Since our inception in 1995, the Conservancy has worked to preserve undeveloped land. The Conservancy uses conservation easements to permanently protect properties in Lower Merion and the surrounding area. A conservation easement is a legal agreement that limits development and land usage rights on a property in perpetuity in exchange for tax benefits. The Conservancy upholds and enforces the easement while the homeowner continues to own the property.

By limiting development, conservation easements protect habitat, reduce stormwater runoff, and lessen urban heat island effects. Multiple homeowners with conservation easements held by the Conservancy have added new meadows, cut back invasive plants, and planted trees.

The Conservancy currently holds 21 conservation easements and two façade easements. The 21 conservation easements protect 198 acres with easements ranging in size from 0.5 acres to 43 acres. Some of our most notable preservation victories include Dove Lake in Gladwyne, Toland Farm in Wynnewood, Glenmede in Bryn Mawr, and Red Rose Farm in Villanova. The Conservancy also holds the conservation easement on Stoneleigh, which is open to the public.

To learn more about placing a private Conservation Easement on your property, email [email protected].