Delaware Nature Society Program Guide and Newsletter Summer 2019 | Page 3
Ken Simpler’s Turkey Run Farm is one of 23 properties that are permanently
protected by conservation easements held by Delaware Nature Society.
Derek Stoner
The Simpler Life
By Kirsten Werner
D
riving down the lane at Turkey Run Farm is like traveling
back in time. Perched at the top of a steeply sloped stream
valley, the circa 1825 stone farmhouse enjoys views across
meadows, a placid pond, and the forest beyond. “It’s a compelling
vista,” says owner Ken Simpler, who purchased the 29-acre proper-
ty in 2004 and lives there with his wife and three children. “I can’t
help but think of the settlers when they first arrived at this spot.”
Ken has worked tirelessly over the past 15 years to restore what
he calls the “cultural footprint” of Turkey Run Farm – so named
for the small tributary to White Clay Creek that runs through the
property. Once part of a thriving 100-acre farm and nursery owned
by the Frederick family (who also donated the land for Delaware
Nature Society’s Coverdale Farm Preserve), the property had
fallen into disrepair. In addition to restoring the farmhouse and
bank barn, the Simpler’s stewarded the land, too, removing inva-
sive plants like autumn olive and multiflora rose, and planting the
long-fallow fields with native grasses.
Turkey Run Farm is one of 23 such properties that are permanently
protected by conservation easements held by Delaware Nature Soci-
ety. All told, they total 550 acres of protected land across the region.
If growth trends continue, experts project Delaware will have one
million residents by 2021. As development pressures increase,
properties like Turkey Run Farm become all the more critical for
the ecological services they provide – including cleaning our air
and water, reducing flooding, and storing carbon – as well as their
contribution to a pastoral and scenic “sense of place.”
Ken says that he and his family saw it as an asset that a conservation
easement was in place when they purchased the property. “It’s a
privilege to own this place, but it’s a responsibility, too. I hope that
when I’m long gone this farm remains as it is…as it was meant to be.”
Kirsten Werner is Senior Director of Communications for
Natural Lands Trust
Wild Geranium at Turkey Run
Derek Stoner
Save Disappearing Natural Lands
It is estimated that Delaware has already lost
over 50% of its wetlands and over 60% of its
forested lands. It’s only when we no longer
have clean water, natural places to recreate in,
or wildlife to view and enjoy that we truly ap-
preciate their value. Delaware Nature Society
works to preserve and protect these natural
values – the water that we drink, the air that
we breathe, the lands where our food comes
from, the beautiful natural areas that we enjoy.
Our science-driven approach to conservation
blends land protection and management,
stewardship, and advocacy into a holistic
framework strongly rooted in educating and
engaging children, adults, and decision-makers
in proactively conserving our natural resources.
Placing a conservation easement on your land
is one of the most personal ways to protect
land. Each easement is unique in the manner
the land is protected and reflects each fami-
ly’s personal story and wishes for the future.
Join the fellowship of conservation and
learn how to place an easement on your
property. Contact Ginger North, Director of
Conservation, at 302-239-2334 ext. 100 or
[email protected] to learn more.
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