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Heritage Conservancy Presents Partnership Awards to Nominated Recipients at Annual Garden Party

Event celebrates organization’s members and donors

View photos from the event HERE!

Heritage Conservancy hosted its annual member appreciation and donor recognition event on Thursday, June 13, at historic Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, PA. Impending storms in the forecast and intermittent power outages occurring throughout the morning did not bode well for the organization’s yearly Garden Party and awards ceremony. Fortunately, the rains held off and guests were able to enjoy a lovely cocktail reception outside on the terrace overlooking the mansion’s beautiful landscaping.

Nearly 150 of the Conservancy’s valued members, business members, and Board of Directors were in attendance, as well as special guests of members who were interested in learning more about the organization. As part of the event, the Conservancy presented its Heritage Partnership Awards to individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to conservation of our natural and historic heritage.

The first presentation was for the Land Conservation Award. This award was given to Alida Spry and Devich Farbotnik of Nockamixon Township for the preservation of their 88-acre property. Over ten years ago, their father, Steve Farbotnik, had considered placing a conservation easement on his property that would protect the integrity of the land and wildlife for generations to come. Mr. Farbotnik passed away before completing the easement, so Devich and Alida made it their mission to carry out their father’s wishes to see the property preserved. With obstacles hindering a fast path to preservation, it took the brother and sister team seven dedicated years before completing a conservation easement on the property in January 2013. Alida thanked Heritage Conservancy for the award with a heartfelt speech about her strong connection to the land. She recalled how when she was just four years old, her father used to wake her up at 3:00 in the morning to go owl watching. She had no idea until she started school that this wasn’t something that all children did! It was experiences like this that she shared with her father that helped to shape her deep appreciation for the environment. By preserving the property, it would always be there for her own family and future generations to share these same experiences. Alida noted that she and Devich felt their father’s presence with them every step of the journey. Ten years after his idea was first conceived, their father’s dream had finally been realized.

The second presentation was for the Historic Preservation Award. This award went to Jim Snow for his participation with the Friends of Bolton Mansion. Mr. Snow has shown continuous dedication and commitment in preserving the historic heritage of Bolton Mansion since the 1970s. By engaging the public through exhibits and programs, he has helped to further the legacy of the mansion’s original owner, Phineas Pemberton, who was an influential Quaker leader, a close friend to William Penn and one of the framers of the Pennsylvania Constitution. After receiving the award, Mr. Snow expressed his gratitude toward Heritage Conservancy as well as fellow volunteers who help to preserve the important history of Bolton Mansion.

“It is with great respect that we honor these individuals for their commitment in preserving the natural and historic resources that make our area so rich in heritage,” said Jeffrey Marshall, President of Heritage Conservancy. “Our community will continue to benefit for generations to come as a result of the important decisions that these award recipients have made.” He closed by imploring the crowd to get involved. The award winners show that “whether you are a teacher, an accountant, a construction worker, a homemaker, or retired, YOU can make a difference.”

Presenting sponsors of the event were Penn Color and QNB Bank. Other sponsors included Eiseman Construction, Univest Bank, Brooks and Barber Tree Management, Bucks Country Gardens, Dear Garden Associates Inc., Grim Biehn & Thatcher, Jeffrey A. Miller Catering, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Moore Cleaning LLC, and National Penn Bank.