16 saving open sp
January 1 – June 30 , 2020
Natural Lands has been protecting open space since 1953 . In that time , we have completed hundreds of conservation projects , each unique in its own way . Saving Open Space is the first of our three mission tenants , and we go about it in a few different ways :
we save land to keep and care for Natural Lands is unique among the region ’ s conservation organizations because of our large network of nature preserves . We are committed to restoring habitats and stewarding natural resources on our 23,000 acres , and to sharing these special places with everyone .
we save land to give away Because of our expertise in buying land outright ( and in securing grant money to pay for it ), we help conservation-minded entities acquire open space by buying land and then “ flipping ” it to these partners to care for in perpetuity . Through this approach , we help add hundreds of acres to state parks , forests , and municipal open spaces every year .
we save land through conservation easements Much of the land we protect , another 25,000 acres , is privately held by individuals who have chosen to restrict its development through a conservation easement . An easement is a voluntary , legally binding agreement that permanently limits a property ’ s use based on landowner wishes and applies to present and future owners of the land .
BERKS COUNTY , PA
1 Waltz Property 5 acres Cumru Township
Key Partners : Berks Nature ; Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks ; U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service ’ s Highlands Conservation Act
Natural Lands purchased the five-acre Waltz property and immediately transferred ownership to the PA Bureau of State Parks as an addition to Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center .
The property contains high-quality , mature woodlands . Preserving it prevents loss of habitat , degradation of water quality , and carbon release that would all result from its development .
The Waltz property transfer is one of two additions to Nolde Forest that Natural Lands facilitated .
“ The two additions to the State Park ’ s holdings are extraordinary — they represent the only expansion of the Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center since the park was created in 1966 ,” said Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn of PA DCNR .
BUCKS COUNTY , PA
2 Bartasek Property 4.4 acres Haycock Township
Key Partners : Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks ; U . S . Fish and Wildlife Service ’ s Highlands Conservation Act
The Bartasek property features high-quality , mature woodlands that help protect the water of nearby Lake Nockamixon and a heron rookery by filtering and slowing stormwater . By purchasing it and immediately