CHICORYLANE FOUNDATION

Distributed a very handsome and well-received newsletter monthly to some 300 subscribers generating a very high 67% openings. We also distributed several substantive announcements for each of the events, similar in style and content to our newsletters. Topics ranged from the history and role of white oaks in the chicorylane and central pennsylvania sites to structural and architectural comparisons of the chicorylane barn to other central pennsylvania barns.

We have begun an outreach project with a nearby amish landowner and farmer interested in improving the ecological quality of marginal segments of his property to better serve wildlife as well as the natural landscape of his property. In addition to the natural environmental benefits of this project, it also helps us further develop our methodology for ecological enhancement, test it in other situations, and provide both incentive and education to a large rural community of landowners that previously have not been particularly interested in such principles. For example, in one small two-acre area, we determined that only 12 species of shrubs are present (half of which have been classified as invasive) compared to similar areas in chicorylane that include some 60-70 native species. We will work with this landowner to prepare the site for planting native species, control invasives, and triple the number of native species present.

During this start-up phase of the foundation, we have also been working with the smith family, founders of the chicorylane nonprofit corporation and the chicorylane foundation awaiting itrs determination, and the local planning commission and code enforcement offices to seek conditional use authorization that will enable us to make several modifications to the chicorylane barn making it more suitable for the foundations long-range needs. Specifically, we wish to see a section of the barn winterized and upgraded to make it usable for year round occupancy. This will enable winter workshops and educational events as well as provide office space for the foundation. A larger section of the barn will also be upgraded to support larger assemblies, enabling multi-day events such as symposia and conferences for 75-100 attendees. All financial costs will be born by the smith family with resulting benefits applying immediately to the foundation at not costs to it.