[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   THE PRESERVATION OF ERDENHEIM FARM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2009

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to mark a significant victory in 
my district for open space preservation in Pennsylvania and the United 
States. Yesterday, 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.

                          ____________________