ChesCo accepting applications for land preservation grants

Crebilly-Farm-Family-Crebilly-Lot-4-2024-4-23-15 — Crebilly Farm

The Chester County Parks and Preservation Department is accepting applications for its Preservation Partnership Program, which provides funding to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to protect open space across the county.

The grant program supports the preservation of natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural land resources. About $2 million is available in the current funding cycle.

The application period runs from March 1 through April 30. Application materials, instructions, and a list of previously funded projects are available on the county’s website.

“Preserving open space is crucially important to the future of Chester County and is a tenet of the county’s strategic plan,” said Josh Maxwell, chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. He said the program allows the county to partner with local governments and conservation groups to protect landscapes and natural resources valued by residents and visitors.

Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, vice chair of the board, said open space plays a key role in protecting clean water, supporting wildlife habitat, and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“The Preservation Partnership Program empowers local municipalities and conservation groups to advance projects that will benefit residents today and for generations to come,” she said.

The program was created to expand public access to open space and to help implement county and municipal land-use policies outlined in the county’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3. Preference is given to projects that leverage state, federal or other external funding sources.

Commissioner Eric Roe said the county’s long-standing commitment to land preservation is a major reason residents value living in Chester County.

“Strengthening partnerships and exploring additional funding avenues ensures that these important and beloved landscapes remain part of our county well into the future,” Roe said.

Since its creation in 1989, the Preservation Partnership Program has helped preserve more than 20,000 acres in Chester County. A 2023 county “Quality of Life” citizen survey found that preserving open space remains a top priority for residents, ranking second only to emergency services and the county’s 9-1-1 system.

For more information, including application and program guidelines, call Monica Mullaji at 610-344-6937 or emailmmullaji@chesco.org.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.

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Collier’s of Centreville Offers Decades of Wine Knowledge in Delaware’s Brandywine Valley

Arts & Entertainment, Business, School & Education

598925414_1441369437988989_2549861233231359507_n — A selection of wines featured at Collier’s of Centreville highlights the shop’s carefully curated offerings from Italian producers and other global wine regions. Photo courtesy of Collier’s of Centreville.

Decades of Wine Knowledge Offered at Collier’s of Centreville in Delaware’s Brandywine Valley

Along scenic Kennett Pike in Centreville, Collier’s of Centreville has earned a reputation as one of Delaware’s most respected destinations for wine enthusiasts. Known for its carefully curated selection, knowledgeable staff, and educational approach to wine appreciation, the shop has been serving customers in the Brandywine Valley for more than four decades.

The business was founded in 1981 by Linda Collier, whose passion for wine developed while living in Europe with her husband. During that time she was introduced to the traditions, regional differences, and food pairings that define European wine culture. When the couple returned to Delaware, she discovered that the local wine selection was limited compared with what she had experienced abroad. Inspired to share her enthusiasm and knowledge, she opened a small wine shop that focused on quality, education, and helping customers discover new wines.

At a time when wine culture in the region was still developing, Collier’s approach stood out. Rather than simply stocking popular brands, the shop emphasized thoughtfully chosen wines from both established producers and smaller vineyards. That philosophy continues today, with selections from wine regions around the world including Europe, California, and emerging wine producing areas.

Over the years, Collier’s relocated to its current home along Kennett Pike in Centreville, a setting that places it among some of the Brandywine Valley’s most scenic landscapes. The store remains known for its welcoming environment and knowledgeable staff who are eager to help customers select wines for special occasions, dinner pairings, or everyday enjoyment.

Education remains a core part of the Collier’s experience. The shop regularly hosts wine tastings and classes designed to help people better understand what they are drinking. Events may focus on specific regions, grape varieties, seasonal selections, or food and wine pairings. These gatherings allow guests to expand their knowledge while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere.

For longtime customers, the store’s personal approach is one of its defining qualities. Visitors often receive recommendations tailored to their tastes or guidance on trying something new. That focus on conversation and discovery has helped Collier’s build a loyal following among wine lovers throughout Delaware and the surrounding region.

More than forty years after opening its doors, Collier’s of Centreville continues to play an important role in the local food and wine community. Its longevity reflects not only the quality of its wine selection but also the welcoming environment that encourages customers to explore and learn.

Photo caption: Collier’s of Centreville on Kennett Pike has been serving Delaware wine enthusiasts with curated selections and educational tastings for more than four decades.

