The fog rose slowly Friday morning as if loitering for an event which it knew it was not invited. Waking wildlife and the brightness of the coming day penetrated the lingering fog and it's well-kept but unanticipated secret - tents.
Last Saturday, the Natural Lands Trust opened its Stroud Preserve to East Bradford Township for a day of communal celebration - a day dedicated to the Conservation of our Natural Heritage. Exhibitors filled the extensive Brandywine River floodplain and hawked their ecological wares - hybrid vehicles, grease cars, bees, open space, environmental education, etc. Natural Lands Trust staff members were on hand to answer questions about invasive species, ecological restoration, prescribed fire, and sustainable agriculture as well as open space preservation.
Residents of East Bradford Township and dedicated Stroud Preserve visitors enjoyed local food, artists, and fiddlers as well as hay wagon rides, antique cars, and canoe rides. The local fire company paraded their fire trucks in a cacophony of flash and chrome.
I would like to thank everyone that made East Bradford Day a memorable experience. In particular, I want to offer thanks to the East Bradford Day Committee for their hard work and dedication. Thank you also to Augie Murray-Young and Nancy Holland for your dogged but diligent work - East Bradford Day would not have worked without you. East Bradford Day at the Stroud Preserve was a living testament to the ability of protected open space to build community and connect people with nature. Thank you, East Bradford Township, for helping the Natural Lands Trust fulfill its mission.
