Preserving Open Spaces for the Whole Community

More than just neighboring properties, The Hill at Whitemarsh and the Whitemarsh Foundation have histories that are forever intertwined.

The land that the two properties share was once one large parcel—450 acres to be exact—that remained privately owned until the late 1990s. When it became clear that part of the land would be sold to The Hill at Whitemarsh to develop a continuing care retirement community, a group of neighbors from Lafayette Hill decided to form The Whitemarsh Foundation. As a not-for-profit organization, they helped advocate and fundraise for the preservation of open space on two parcels of adjacent land.

Over the past 17 years, the hard work of the Whitemarsh Foundation has resulted in the creation and stewardship of the Dixon Meadow Preserve, the renovation and preservation of the historic Dixon Meadow Farmhouse, and the expansion of educational and community programming.

And for the first time in the Foundation’s history, there is a new leader at the helm of the organization. Maura McCarthy stepped into the role of Executive Director this past year, taking the reins from founding director, Kim Sheppherd. Maura brings an exceptional amount of experience to the role, having previously served as the chief executive officer at the Fairmount Park Conservancy and as the executive director at Friends of The Wissahickon.

Given the importance of the work to the wider community, one of the current focus areas for the Foundation is how it can continue to assist the township in preserving open spaces.

“We’re doing this work in a few ways—through environmental programming, fundraising, and engaging volunteers,” Maura said. “We’re also looking ahead to the 250th celebration of America and offering retrospective history walk-and-talks in partnership with the township and the community.”

As the program director for Whitemarsh Foundation, Troy Bynum has been working on elevating the education program, which includes working closely with The Hill and student programs to encourage intergenerational learning.

“We are always looking for new ways to innovate, collaborate, and bring groups of people together,” said Maura. “The Hill has been such a vital partner in making that happen.”

In addition to participating in the educational programs, many residents at The Hill also serve as volunteers for the Bird Box Program.

“One of the residents at The Hill manages the formal volunteer program for the bird boxes at the preserve,” Maura said. “They oversee maintaining and caring for the bird boxes in the preserve and help ensure that future generations of birds can thrive.”

Maura recognizes the meaningful nature of the shared history of The Hill and the Whitemarsh Foundation.

“The Hill at Whitemarsh is a great example of what good partnership looks like,” said Maura. “And as a result, we all get to share and enjoy this really beautiful open space together.”

“My prior experience was a convergence of nature, utilities, and people,” said Maura. “And that serves me well here at the Whitemarsh Foundation since the basin of the nature preserve helps to combat agricultural waste, prevents flooding within the community, and provides public health benefits for so many.” – Maura McCarthy