Known for its deep tap root, strong wood, and long lifespan, the white oak is one of the most productive trees in Pennsylvania in terms of providing wildlife benefits.
It is with these qualities in mind that we established the White Oak Society to honor donors who extend loyal annual support to Natural Lands Trust for 10 or more consecutive years. Members of the Society enjoy exclusive events, such as guided preserve tours and social gatherings.
Currently, over 500 members are in the White Oak Society. Natural Lands Trust thanks all these loyal individuals for their steadfast commitment to our organizational efforts as well as their unwavering passion for the natural world. It will be our pleasure to welcome new members to the White Oak Society as loyal support continues to grow.
Meet Some of Our White Oak Society Members
Elsa and Philip Lichtenberg
“When I retired, I wanted to be outside. People thought I was crazy to go from doing ‘head work’ as a librarian to physical labor. It’s what I love, and where I ended up.” And, most days, outside is exactly where you’ll find Elsa Lichtenberg (pictured above center, with husband, Philip). In her retirement, she’s helped plant meadows, maintain trails, improve garden beds, and clear woodlands of invasives.
Elsa’s husband Philip, a psychiatrist and former Bryn Mawr Professor of Social Work and Social Research, also enjoys the great outdoors; both Lichtenbergs have been loyal supporters of land preservation. In fact, since 1992 they have been members of Natural Lands Trust and have been part of numerous outings to our preserves. Elsa recently noted, “People who work in nature are a special breed. They’re committed. They have joy, a cooperative spirit, and are eager to share what they know. That’s what we enjoy so much about NLT; we feel part of the organization and proud of what’s being accomplished.”
Ginnie Newlin (pictured above, left)
“My grandmothers made me a Natural Lands Trust member. They were wonderful gardeners. I am told that one day when my one grandmother was working in her flower bed and I was instructed to play on its grassy border, I flatly refused (being a three year old), begging instead to ‘dig in the dirt with Danny.’
The importance of the right kind of digging in the right kind of dirt certainly connects to Natural Lands Trust, as does a love of plants and open space. When I was a girl, my father took us walking in the Wissahickon and when I was a teenager, a friend and I spent our Sunday afternoons walking and talking about important things in those woods.
So I knew what I was doing when I became a member: retaining open space and supporting a healthy environment. I am glad that I have been a small supporter of your great growth in work and expertise over the years. You have preserved the land around Philadelphia and I am proud to be one of your loyal members.”
