TLC receives renewed accreditation

Posted by Press Release on August 17, 2016

The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC), a nonprofit conservation organization, announced that it has achieved renewed accreditation – a mark of distinction in land conservation.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that TLC’s lands will be protected forever, said a TLC press release.

Almost 15 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities – an area about the size of the state of West Virginia – are permanently conserved by accredited land trusts across the country.

“Renewal demonstrates TLC’s commitment to permanent land conservation in Southern Chester County,” Gwen Lacy, TLC’s executive director, said in the release. “We’re a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation renewal process and this strength will help ensure that TLC will not only continue to preserve our precious natural resources, but will also advocate for that certain quality of life indicative of Southern Chester County, that we’ve all come to know and love.”

TLC has conserved more than 850 acres of land in Southern Chester County in four townships. TLC’s forte is protecting threatened properties by leveraging funding to purchase the development rights. Currently TLC owns five nature preserves and is working diligently to preserve Barnard’s Orchard, a fourth-generation family farm in Newlin Township, the release said.

The four tenants of TLC’s mission are land conservation, historic preservation, environmental education, and stewardship.

TLC was among 38 land trusts across the U.S. to achieve accreditation or to have accreditation renewed in August. TLC joins the more than 350 accredited land trusts, out of 1,700 land trusts operating in the country today, that demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence through accreditation, helping to maintain the public’s trust in their work.

“It is exciting to recognize TLC with this distinction,” Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, said in the release. “Accredited land trusts stand together, united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. This network of land trusts has demonstrated fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership and lasting stewardship of conservation land.”

Each accredited land trust must apply for renewal every five years and undergoes a comprehensive review as part of its renewal application. The process is rigorous and strengthens land trusts so they can better help landowners and communities achieve their goals.

The commission is an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization. The commission recognizes conservation excellence by awarding the accreditation seal. More information about land trust accreditation can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.

For more information about projects, upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities at The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County, visit www.tlcforscc.org or contact 610-347-0347.