Representing the 13th Congressional District of Pennsylvania
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2009 |
CONTACT: Rachel Magnuson, 202-225-6111 |
| U.S. Rep. Schwartz Praises Significant Open Space: Preservation Victory in Montgomery County |
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“I rise to mark a significant victory in my district for open space preservation in Pennsylvania and the United States. Earlier this week, an agreement was finalized to permanently protect 426 acres of the 450 acre Erdenheim Farm
in Whitemarsh and Springfield Townships.
“The conservation of this property will become the centerpiece of 2,000 acres of open space between Fairmount Park in Philadelphia and Fort Washington State Park in Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania. It will also ensure the
completion of a regional trail network between Fort Washington Park and the Morris Arboretum that has been envisioned since 1899.
“Erdenheim Farm has been working agricultural land since the days of William Penn. It was purchased in 1912 by George D. Widener Jr., son of the streetcar magnate. In 1971, Widener bequeathed the property to his nephew,
Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr. Mr. Dixon maintained the property as a working farm raising cattle, sheep, and thoroughbred horses until his death in 2006.
“The preservation of Erdenheim Farm is a remarkable example of the excellent work that can be accomplished through public-private partnerships leveraging local and state funds. There are many organizations that deserve
recognition: the descendents of the Dixon Estate for their willingness to work with conservationists to protect the farm; Peter and Bonnie McCausland, for purchasing 259 acres of the estate and placing all but 23 of those acres
under conservation easements; the Whitemarsh Foundation led by Hugh Moulton for its efforts to acquire 189 acres using $26 million in state and local grants, tax revenue, and private donations; the Natural Lands Trust led by
Molly Morrison, for its expertise in putting this deal together and enforcing the easements on the land; and state, county, and local officials who also deserve immense credit for their willingness to secure the necessary funding
to make this happen.
“I ask that the full House of Representatives join me in congratulating everyone that made this historic accomplishment possible. On behalf of the residents of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, I acknowledge and
appreciate this important work and the opportunity it provides for future generations to enjoy this national treasure.”
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