barry Kaplan Louise Kass Susan Jane Kern # Wendell & Alma Kinker Cheryl Klaus & Curtis R. Jensen * Frances Kocher Barbara Kolbe Walt & Mary Kozak Michael Krug & Ellen Miller Martie & Neil Kyde Anna & William Lambing Dr. & Mrs. L. Paul Lanctot John & Jill Landes # Jeff & Marie Landis # Dorothy L. & Lawrence T. Longacre Claire Lear # Charles Lebegern Karen Lien & Scott Hutchinson * Maurizio & Adriana LoPiccolo # Stephen Lowe Jeannette & Richard Lynch Norman A. MacArthur &

William J. Novak Eugene & Nancy Macur Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Malchiodi Leonard & Eve Marschark * Patrick Mason & Christina Reisinger John & Marda Mattox Jane & Ed McArdle, Jr. Frank & Ann McAuliffe Donald & Grace McClintock John & Carol McCullough * William & Grace McGowan Charles T. McIlhinney, Jr. Claude & Dorothy Mercier Harold & Lorraine Meyers * Jim & Colleen Michaels Don & Karen Moss Paul & Beverly Muller Ted Mullins* Dale & Brenda Myers Phyllis Myers Marita & Tom Nash Donald & Dolores Nice Scott Nicholas # Bryna Nieh # Ralph O'Banion Emily Jane & Thomas Oliver # Linda and Otto Ormosi Jeanne & Michael O’Shea Carol & Denis Palermo Vincent & Celia Pannepacker David & Judith Paulovic Jim & Mary Kay Petzold Mary L. Pierson Robb Platz & Diana Restifo Robert & Laurel Podraza Steven Prekup Lora & Stuart Preston Marguerite Quinn # Glenn & Susan Radcliffe Geoff & Maureen Raike Mr. and Mrs. Alex Rankin # Al & Karen Rauch Daryl W. & Brenda Rice Theo Kondos & Kevin Rice Willis M. Rivinus Bob & Ellen Roth Earl & Pat Ruckdeschel Mrs. Charles F. Rueger Dr. C. Dina Russell, VMD Joseph & Barbara Salvadore Lisa M. Sandler

Bernadette & Eric Schaffhausen Gilbert & Joan Schleiden Jim & Sue Schleiden Dorothy Schmidt Emil Schmidt Freda Schopfer William and Laurie Schutt Natalie & Clinton Searl John & Eileen Sedlock Don & Ellen Sharpe Charles & Donna Shaw Chris Shaw & Michelle Tan Hal & Janice Sheets Patricia & Owen Simmons Alan Miller & Randy Sklar # Robert & Carol Spanninger John & Linda Spiegel David & Marie Stone Ruth & Chris Stranick Jim & Kathy Streett # Carol & Gregg Strom # Tom & Libby Sumter John & Bonita Sylvester Buz & Janet Teacher John & Vicki Terry Barbara Thomas Dan & Barbara Todd * Robert & Kristine Toth Laura Ulrich Lily Vamos # Erol & Elisabeth Veznedaroglu Birgitta and I. H. von Zelowitz # John & Edna Walsh Joan Weber Carolyn & Drenning Weidman Barbara & Ken Weiss Hanne Wenger # Wayne Whitney Frederick Wiedman Dan Williams Regina & William Willoughby # Dale & Kathleen Wismer Glenn & Glenda Wismer Roger & Marcha Witt * Donald & Patricia Wolfe *# Walt & Jean Wurster Colleen & Ron Wurz * Marnie & Jan Yunger # John A. Ziesel Barbara Zietchick Ronald & Eileen Zoldy

* indicates lifetime membership category • # indicates new member for 2011 or 2012

