On  June 15—as the constellation Hercules, a bright first quarter moon, and the ever-amazing Saturn grace the night sky—Natural Lands Trust will host an event to commemorate the opening of the new Lenfest Center at ChesLen Preserve.

The celebration will pay tribute to two stars of a more earthly variety: philanthropists Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest, whose generous support made possible both the ChesLen Preserve and the new Center.

ChesLen Preserve, in Newlin Township, was established in 2007 as a result of a donation of land by the Lenfests and a transfer of parkland from Chester County. A later purchase of 195 acres expanded the preserve to its current 1,263 acres.

The state-of-the-art Lenfest Center provides a base of operations for management of the preserve and a wonderful new public space for visitors to the preserve and community groups.

“The Lenfests are among the country’s leading philanthropists and we are remarkably fortunate that Gerry and Marguerite have made their home region the focus of so much of their generosity,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. “We were deeply honored to be given the opportunity to steward the ChesLen Preserve. Not only is it a natural gem, it is a lasting legacy of the Lenfests’ commitment to land conservation.”

“Gerry and Marguerite’s philanthropy has had a pronounced impact on our broad quality of life in the Philadelphia region, but, for those of us who care deeply about land conservation, ChesLen Preserve and the Lenfest Center are stunning examples of care and generosity,” said Jeb Hannum, event co-chair.

“The dedication of the Center provides an opportunity to celebrate the new facility and say thank you for everything the Lenfests have given current and future generations,” added Katharine Maroney, also event co-chair.

The 9,300-square-foot Lenfest Center was designed by Archer and Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.—whose work includes facilities at the Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College and the Whip Tavern renovation—and features green design elements such as geothermal heating and cooling, high-efficiency lighting, and recycled materials.

While the majority of the facility is dedicated to storage and maintenance of preserve management-related equipment, it also includes offices for our preserve staff and accommodations for volunteers as well as a modest meeting room, an outdoor pavilion for occasional events, and restrooms for preserve visitors.

“I give great credit to Molly Morrison and Natural Lands Trust for presenting me with the opportunity to preserve this land in perpetuity,” said Gerry Lenfest. Marguerite Lenfest added, “The Lenfest Center is a great vision with a great team of people behind it.”

Constructed within the general footprint of an old cannery that was a remnant of the preserve’s mushroom production history, the building site takes up 10,000 square feet less built area than before and one-third less paved surface. The architects designed the building to fit gracefully into the natural surroundings.

Only one story of the building is visible from the road; a lower level was built into an existing slope so that it is not visible from most viewpoints. Landscaping further enhances the building’s integration with the site. Twenty acres of “gardens,” designed by Jonathan Alderson Landscape Architects, include native grassland meadows, rain gardens, and more than one hundred native trees and shrubs.

The June 15 dedication—which is co-chaired by Katharine Fisher Maroney and John B. (Jeb) Hannum, III—is from 6 to 9 PM and includes wine, local farm-inspired edibles, and music. Tickets begin at $150 per person.

Close to 30 sponsors, including lead “Constellation Hercules” Sponsor Wawa, have helped support festivities associated with the Lenfest Center dedication and opening. Tickets and additional sponsorship opportunities are available online at natlands.org or by calling 610-353-5587 ext. 224.

A free Community Day open house is scheduled for the following day, Sunday, June 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can explore the preserve grounds and the state-of-the-art facility on guided tours, and enjoy refreshments and activities for the whole family. Pre-registration is not required for the open house.

For more information, visit the Lenfest Center at ChesLen Preserve webpage.

5/20/2013