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Heritage Conservancy Hosted Rep. Patrick Murphy and Honored Renny Reynolds at "Businesses for Conservation" Reception

U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy, with his wife Jenni and their daughter Maggie, at the 2007 Businesses for Conservation reception

Over 120 people joined Heritage Conservancy at our lovely Aldie Mansion on Thursday, April 12 to listen to new U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy speak on environmental issues and to honor Renny Reynolds as a conservation leader. The talks and award presentation were all part of Heritage Conservancy's ninth annual Businesses for Conservation reception, which is always an enjoyable opportunity for local conservation-minded businesspeople and community members to meet and network while showing their support for Heritage Conservancy.

U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy used the occasion to speak about his environmental priorities. "Here in Bucks County, our rural character defines us, so it is imperative that we act with a sense of urgency to conserve our land and protect our resources," said Rep. Murphy. "Renny Reynolds and Heritage Conservancy have shown, with passion and persistence, true dedication to conservation. I am proud to recognize their accomplishments and join with them to improve our environment and continue to preserve the integrity of our land."

Rep. Murphy and Renny Reynolds

Rep. Murphy noted that though media attention on him has largely focused on the war in Iraq, most of his work in the 110th congress has been on other issues, including the environment. Among the legislation he has cosponsored are the Clean Energy Act, which would reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil by encouraging and investing in clean, renewable energy sources, and the Safe Climate Act, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of a strategy to mitigate global warming. Rep. Murphy also discussed his support of the Forest Legacy program and the Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act and his work to make permanent the federal tax deduction for landowners who donate conservation easements—currently set to expire at the end of 2007.

Rep. Murphy also presented the conservancy's 2007 Business Leader Conservation Award to renowned event and garden designer Renny Reynolds.

This is the second year that Heritage Conservancy has presented its Business Leader Conservation Award to a businessperson who has made a significant contribution to conservation. In 2006, the award went to Georgiana S. Coles of Coles Nurseries, who has preserved over 600 acres of her family's property.

Renny Reynolds, accepting his award, as Clifford C. David Jr., Heritage Conservany's president, and Rep. Murphy look on

Renny Reynolds, this year's awardee, has been a great friend to the conservancy but also to the larger cause of conservation. He made an international name for himself as a floral, garden and event designer, counting among his clients such luminaries as Bill Blass, Studio 54, Giorgio Armani, and Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton.

Mr. Reynolds spoke about his love for rural Bucks County, his decision to purchase 15 acres of what had been a 300-acre farm in Wrightstown in 1979, and the work he has done with the conservancy since that time to preserve the natural beauty and the quality of life of this very special part of the world.

Mr. Reynolds was eventually able to purchase 100 contiguous acres, and his property is now known as Hortulus Farm. Over the years, Mr. Reynolds and his partner, the well-known garden writer and vegetable gardening expert Jack Staub, created the fabulous Hortulus Farm Gardens, which now occupy 30 acres of the property and have been called "one of Pennsylvania's hidden treasures."

Enjoying the reception are John Doran of Heritage Conservancy, Gary Glitzer of Gilmore and Associates, Doreen Paynton of Dontech, Inc., and Georgiana Coles, the 2006 recipient of the Business Leader Conservation Award

In 2000, Heritage Conservancy helped Mr. Reynolds preserve Hortulus Farm by placing a conservation easement on the property. According to Hortulus Farm co-owner Jack Staub, "Our hope is that Hortulus Farm, with the help of Heritage Conservancy, will be a public space of calm and tranquility in perpetuity—something of increasing importance to all of us as we see the beautiful old farms that used to surround us torn down and replaced with houses."

In 2006, Mr. Reynolds donated the Hortulus Farm Nursery business to Heritage Conservancy. Profits from the nursery now support the conservancy's preservation work throughout the region. (Conservancy members receive a 15% discount on all Nursery purchases.)

Clifford C. David Jr., Heritage Conservancy President, with Rep. Murphy

Heritage Conservancy's Businesses for Conservation reception is held annually to honor and thank the nearly 200 local and regional businesses that support the conservancy's mission of preserving our natural and historic heritage with their membership. "This is our chance to thank our business members for their commitment to conservation and their support of our work," says Heritage Conservancy President Clifford C. David Jr. "We are so pleased that Rep. Murphy agreed to join us for this event and we're honored that he used this opportunity to let us all know about the vitally important work he is doing on behalf of the environment."

The event was sponsored by Fox Rothschild LLP, Merrill Lynch -- The BR Group, Curtin & Heefner LLP, Fulton Bank, and Dale Rimmer Siding.