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Business Members of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy 2011: Bedminster Associates, Paul Ventresca # Bee Bergvall & Co., Cynthia Bergvall, CPA BC Design, Brendan & Patt Riley Bernard S. Delin Furniture, Spence & Susan Delin Bucks County Alpacas LLC, Karin Giordana & Erica Tollini Bucks Country Gardens, LTD, Tom Hebel Chwal Hydro-Seeding, LLC, Heide & Ken Chwal Clemons Richter & Reiss, PC, Terry Clemons, Esq. Coach People, Angie Pincin Conservation Resources, Heide Chwal Cosenza Plumbing & Heating Daisy Gait Farm, Ivy Garfinkel & Ted Arnold Damon Derstine, Court Street Group at Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney David Froehlich, Salwyn Strasburg Real Estate David & Louann Zapicchi, Hobble Hill Farm # Dear Garden Associates, Inc. Dublin Agway/Wurster Farm & Garden, David & Walter Wurster E. Rockhill Township Elephant Sewing Works, Harry & Jennifer Dannehower III # First Savings Bank of Perkasie

Gene Sterner Grim, Biehn & Thatcher Harrow Farm, Randy Johnston Haycock Stables, Joann Moore James Jourdan, BSC Financial Services Jason Steich Overhead Doors Kenny Goldenberg Family, Pheasant Run Farm Kate Harper, Esq., Timoney Knox, LLP # Kirchhoff Landscape Nursery & Greenhouses Landis Agencies, Jeff Landis Laurie Ermentrout, MaryKay Consultant Liberty Hill Gardens, Denis Riling # Linden Hill Garden, Jerry Fritz Garden Design, Inc. Pat Siwert, Bedminster Township Tax Collector Pierce Heating & Cooling, Nevin P. Baltzerse # Quakertown National Bank # Quakertown Veterinary Clinic # Rudy’s Storage, Rudy & Nancy Clark Three Trees Foundation, Stuart & Janet Teacher Trees in Travel, Constance Hermann Zaveta Custom Homes, LLC, Rich Zaveta 21st Century Distributors, Tony Cataldi

Other Donors: AGA Farms, Dan & Marge Devery Barbara Thomas BC Design, Inc. Brendan & Patt Riley Bee Bergvall & Co. David Brill Landscaping

Donors to the Roger Witt and Rudy Clark Memorial Funds Michael P. Friezo Family Charitable Fund

Matching Companies for Volunteerism and Contributions: Johnson & Johnson Motorola Corp. Matching Program

Artisan Show Sponsors: AGA Farms BC Design Bucks County Soapstone Chubby's Dairy Barn Early American Life Magazine First Savings Bank of Perkasie Upper Bucks County Technical School 18th Century Clocks

Barns & Farms Festival Contributors & Sponsors: Carl Martin Don & Karen Moss Don & Trish Wolfe Jill & Harlan Howard Kady Dalrymple & Charlotte Neuville Kady’s Fall Fascinators Kathy Martin-Jensen, Peonies from Heaven

Melissa Dupuis Mitchell Cheng Quartet Natalie & Grace Carabetta Pat Worthington Patrick Mason Ron & Colleen Wurz Victoria Brown

Garden Tour Underwriting Sponsors: Addison Wolfe Real Estate Dear Garden Associates, Inc. Dublin Agway Capital Planning Advisory Group

Garden Tour Contributors & Sponsors: BC Design Inc. Bee, Bergvall & Company Bucks County Seafood Chubby’s Dairy Barn DaVinci Graphics Doylestown Bookshop Dublin Shop n Bag Earthkeepers at Rogers First Savings Banking Insurance & Investments Grim, Biehn, and Thatcher Gristies Antiques Heacock Lumber IQnection Internet Services La Campagna Ristorante

Larry F. Rakowsky, DMD, PC Laurie Ermentrout, Mary Kay Consultant Linden Hill Gardens Natalie Searl Parkside Orchid Nursery Piper Classics QNB Bank Trees in Travel, LLC This project was financed in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of PA Department of Community & Economic Development.