Learn more about tastings and upcoming events:
https://www.collierswine.com

About Jamie Kleman

Jamie Kleman is a children’s author, playwright, TEDx speaker, and the Executive Producer of It’s Not Mean to be Green, an award-winning book and musical that toured for two years and launched a national Make a Monster Difference movement. She is the creator of the It’s Not Mean to be Green Camp and Licensing Program, a turnkey theatre and sustainability curriculum adopted by schools, libraries, museums, homeschool networks, and youth organizations.

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Around Town March 5

Around Town

Longwood Gardens is offering a youth workshop, Home Tweet Home, on Saturday, March 14, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Trees aren’t just part of the scenery; they’re vital habitats for wildlife. Many birds rely on natural holes, called cavities, to build nests and raise their young safely away from predators. Join Longwood for this hands-on bird conservation workshop to learn about different types of birds and how you can help protect them. Put your new knowledge into action by building your own birdhouse for your backyard. All materials included. The cost for the workshop is $40.
Celebrate the start of spring at Brandywine Battlefield Park. This free event opens Brandywine Battlefield Park’s season and marks the anniversary of Pennsylvania’s founding. Guests can meet historical interpreters, explore the museum, watch a short film about the Battle of Brandywine, and join guided tours of Washington’s Headquarters. Join us on March 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
Pi-Day at the Barn Shops.

Saturday, March 14, is Pi Day and the Chadds Ford Village Barn Shops. There will be a variety of vendors at Suite 400 and all-day chair massages. And, at 3:14 p.m., there will be a pie-eating contest. It’s free to enter.
The Feb. 26 lecture at the Chadds Ford Historical Society has been rescheduled to March 19 due to the recent snowstorm, causing safety concerns in our parking lot and on our walkways. The topic is ‘The History of Grog’ by historian Tom Thurber. He will discuss grog’s relationship with George Washington. Samples will also be provided.

About Rich Schwartzman

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Humane Animal Partners Announces Free State Spay Days for Delaware Pet Owners

Local News

[Aggregator] Downloaded image for imported item #217501 — Humane Animal Partners Announces Free State Spay Days for Delaware Pet Owners

Free State Spay Days for Delaware Pet Owners Announced by Humane Animal Partners. Photo courtesy of Humane Animal Partners.

Free State Spay Days for Delaware Pet Owners Announced by Humane Animal Partners

Humane Animal Partners, in partnership with Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare, has announced two Free State Spay Days this month in New Castle County. The program is designed to help Delaware residents who qualify for low income assistance programs access essential veterinary care for their pets at no cost.

The upcoming events will take place at two Humane Animal Partners locations. The first Free State Spay Day is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at the Humane Animal Partners Wilmington facility located at 701 A Street in Wilmington. Pet owners can call 302.571.0111 to schedule an appointment.

A second Free State Spay Day will be held Friday, March 20 at the Humane Animal Partners Stanton and Christiana location at 455 Stanton Christiana Road in Newark. Appointments for that clinic can be scheduled by calling 302.998.2281.

These appointments are available for owned dogs and cats and include a free rabies vaccination as part of the service. The program is open to Delaware residents who participate in any state or federal assistance program. No additional application is required. Residents simply need to call the location where they would like to schedule the appointment and bring proof of assistance, such as an Annual Proof of Benefits letter, when they arrive.

Organizers say the goal of Free State Spay Days is to make spaying and neutering more accessible to families who may not otherwise be able to afford the procedure. Expanding access to these services helps address pet overpopulation in a humane and responsible way while supporting families who want to care for their animals.

“This partnership with the Office of Animal Welfare allows us to remove one of the biggest barriers to responsible pet ownership: cost,” said Patrick Carroll, chief executive officer of Humane Animal Partners. “By offering free spay and neuter services to qualifying Delaware residents, we’re helping families care for the pets they love while also reducing pet overpopulation across our state. It’s a proactive investment in healthier animals and stronger communities.”

Humane Animal Partners was formed through the merger of the Delaware Humane Association and the Delaware SPCA. The organization focuses on connecting people with animals while strengthening communities and preventing cruelty. Its work includes sheltering and adopting homeless pets, reducing pet overpopulation through spay and neuter programs, and providing affordable wellness services that help families keep their pets healthy and at home.

Delaware residents interested in participating in the Free State Spay Days are encouraged to call one of the Humane Animal Partners locations to schedule an appointment.

More information about Humane Animal Partners can be found at
https://humaneanimalpartners.org