The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) has announced its activities and achievements of 2021. TLC's mission is to ensure the perpetual preservation and stewardship of open space, natural resources, historic sites and working agricultural lands throughout southern Chester County. For more than 25 years, TLC has served the southern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and northern Maryland regions.

TLC noted that during the pandemic, it experienced a growing number of visitors to its preserves.

In September 2021, TLC co-hosted the 14th Wild & Scenic Film Festival presented by Trail Creek Outfitters. The event attracted more than 150 attendees.

TLC reached 1,000 acres in conservation easements alone with the most recent easement in Pocopson Township. TLC has protected more than 1,500 acres in total between easements and fee simple acquisitions.

2021 also saw TLC hosting the ninth session of Pennsylvania Master Naturalist training, a statewide initiative that aims to connect people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work. It is a venture directed toward developing a local corps of volunteers and service providers to benefit a wide range of community organizations.

With funding from the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation and the Marshall-Reynolds Foundation, TLC gave almost 4,000 lessons to children through the Land, Ecosystems and Food (LEAF) program. LEAF bridges the gap between environmental science and healthy dietary choices. Students can experiment and learn about soil health, water quality, natural habitat, seed and plant growth, and more within the program.

More than 100 campers attended Free Time Adventures, TLC's interactive, outdoor summer program focused on creating a common bond with the natural world while building independence, enhancing problem-solving abilities and teaching stewardship skills.

TLC hosted or trained volunteers who completed 131 group volunteering days on TLC's preserves. These activities included citizen scientist-led days and programs for corporate, community and school groups. TLC also taught 150 Scouts and hosted beekeeping programs and education events about the invasive spotted lanternfly.

TLC planted 1,300 trees and plants across its preserves and the properties it manages.

Land management staff maintains more than 18 miles of trails for public use, available from dawn to dusk daily. For more information, contact Abbie Kessler, executive director, at preservation@tlcforscc.org or 610-347-0347, ext. 102.