30 Acres of Land Protected Near the Russell-Mandel Preserve: Donation of a Conservation Easement
Leah & Doug Beck have partnered with Heritage Conservancy on a land conservation easement of a 30-acre farm that is adjacent to the Russell-Mandel Preserve in New Hope. This land ties into roughly 1,300 acres of existing preserved farmland and open space.
10 acres of the Beck property are wooded, possessing an abundance of mature oaks and hickories. Both types of trees are vital for supporting local wildlife. “Everything from wild turkeys and roosting bats to hundreds of different caterpillar species stand to benefit from the protection of those trees,” explains Sebastian Harris, Heritage Conservancy’s Conservation Biologist. The forests provide food supply, nest protection, and roosting safety for birds, as well as food and structural stability for the caterpillars.
The preservation of the property would support habitat for several birds in the immediate area that have been assessed as “Species of the Greatest Conservation Need”. These are native plants and animals that actively need protection to sustain their populations. Mature deciduous forests with trees including the oaks and hickories found on the property provide a safe environment in which the Scarlet Tanager can safely and effectively breed.18 acres of the property are pasture and farmland, which are beneficial to the American Kestrel and Field Sparrow, who flourish in open land and play a large role in supporting its ecosystem.
The land was fully donated by the Becks, who are members of our Arbor Circle and have been active supporters of the Heritage Conservancy. Leah and Doug both recognize the importance of land conservation, having grown up surrounded by nature and sharing a love for animals expressed through volunteer work in wildlife rescue. Their strong passion for the land and wildlife has resulted in a valuable contribution of property that will be highly beneficial in protecting our environment.
Leah Beck with her rescue dogs, Doug Beck tending to their property.
“Heritage Conservancy could not have asked for a more ideal conservation partner than the Becks. Their commitment to land protection has made this a very meaningful collaboration, and it was a privilege to work with them,” says Kim Johnson, our Resource Protection Specialist.
The property holds more advantages from its wooded areas; a large percentage of these woodlands surround a tributary that flows into the Pidcock Creek. This provides excellent riparian habitat for different types of birds, woodland reptiles, amphibians, and more. The wooded buffer also helps improve the water quality of the watershed, keeping it clean and trapping sediment.
This newly donated land will be an extremely valuable addition to Russell-Mandel and the protection of the future. “The preservation of this property is a great success for wildlife and people alike in Buckingham Township,” says Sebastian. We are looking forward to continuing the Becks goal in protecting this area and supporting the local flora and fauna.
This easement is now part of nearly 1,300 acres of connected, protected land in Buckingham Township, and it’s only possible because landowners like the Becks choose to protect what matters to them. If you are interested in a conservation easement for your property, reach out to our Resource Protection Team for more info: mbabbitt@heritageconservancy.org.
Written by Lauren Rosica, Heritage Conservancy Volunteer