Please remember to join us in thanking the following businesses and individuals who made contributions to support our fund-raising events this year, listed alphabetically by first name:

We also thank the landowner hosts & hostesses who graciously open up their properties for the Barns & Farms Festival and Garden Tour: (respectively and in alphabetical order): Don and

Artisan Show Contributors: Artisan Raffle Donors ** Sponsoring Artisans:

Thanks to our Traditional Artisans Show Committee, Host Families and Volunteers: Len & Eve Marschark, Coordinators; Genevera

Andy Smith, Watercolor artist Annie Hayes, Rug hooker Bob & Kay Shaeff, Redware Chris Murray, Carved wildfowl D. Masters Kriebel, Painting Dan and Marlene Coble, Folk art painted furniture Debbie Hartwick, Sewn art Debbie Jarrett, Sawdust art Don Noyes, Carved folk birds Donna Weaver, Wax portraits Eric Fausnacht, Paintings of fowl Gail Princiotta, Traditional doilies Greg & Mary Shooner, Redware ** Heidi Howard, Sign maker & painter James Glynn, Tinsmith Joe DeLuca, Windsor reproductions Joyce Schaum, Basketmaker Karen Bilak, Redridge Quilts Larry & Paige Koosed, Folk Art Len & Eve Marschark, 18th Century Clocks ** Lynda Susan Hennigan, Seashell sailors’ valentines

Lynn Taylor, Fine pottery M. C. Daniels, Traditional painter Mack S. Headley & Sons, Traditional furniture MaryBeth Correy, Unique handwoven rugs Mary Michael Shelley, Carved folk paintings Michele Hollick, Floorcloth stenciling ** Nancy Rosier, Theorem painter Nancy Shelly, Papercutter Nick Vincent, Ironsmith PH Miller Studio, Framer & guilder Richard Graver, Pewtersmith Rolf & Judy Hofer, Windsor chairs Shaari Horowitz & Alistair Jones, Wooden painted bowls & furniture Susan Daul Folk Art, Fraktur artist Tom & Cindy Linebaugh, Coppersmith Will Kautz, Folk carver

Trish Wolfe; Mary and Eric Gerhart, Tom and Suzette Kazary, Sheila and Lewis McDuffie, Elizabeth Reuters, Lisa Schwartz, and Natalie & Clint Searl; and Master Gardener volunteers.

& Rick Allen, Anita Cox, Nancy Clark, Jen & Dan Dannehower, Dan and Marge Devery, Laurie Ermentrout, Bob Ferguson & Dick Foggio, Ivy Garfinkel & Ted Arnold, Maria Jourdan, Patrick Mason & Christina Reisinger, Barbara Kolbe, Karen & Don Moss, Carol & Denis Palermo, Donna & Chuck Shaw, Ron Kaisen & Karen Tappenden, Mary Tiebout, Don Wolfe and Ron Wurz. Thanks to host families for artisans: Wendy & Gib Battisti, Abby Brooks, Martie & Neil Kyde, Len & Eve Marschark, Karen & Don Moss, Denis & Carol Palermo, Christina Reisinger & Patrick Mason, Bernadette & Eric Schaffhausen, Kay & Bob Shaeff, Nancy & Dave Sharp, Nancy & Dave Shelly, Linda & John Spiegel, Vince & Gail Princiotta. Special thanks to the administration, faculty and students of the UBC Tech School.

Vargo Car Show:

Sponsor: AGA Farms Our special thanks to, Dan Devery, AGA Farms, for designating the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy as one of its beneficiaries. We would also like to thank the many volunteers who helped to make the event a great success.

Many thanks to the Fund-Raising Committee who organize and run our events: Barns & Farms Festival and Garden Tour Chair: Laurie Ermentrout; Nancy Clark, Harry & Jennifer Dannehower, Bob Ferguson & Dick Foggio, Harlan & Jill Howard, Patrick Mason & Christina Reisinger, Don Moss, Eric & Bernadette Schaffhausen, Roger & Marcha Witt, Don & Trish Wolfe and Ron Wurz. Additionally, we would like to thank all the individuals who volunteer to monitor at the events!

