One thing that unites us as a nation is land: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 1958, Heritage Conservancy has been doing just that for the people of Bucks County. Now, Heritage Conservancy announced its national land trust accreditation has been renewed – proving once again that it is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.
“Going through this rigorous process to earn our accreditation shows Heritage Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation in Bucks and Montgomery counties,” said Jeff Marshall, Heritage Conservancy President. “We are a stronger organization than ever for having gone through the accreditation renewal process. Our strength means special places that make up the tapestry of this community will be protected forever, making this area an even greater place for current and for future generations.”
Heritage Conservancy’s mission has helped to protect the character and charm that make Bucks County so special. Having facilitated the preservation of over 15,000 acres of land in this area, more recent conservation successes of the Conservancy include the preservation of the Seifert property, which helps to protect a drinking water source for local residents in Springfield Township, Maximuck’s Farm Market in Buckingham Township, and Croydon Woods Nature Preserve in Croydon, PA. As a dual-mission organization, Heritage Conservancy’s historic protections include façade easements on 20 historic structures and over 40 successful nominations for historic districts and properties to the National Register of Historic Places. Just a few of these nominations include the Doylestown Historic District, Ivyland Historic District, and Wycombe Historic District.
Heritage Conservancy provided extensive documentation and was subject to a comprehensive third-party evaluation prior to achieving its accreditation distinction. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewed accreditation, signifying its confidence that the Conservancy’s lands will be protected forever.
“It is exciting to recognize Heritage Conservancy’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
Heritage Conservancy is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. A complete list of accredited land trusts and more information about the process and benefits can be found at www.landtrustaccreditation.org.