Senator Santarsiero and Reps. Brennan & Davis Announce $62,000 for Heritage Conservancy

BUCKS COUNTY − November 13, 2024 − Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) along with Representatives Tim Brennan (D-29) and Tina Davis (D-141) announced today $62,000 in state funding for the Heritage Conservancy through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

Heritage Conservancy will use the funding to convert 6.5 acres of lawn to pollinator meadows.  One acre will be located at the site of Aldie Mansion in Doylestown, one and a half acres will be located at Mill Creek Elementary School in Bristol Township and one acre will be at the Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve.  The remaining three and a half acres will be made available to landowners on whose properties Heritage Conservancy holds conservation easements on.

“The conversion of lawns to pollinator meadows in our area will be highly beneficial for wildlife and our natural environment,” said Senator Santarsiero.  “The commitment of Heritage Conservancy to preserve and expand these habitats will produce both ecological benefits and excellent educational opportunities within the community.”

“I’m thrilled to see the Heritage Conservancy’s vision for transforming these 6.5 acres into sustainable green spaces take shape, especially with two key sites in my district — Mill Creek Elementary School and the Bristol Marsh Nature Preserve,” said Rep. Davis, whose district includes Bristol Township. “This grant will not only enrich the local environment but also foster a deeper connection between our communities and nature. By working with landowners and conservation partners, we’re ensuring a cleaner, greener future for our children and generations to come.”

“I’m excited to see this type of conservation effort underway in our community! As many homeowners know, traditional grass lawns are often expensive and difficult to maintain. Converting them to meadows and riparian forests is a win for bees, wildlife, and maintenance costs,” said Brennan. “Kudos to the Heritage Conservancy for taking on this project.”

In collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, Heritage Conservancy is excited to lead this effort to convert lawns to pollinator meadow on multiple properties throughout Bucks County” said Joe Ganguzza, Grants Manager for the Heritage Conservancy. “We look forward to building on our past successes of pollinator meadow conversion and expanding throughout the Bucks County area. This project will have vast ecological and community benefits, providing much needed wildlife habitat, flood mitigation, and boundless educational opportunities for students and the community.”

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation assists local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding for projects related to parks, recreation, and conservation.

Additional information about the Community Conservation Partnerships Program can be found on the DCNR website.