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Chester County Press

Programs focus on local history and nature

12/22/2014 05:02PM ● By Kerigan Butt

Several programs that focus on local history or nature are planned in the coming months.

The history of the Mason Dixon Line will be explored during a presentation at the New Garden Township Building on Starr Road in Landenberg on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. The history of the Mason Dixon Line dates back to June 18, 1765 when Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon placed the survey marker identifying the intersection of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. It was the first marker of the westward-bound survey line that would determine the lands of Pennsylvania and Maryland.

All are invited to the White Clay Watershed Association's Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, to learn about the history of this boundary and the survey itself from John MacKenzie, a professor at the University of Delaware, who has done extensive research on the subject. There will also be a brief presentation about the new Tri-State Marker trail being built to this marker by the Friends of White Clay Creek Preserve.

On Oct. 24, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., experience the return of historic hauntings at the London Tract Meeting House in the White Clay Creek Preserve. Take a tour around the graveyard at London Tract Meeting House, where you will meet a cast of characters from Landenberg's rich history. This popular community event from the past is making a comeback this year. Along with the graveyard tour, there will be a haunted trail, music, refreshments, and a bonfire. The raindate for the event is Oct. 25. Details at FriendsofPaWCCP.org.

On Oct. 25, enjoy the beauty of the fall plants that grow locally. Fall foliage can be surprisingly beautiful. Shorter daylight causes waning photosynthesis (plants making their own food by using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and glucose). When the greens fade, some leaves show their red, orange, or yellow hues. Brown colors are caused by wastes left in leaves. Fall Local Plants is a year-long seasonal exploration of the plants found in the area. Join Friends member April Schmitt in exploring a local property that has worked hard to encourage local plants to thrive. Participants will meet at the London Tract Meeting House and caravan by car to the private local property. The program begins at 1 p.m. The raindate is Oct. 25. More information is available at Friendsof PaWCCP.org.