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Mailing Label and Renewal Date Your mailing label shows the most recent month and year of payment to the BRLC (e.g. 07/11 indicates July, 2011) in the top right corner of the label. If you are not a member for the current year 2012, (last payment was before 11/11), this could be your last issue of The Conservator. You could be missing out on being informed on township and local decisions that affect us, as well as invitations to meetings, workshops, and all the BRLC’s social and fund-raising events. By renewing your membership, or joining for the first time, you are helping to preserve the heritage and rural life style we have become accustomed to and love. If your label has 00/00, please become a member by completing our membership form on the back page. Start receiving all the benefits of membership and become a part of successful efforts that are saving our farms and open spaces in our communities. Please support the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy (a nonprofit organization). THANK YOU! TOGETHER WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!  Board of Directors

Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy Board of Directors: Eve Marschark, President Dan Devery, Vice President Abby Brooks, Treasurer John Spiegel, Secretary Wendy P. Battisti Laurie Ermentrout Ted Mullins Christina Reisinger Donna Shaw, Assistant Treasurer

Executive Director Barbara Drew

Committees: Fund-Raising Committee Garden Tour Chair & Barn Festival Laurie Ermentrout

Renew Your Membership Or Join Us Now For 2012!

www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org

Contributions are tax-deductible: the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Thank you for your support. You are helping us make a difference!

✁

Look What We Have for Sale!

To join us fill in and return this portion to: Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy P.O. Box 208 • Bedminster, PA 18910

 SWEAT SHIRTS (all sizes ) ......................................... $25.00



Sweat shirts are green with BRLC beige logo. Excellent quality!

 HATS (one size fits all) ................................................... $20.00



Hats are forest green, embroidered with the BRLC logo in beige, with an adjustable leather band in the back.

 T-SHIRTS Adult sizes: M, L, & XL ................................ $12.00



T -shirts are 100% cotton Hanes Beefy T’s. The shirts are green with the BRLC logo printed in beige on the upper left front corner. Very attractive! Limited supply - please call first 215-795-2352.

Merchandise Sale ½ OFF see below  ORNAMENTS .......................................½ Price $8.00 $4.00



Ornament is made of gold flashed brass with BLC logo and byline.

 NOTECARDS .......................................½ Price $10.00 $5.00



Boxed set of 10 photo cards & envelopes, 2 each of 5 scenes of preserved land, Photos by Robert Cherry, Dan Devery, Barbara Drew, and Joan Weber.

To order, send a check made out to the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy and a list of items (and sizes). Please include your telephone number in case we have a question. Mail to: BRLC - P.O. Box 208, Bedminster, PA 18910. We personally deliver within Bedminster Township.

Yes, I support the goals of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy and enclose my annual dues for 2012: Regular Membership Categories:  $15 Student/Senior Member  $30 Individual Member  $40 Family Member  $100 Business Sponsor (Please include a business card to publish in our newsletters.)  $100+ Conservationist  $200+ Preservationist  $1000 Benefactor (Lifetime Membership) Please see if your company has a matching program for your contribution. * Please fill in any additional amount you are contributing. ** List name as you want it to appear on labels and in newsletter. Otherwise we will use the name from your check or return address label. Name Address City / State / Zip  Sign-up for our GREEN newsletter via Email! (We do not share our mailing lists.)

The Conservator

Email: Telephone No. (optional) If you would like to volunteer to help us, please note that on this form: Event greeters, fund-raising, etc. If you are considering a conservation easement on your land or would like to speak with one of us for more information, check here . Please provide your phone number (above).

is published by Budget Printing, Doylestown ~ 17 ~

BE D

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l a u n An ing t M e,eApril 11th . Wed ur o T n 24th e d r G a un., June

PO Box 208 REGIONAL LAND CONSERVANCY Bedminster, PA 18910 Preserving the land Preserving the land ~ Protecting the future Protecting the future

The Conservator

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID DOYLESTOWN PA PERMIT NO. 776

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE! It is packed with interesting and useful information about us, our events,and lots of information regardingland preservation along with many scenic and beautiful photos. Please have a look!

www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org Sign up for e-news on page 17!

The official registration and financial information of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Mission Statement The goal and purpose of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy is to function as a community-based land conservancy for the preservation of farmland and our agricultural heritage, as well as other open spaces, natural resources, wildlife habitats, and scenic features within Bedminster Township and other Bucks County municipalities. The main functions of this conservancy are to identify land of significance and resources for preservation; promote, accept, hold, and provide stewardship of conservation easements; provide information and function as a resource network for area residents and public agencies; sponsor educational preservation programs; conduct fund-raising activities; and work with other groups, corporations, and organizations with similar missions to promote and further the goal of this conservancy.