Berks Nature accepted donation of conservation easement on farmland in the historic Butter Valley. The grantors of the conservation easement, Alan ‘Jerry’ Silberman and Jerzy Golek are proud to be the owners of a modest but vibrant farm in Washington Township, Berks County. Their property, near to the bustle of Route 100 and its business and just a stone’s throw from the Berks-Montgomery County line is an island of agricultural land isolated from the large cluster of protected farmlands across the County Line.
Jerry and Jerzy, urged on by the loss of farmland to residential development in Washington Township are concerned about the environmental impact that the loss of open space, even 20 acres, may have on stormwater and the Middle Creek watershed basin. What concerned them most, however, is the loss of identity in the community around them. Motivated by their love for their
farm and its place in the hearts of the neighborhood children and their parents, Jerry and Jerzy decided that Wilt Farm would remain so into the future that their property would preserve the heritage of the Butter Valley, even after the land leaves their hands.
The Butter Valley encompasses the hills at the edge of the Reading Prong formation and the waters of the Swamp Creek and West-Branch Perkiomen Creek which flow through them. The Valley was chosen by farmers for its rich soils, and abundance of cool, clean waters flowing downstream from the forested lands of the Prong and the Oley Hills.
The largest threat to downstream water quality is construction of impervious surfaces such as buildings, highways, roads, and paved lots, among other common infrastructures. The Butter Valley serves as a vanguard for the eastern part of the Schuylkill River basin, as it continues through Montgomery County to Philadelphia.
Berks Nature is honored to accept the donation of easement on these nearly 20 acres. Together, we preserve the legacy of our land and communities. Together, we build a brighter, greener future for the next generation by preserving our County’s rich agricultural heritage.
About Berks Nature
Berks Nature is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization that has been serving the Berks County community since 1974. We believe that nature is essential to our quality of life. Our work
centers around this value, from land preservation and trail management, to community gardens and environmental education, to our State of the Environment report and summer Eco-Camp;
protecting, stewarding, and connecting people to nature and Berks County’s unique mosaic of natural resources.
We welcome your involvement in many ways! Become a Champion of Nature, Volunteer, donate, or attend an upcoming program at The Nature Place. Get involved today…your local action can have a global impact.
