On July 16, Natural Lands recognized the contribution of GreenWeaver Landscapes who sent a team of professionals to Natural Lands' headquarters in Media, Delaware County to remove invasive plants and clean up the extensive gardens on the property.

GreenWeaver donated these valuable services thanks to receiving a Paycheck Protection Program Loan from the federal Small Business Administration.

"We were fortunate to receive the Paycheck Protection Program Loan so that we could keep all of our valued workers employed during the pandemic,” said Jennifer Nichols, who owns GreenWeaver Landscapes with her husband, Greg. “So, we had the money to pay our staff but wanted to keep them busy as well, and our workload had dried up considerably when COVID-19 hit. That’s when we thought of donating time to Natural Lands. It was a win-win.”

GreenWeaver professionals also tackled a number of projects during the three days of work at Hildacy Preserve.

They weeded and mulched the garden beds around the buildings and removed invasive plant species in the natural areas of the preserve. They targeted problem species in the meadow, including mugwort and thistle, which can choke out native species like milkweed and other beneficial pollinator plants.

The team also cut back invasive shrubs like burning bush and barberry in Hildacy’s woodlands.

Hildacy Preserve is a 55-acre property located along the banks of Crum Creek in Delaware County. Donated to Natural Lands in 1980, the nature preserve serves as the headquarters for the nonprofit conservation organization.

Hildacy is one of 44 properties that Natural Lands owns and cares for; this network or nature preserves and a public garden totals 23,000 acres of protected open space stretching from the Pocono Mountains to the Delaware Bayshore.

"I can’t thank GreenWeaver Landscapes enough for their generosity and skilled work,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “The Coronavirus health crisis has impacted us all... small businesses and nonprofits alike. What a wonderful positive outcome this was in such a difficult time. We’re honored GreenWeaver chose to make such a creative and beneficial gift of their time.”

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural Lands website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on Facebook.  Click Here to support their activities.

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[Posted: July 16, 2020]

7/20/2020