News and Events
- New Funding From the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
Gerard Hertel and Gregory Turner were awarded a grant from DCNR’s Wild Resource Conservation Program to establish demonstration plots on the Gordon Natural Area where interested publics can come and see the effects of white-tailed deer and invasive plants on forested ecosystems.
- Gordon Manager Appointed
We are pleased to announce that the Administrative Budget Committee has approved a one year pilot program for a part-time Stewardship Manager for the Gordon Natural Area (GNA). The Department of Biology has appointed Dr. Gerard Hertel, Adjunct Professor of Forest Ecology and Entomology, to fill the Stewardship Position. Dr Hertel retired in 2001 after working 34 years for the USDA Forest Service. He has a BS from the University of Montana, a Masters from Duke University and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has taught Dendrology and Entomology at WCU and has volunteered many hours in behalf of the GNA.
As Stewardship Manager, Dr Hertel should be contacted in regard to any planned activity in the GNA (email; 610-436-2722 or 484-883-3371). He encourages all to consider how the GNA can be used as part of your educational experience. The GNA is an ecological treasure island in a sea of development and is the last public land link to the woods that William Penn experienced in the late 1700’s.
- Work (FUN) day a Success
On November 12 2005 we had our first volunteer-based activity day. We used Geographical Positioning Systems to accurately map our trails. We cut Oriental bittersweet vines that are damaging the existing trees, removed trash from the trails and streams and planted four trees (donated by Yellow Springs Farm Native Plant Nursery) to begin to restore the last public land link to Penn’s Woods in West Goshen Township. Structures built by trail bikers were dismantled. Forty five volunteers spent 135 hours working and then enjoyed dogs (meat and veggie) over an open fire (food donated by Wegmans and the Environmental Council).
- Volunteers Needed for Activity Day
On November 12 (rain date Nov 19) we will have our first volunteer-based activity day. We will be using Geographical Positioning Systems to accurately map our trails, waterways and wetlands. We will be cutting Oriental bittersweet vines that are damaging the existing trees, we will be removing trash from the trails and streams and we hope to plants some trees to begin to restore the last public land link to Penn’s Woods in West Goshen Township. Restoration of back berry patches will be evaluated. Structures built by trail bikers will be dismantled. The 10-1 work period will be followed by a cook out.
- What can you do?
If you would like to volunteer please contact me, Gerard “Gerry” Hertel by phone 610-436-2722 or email.
- Save the Gordon Natural Area: NO ROAD
Thanks to everyone for the great turn out at the Oct 26 2004 meeting of the West Chester Regional Planning Commission to discuss a proposed road through the Gordon Natural Area (GNA). The meeting started with an hour and a half presentation by two consultants: McMahon Associates (traffic study, road design) and Brandywine Conservancy (ecological and cultural impacts). They were supposed to be presenting the results of a draft report that came out in Sept. 2004 recommending a single-lane road through the GNA (on the existing road bed) as a viable alternative to making intersection improvements along Rosedale Ave. However, their presentation made it clear that they were leaning away from the GNA road as a viable alternative. During the question/answer period, the consultants finally agreed that they would put the GNA road in the category of "eliminate from further consideration." I think it helped that more than 60 of the 125 attendees were GNA supporters wearing "NO ROAD" badges. So it now appears that the Planning Commission will not be supporting any type of public road through the GNA.
However, near the end of the meeting Dr. White (West Goshen Township Supervisor) said he didn't care what the commission recommended, he was going to continue to try to build the road. So we still have our work cut out for us. We are now starting initiatives to win support for the GNA from West Goshen residents. We are also scheduling a meeting with Dr. Adler for late November to discuss the possibility of the upper administration of WCU giving some additional formal protection to the GNA.
I'm asking everyone in SSN north to please keep the "NO ROAD" signs in their windows if it is not too inconvenient. We need to continue to build support for the GNA on campus. Other signs referring specifically to the Oct 26 meeting are being taken down. Thanks again for all your support, it was great to see so many BIO faculty, students, and alumni turn out for the meeting.