The Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail (FOCHT) received the Township of Lower Merion’s “Emerald Necklace Award for Open Space Preservation” during a presentation at the August 5th Board of Commissioners meeting. The Award, which was instituted in 2006, had become an honored tradition in the Township, with the list of previous winners including:

• 2006, Thomas Connelly—who generously donated approximate seven acres in Bala Cynwyd to the Township. This property, between the SEPTA R-6 Line and the Pencoyd Waterfront, has become known as the Connelly Tract and is one of the first pieces of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail. The property’s acquisition was instrumental in making the Trail a reality. The steeply sloped and heavily wooded Connelly Tract has been adopted by the Boy Scouts of Lower Merion.

• 2007, Harry Olson—whose selfless volunteerism and tireless advocacy of the Lower Merion waterfront was recognized. 

• 2008, Ken Davis—a former Lower Merion Township Board President whose decades of leadership in open space preservation were honored. Most notably, his role in permanently protecting Rolling Hill Park and Saunders Woods was lauded.

• 2009, Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail— which will be honored in recognition of their efforts to promote and develop the Cynwyd Heritage Trail. Successful cleanup weekends have been enthusiastically attended throughout the year.

    “On just one weekend, volunteers removed 150 yards of brush, 12 tons of logs, 22 trash bags, 170 leaf bags, 119 rail road timbers, 4,000 pounds of stone, 10,000 pounds of concrete debris and 6 tires,” remarked Christopher Leswing, Assistant Director of Building and Planning. “When considering the many individuals and groups who contribute to the preservation of open spaces and the quality of life in Lower Merion, the Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail topped the list because of their remarkable accomplishments over the course of 2009.”

    “Protecting open space is a priority in Lower Merion Township and it is fitting that those people whose contributions help make a difference in securing open space for future generations are publicly recognized,” added Commissioner Philip S. Rosenzweig, Open Space Committee Chairman.

    The August 5th Board of Commissioners meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be cablecast live on LMTV (Comcast Channel 7/Verizon Channel 37).