The boards of the Brandywine Valley Association (BVA) and Red Clay Valley Association (RCVA) agreed to merge last week, forming a new regional organization  to provide watershed conservation and education programs.

The decision to merge was announced in a joint statement from RCVA board president Lisa Brubaker and her BVA counterpart, Jim Nolan. “We are inspired and energized about joining these two strong, dynamic organizations and believe our members and the greater community will benefit from our combined forces,” the statement read. “The boards of both organizations have recognized a need to increase efficiency and use donor dollars effectively to meet the growing needs of Chester County in Pennsylvania and Northern New Castle County in Delaware. The new organization will continue to pioneer innovative programs to improve our region's water quality and foster environmental stewardship through education programs for all ages to protect our precious natural resources.”

The organizations began discussions on collaborating earlier this year as part of a joint strategic planning process. Over the last four months a committee comprised of board members from both organizations and facilitated by Sylvia & Carter & Associates met to discuss a merger. On Oct. 22, a special vote by BVA members empowered their board of directors to approve a plan of merger and complete the merger with RCVA as soon as the spring of 2015.

For more information, visit www.brandywinewatershed.org and www.redclayvalley.org.