Stars aligned for the Stroud Preserve

Posted by Emily Myers on June 15, 2015

Great grilled sausages had ‘em coming back for s’mores. Hundreds of people attended Natural Lands Trust's annual fund raiser Friday, June 12 at the Stroud Preserve. The dining was not unlike grazing on that farmland. Station after station was staged to provide unique courses for the meal. Cornbread barbeque in a jar, chicken and guacamole on hand made tacos and a big barbeque pit.

The pit was used to grill sausages in the beginning of the evening then was given over to a traditional campfire favorite. Marshmallows were put on sticks and roasted. Then at the perfect moment of goo, the marshmallows were pressed between graham crackers with a slice of chocolate.

For those comfortably seated, a moveable feast of hors d’oeuvres came to the diner as well as drinks. Seating was in the front yard of the home of Dr. Morris Wistar Stroud with a panoramic view of fields weaving across this hillside.

Molly Morrison, President of NLT welcomed guests. “It is my great privilege to serve at the helm of an organization that – over its six-decade history – has been involved in the preservation of more than 100,000 acres of open space—an accomplishment that now enables 65 percent of southeastern Pennsylvania residents [more than 2.5 million people] to live within 5 miles of lands that – like the Stroud Preserve – are under Natural Lands Trust’s permanent protection.”

The event was named “Stardust” for all the stars that aligned for the dream of Dr. Stroud to come to fruition. Morrison expressed appreciation of the neighboring families like the Harneys, Wagners, Bakers and Tolands. Private contributions were augmented by public funders and officials at local, county, and state levels as well as whole range of foundations. The Stroud Preserve has grown from its original 332 acres to the 571 acres it is today.

The food was provided by Jeffrey Miller Catering. Corporate sponsorship was led by Wawa.

ChesMont Astronomical Society had telescopes lined up so that patrons could watch the night sky. Jupiter and its three moons were visable.

Natural Lands Trust owns and manages 42 nature preserves spanning over 22,000 acres. “We invite you to explore this list of those properties that are most accessible for public enjoyment. All preserves are open sunrise to sunset and admission is always free.”

https://www.natlands.org/category/preserves-to-visit/list-of-preserves/

About Emily Myers

Emily Myers has lived and worked in Chadds Ford for over thirty five years. She founded the parent company of Chadds Ford Live, Decision Design Research, Inc., in 1982. ChaddsFordLive.com represents the confluence of Myers' long time, deep involvement in technology and community. Myers was a founding member of the Chadds Ford Business Association and currently serves on its board of directors. Her hobbies include bridge, golf, photography and Tai Chi. She lives with her husband, Jim Lebedda, in Chadds Ford Township.