As expected, The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County announced on Wednesday, Aug. 31, that the funds needed to preserve Barnard’s Orchard in Newlin Township for future generations have been raised.
An announcement from the conservancy said that in just one short month, the community came together to support the $901,000 initiative.
“We would like to give a giant thank you to all of those who donated or pledged gifts and spread the word,” the announcement said. “We could not have gotten this far without you.”
The funding gap closed this past weekend when Brandywine in White, a pop-up gala held to benefit area nonprofits, helped TLC reach its target. This year’s event was held at Chadds Peak Farm in Pennsbury Township.
“With over 350 tickets sold, this beautiful event was the final push we needed,” the announcement said, expressing special gratitude to its organizers: Elizabeth Roche and Vince Moro.
The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) worked with the Barnard family to place an agricultural conservation easement on the 74-acre, family property, which was established in 1862 and has become a community mainstay through its orchard and farm store. Conserving the property will ensure that the lands remain in active agriculture in perpetuity and eliminate the possibility of future development, the announcement said.
Gwen Lacy, TLC’s executive director, applauded the news. But she also pointed out that more work needs to be done. She said several other area farms are currently threatened by development, and she hope the momentum would continue. To learn more, visit http://tlcforscc.org.
