In April, Heritage Conservancy welcomed two new members to its board of directors: Doug Carr, a previous Merck employee who has been integral in multiple biotech startups, and Brian Clark, an environmental lawyer for Buchannan, Ingersoll, and Rooney, PC.
“As someone who regularly bike rides past the breathtaking scenery and structures of Bucks County, I want to do my part in supporting and expanding the preservation of that beauty,” said Carr about why he was motivated to join the board.
No stranger to Heritage Conservancy, Carr came to the organization as a volunteer during the first volunteer orientation two years ago, and he put the pedal to the metal with getting involved in the mission. He chairs Heritage’s Farm to Table event committee, sits on the Development and Community Engagement Committee, and is now a member of the board of directors. Going above and beyond attending cleanups and outreach events, Carr has served as a strong community ambassador for Heritage Conservancy.
Carr would like to utilize his talents to advance the overall mission of Heritage Conservancy with a focus on connecting people to existing preserved land and historic structures and engaging youth into the activities of Heritage Conservancy to solicit the ideas and energy of the younger generation.
Nick DeRose, a dedicated board member, first introduced Brian Clark to Heritage Conservancy, and it seems Clark was destined to join the organization.
As a practicing lawyer in the environmental field since 1985, Clark has helped to write environmental laws that are still on the books in Pennsylvania, including the recycling law, the superfund act, and the storage tank act. He was also responsible for helping to shape environmental and energy policies for gubernatorial candidates like Tom Ridge and Tom Corbett.
“Maintaining open space and historic aspects are invaluable for all residents,” said Clark. “If I can play one small part in maintaining that legacy and quality of life for everyone, then that will be rewarding.”
Clark is relatively newer to Bucks County. He is originally from Emporium in Cameron County; it has the smallest population of all counties in the state. The beauty of the Bucks County area reminded him of home, with the added benefits of a rich history and things to do.
Clark and his wife Colleen are an environmental power couple: Colleen retired from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and they are both very interested in conservation, recycling, and adaptive reuse. In his spare time, Brian enjoys spending time with family: he has as son in college, and Colleen is from a family of 10, so there is no shortage of gatherings. Brian also enjoys traveling. His favorite places he’s visited are Paris and Cuba.
Historic Site Listed
A historic home that was part of America’s birth just landed on Heritage Conservancy’s Register of Historic Places. Greeneside, located on Old York Road in Warwick Township, is a historic farmstead comprised of four buildings, the oldest dating back to the mid-1700s.
Greeneside served as a Revolutionary War encampment site for the Continental Army from August 10-August 23, 1777 and the headquarters of General Nathanael Greene. The house on the property is the closest of the four buildings to the road, and it is located directly across from the Moland House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for serving as George Washington’s headquarters.
This encampment was a critical location for the development of military protocol and refinement of discipline within the Continental Army. As you walk through, you can just imagine orders being shouted and plans being drawn to defeat the British.
Along with its national significance, this home is significant for its association with prominent local individuals: Colonel Joseph Hart, who commanded forces during the Revolutionary War and led forces in opposition to the Whiskey Rebellion, and his son, Samuel Hart; the Harts are the namesake for the nearby village of Hartsville.
Because of its historical significance and its ties to the building of our nation, the Greeneside home was once spared from demolition when the Old York Road bypass was widened to four lanes. This is why Heritage Conservancy strives to educate the community about its historic heritage: when people understand the importance of what they have, they will want to protect it.
Heritage Conservancy thanks Murrie and Chaya Gayman for being great stewards of this historic home and for working to have it recognized on the Heritage Conservancy Register of Historic Places.
