With plans to continue making significant and positive impacts in our communities in 2025, Heritage Conservancy named Jeff Nicholas the new Chair of its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is integral in helping Heritage Conservancy achieve its mission. Board members’ experiences and dedication to natural and historic preservation strengthen the organization’s work, ensure financial goals are met and uphold regional prominence.
Jeff grew up on a farm in Hilltown Township, Bucks County, with “fields, streams, woods, an apple orchard, an old quarry and wild berries growing on the hillsides. I started an apple cider business and sold firewood, and my brothers and I played in the streams and built forts in the woods. Truth to tell, it was magical.” After living in New York City for six years following law school, he returned to his beloved Bucks County more than 35 years ago.
He is a seasoned attorney and negotiator. “Much of my work is with entrepreneurs, helping them start, grow, and sell their businesses.” Jeff also serves on the Board of the Bucks County Herald Foundation, which publishes a weekly community newspaper, and is active in Fisherman’s Mark, a social service agency serving the region.
Q & A with Jeff Nicholas
How did you first learn about Heritage Conservancy, and how did you become involved with the Board of Directors?
“I was interested in land conservation and preservation. At some point my dad arranged lunch with Judge [William] Hart Rufe III, who at that time was the chair of the Board of Directors of Heritage Conservancy, and Hart then introduced me to Chris Chandor, and Chris guided me to the Board of Directors.”
Can you provide a brief overview of your time as a board member?
“I have made many wonderful friends as a result of my service on the board, and I have learned so very much. I have a map of Bucks County in my head and I light up each time I pass a sign marking a property preserved with Heritage Conservancy help. Being a Heritage Conservancy board member gives me a platform to put my love of Bucks County to work.
I am proud of my work in recruiting and energizing great board members. I have been part of the group that digs into the details on conservation easements, and we have preserved many properties. I also had a role in bringing clarity to the terms of a major gift that will allow us to preserve land and fund agricultural and horticultural programs throughout the region.”
What are some of the goals for the board you’d really like to focus on in the coming months?
“As Board chair I want to empower the staff to ramp up and accelerate our land preservation efforts. I also hope to expand our education programs with the goal of developing young peoples’ appreciation for our natural world. I also would like to expand our partnerships with the state, county and townships; watersheds, other local land preservation groups, and local institutions such as Delaware Valley University.
We need to encourage the refresh of bond programs that raised money for open space; some of these programs have expended most of their funds. I also want to encourage Heritage Conservancy’s efforts in watershed protection and habitat restoration. There are so many things we can do!”
Why is Heritage Conservancy important to you?
“This moment in time presents a great opportunity to have a long-term beneficial impact upon our region. We say that Heritage Conservancy is in The Forever Business. Steps we take now can have a lasting impact to preserve our land, our streams, ponds and lakes, our woodlands, our wildlife, and our historic structures. If we fail to take these steps now, the opportunity may be forever lost. We should seize the moment!”
What makes Heritage Conservancy relevant and unique in our community?
“Our region is blessed with a number of philanthropic organizations serving many different kinds of needs aimed at improving the quality of life for our community. Heritage Conservancy’s unique role pertains to protecting the quality of the land and historic buildings in which our lives take place.”
What are a couple things about Heritage Conservancy that you’d like people to know?
“In the final analysis, Heritage Conservancy’s work is to ensure that we do not inadvertently —and over the course of time — lose sight of the land that makes our region such a wonderful place to live. Please join us in protecting our community!”