Delco land now permanently preserved

Uradnisheck conservation easement Delaware County Thornbury Township meadow

MEDIA, Pa., November 24, 2025 – Natural Lands announced today the permanent preservation of a 14.6-acre property in Thornbury Township, Delaware County. The land, now protected under a conservation easement held by Natural Lands, is adjacent to 26.2 acres of township-owned open space, offering important contiguous woodlands for wildlife. It also helps filter pollutants before they reach nearby West Branch Chester Creek.

Jay Uradnisheck purchased the property in 1986 and has spent almost 40 years working to restore it to a more natural state. He has planted hundreds of trees to improve the forest cover and manages an eight-acre meadow.

Mr. Uradnisheck formed a deep connection with nature as a boy playing in the meadows, woodlands, and streams near his childhood home. As land development eroded the natural areas around him, he became determined to preserve and restore this almost 15-acre oasis.

“Even after 40 years of walking my property I still experience daily surprises and wonderment about the life in these woods and meadows. I walk slowly, making studied observations while uncovering critical relationships among species. The network of interactions is too complex to understand but, with enthusiasm, I have been reintroducing native plants to strengthen the resilience of that network of life.”

“I often remark that every land conservation success begins with a willing landowner, someone who makes a conscious choice to preserve their property,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “Jay Uradnisheck goes beyond a willing landowner; he is an enthusiastic and dedicated conservationist and steward of nature. We at Natural Lands are honored to help fulfil his wishes for this beautiful property.”

Mr. Uradnisheck will continue to own the property. He and and Thornbury Township have agreed formally that ownership of his property will transfer to the township after he passes or if he no longer lives there. The conservation easement’s protections will stay in place after transfer of ownership.

“We are pleased to partner with Natural Lands on the preservation of 14.7 acres of land owned by Jay Uradnisheck,” said Jeff Seagraves, Thornbury Township manager. “Although the township will not take ownership until Jay passes, we trust he will continue excellent stewardship. On behalf of our current and future residents, I would like to thank Jay Uradnisheck for his thoughtful gift.”

The property lies about a quarter mile north of West Branch Chester Creek, which is a tributary of the Delaware River and contributes water to the Delaware Estuary and Delaware Bay. Protecting land near streams is one of the most effective ways of protecting our water as trees, shrubs, and other plants help filter out pollutants before they reach the waterways.

Mr. Uradnisheck donated the value of the conservation easement and contributed substantially to its stewardship endowment fund.

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 136,600 acres, including 40+ nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,600 acres. About five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Media Inquiries:

Kit Werner, Senior Director of Communications
kwerner at natlands dot org