Common Ground Newsletter - Tinicum Conservancy

TC Newsletter-Spring '13-4-23-Replaced map and seal:TC Newesletter-Spring '13 4/23/13 6:30 PM Page 5
the entire property lies within the
Tinicum Creek Exceptional Value watershed.
The easement was made possible
because of the camp’s generosity
and desire to protect the land, but also
in large part through public funding,
specifically Bucks County’s Natural
Areas grant program. The County Natural
Areas Inventory ranks the
Tinicum Creek watershed and the
Tinicum Creek Conservation Landscape
as “conservation priorities” so a
conservation easement on Camp Galil
made perfect use of these public
funds.
The property is home to a feature
of Tinicum Creek which has been interpreted
as an “elbow of capture,”
where the creek makes a dramatic 90-
degree turn east on the way to the
Delaware River. It is thought that the
upper Tinicum Creek was once a tributary
of the Tohickon Creek that was
“captured” by a smaller tributary of
the Delaware through headwaters erosion.
This smaller creek became the
lower Tinicum Creek.
The riparian corridor along the
creek is the most ecologically significant
aspect of the property. The
streamside forest in the west, south,
and east contains sycamore, basswood,
silver maple, black walnut, and white
ash trees. Wildflowers and breeding
habitat for amphibians are other features
of the forested floodplain terrace.
Successional red cedar woodland
occupies a band along Galil’s northern
boundary. A very steep hemlockforested
slope borders Tinicum Creek
on the southeast side, opposite the
camp. The riparian corridor, including
floodplain and floodplain terrace, are
outside the area of active camp use.
Most of the actual camp facilities are
clustered in the center of the parcel.
Neighbor June Rothkopf loves
having Camp Galil next door, as it reminds
her of her own childhood summercamp
days. She is glad that kids
enjoy their camp years in our “country”
area.
Clay Heckler contacted Tinicum Conservancy
four years ago about conserving
his property in Ottsville.
Because the property was zoned commercial,
the process was not straightforward
and included some long
delays. But Mr. Heckler persisted.
The long-range views from the top of
the property are some of the best in
the area, looking down the sweep of
fields and hills to the south of Park
Road/Ridge Road. With Jose Garces’
Luna Farm (formerly Wenner) adjoining
Mr. Heckler’s, and the Hoffman/Shivo
preserved farm just
beyond that, there is now a 130-acre
stretch of preserved land in the
northwest corner of the township.
All three of the properties have been
actively farmed, and the Garces property
is growing organic produce destined
for the Iron Chef ’s restaurant
group.
Thanks to Clay Heckler for continuing
the conservation process. Protecting
his property means another
piece of Tinicum’s rural character will
remain.
Sugie Weiss was introduced to Bucks
County in 1946 when she visited her
cousin Mary Woodruff ’s farm on
The name “Galil” refers to the famously
scenic area of northern Israel
surrounding the Sea of Galilee. This
Galil flourishes along the scenic area
of Tinicum Creek.
- Peggy Enoch
Persistent to the End: Landowners go the distance
Rapp Creek. Sugie and her family,
over the years, became part of the
New York City-Bucks County connection.
Sugie and Marty purchased
their property, which lies mostly in
Tinicum, but extends partly into
Nockamixon Township in 1967. In
December, they signed the easement
conserving it. It adjoins the alreadyconserved
Mirick property for a total
of 62.5 acres. Sugie is looking forward
to spending more time here in Bucks
and calls the land “incredible,” adding,
“We have treasured this property
since we bought it, and have enjoyed
it as a retreat from urban life.” Their
sons grew up swimming in Beaver
Pond and learning first-hand about
the diabase geology that provides the
huge rocks on their land.
The Weisses encountered roadblocks
in their pursuit of protecting
the land “in perpetuity.” On finally
closing the transaction, they expressed
their appreciation for
Tinicum Conservancy’s support in
“sticking with us through thick and
thin.” We are grateful for Marty and
Sugie’s persistence in completing the
easement!
- P. E.
Spring 2013 TINICUMCONSERVANCY.ORG 5