The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week awarded a $1 million grant to the Natural Lands Trust and Whitemarsh Foundation to help preserve nearly 100 acres of the Erdenheim Farm in Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County.

The money will help Natural Lands Trust and the Whitemarsh Foundation pay for the acquisition of the 97-acre Angus Tract at the Erdenheim Farm in Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County to protect it from development.

"The Erdenheim Farm is one of the few remaining, large, unfragmented, open space and agricultural landscapes in the heavily developed eastern portion part of Montgomery County," Gov. Rendell said. "We are making this investment because of its unusual importance as a scenic agricultural landmark and and a symbol of our landscape heritage."

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants, administered through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will be used to leverage local dollars to acquire the Angus Tract portion of the 450-acre farm, which contains long impressive views over gently rolling pastures and will provide for public trails that connect to nearby trail networks, including the Wissahickon Green Ribbon Trail.

Funding for the grant comes from the Keystone Fund, a DCNR fund account generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax.

"The Erdenheim Farm is an important part of a greenway that stretches from Fairmount Park in Philadelphia to Fort Washington State Park," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said during an event at the farm today. "We know that the natural, cultural and recreational attributes of a community contribute significantly to sustainability and residents' quality of life. This farm is an exceptional open space asset to the surrounding community and the region.

"There are many partners on this project, and we are happy to be able to help them meet the vision that they have for their community," Secretary DiBerardinis said.

"Erdenheim Farm is one of the region's signature landscapes," noted said Natural Lands Trust President Molly Morrison. "Today, DCNR brings us $1 million closer to protecting a significant portion of the Farm and it joins a remarkable partnership of concerned organizations and public agencies that is committed to preserving this invaluable resource."

"The Whitemarsh Foundation would like to thank both the Natural Lands Trust and the state for playing such a critical role in helping us preserve the crown jewel of this area,: Erdenheim Farm," said Whitemarsh Foundation Executive Director Kim Sheppard.

7/27/2007