A team of community philanthropists including Geoff and Gretchen Jackson of the Vesta Fund, Michael Katz of Strider Nolan Media, Inc., and Linda Deeter of DeeterUSA teamed up with our organization to work throughout the year on updating the beloved children's novel  The Wind in the Willows with a Bucks County salute! The story follows the tale of Mole, Rat, Toad, and Badger, and this revised version of the book places them in the heart of Bucks County. Evoking pride and sense of place, recognizable landmarks from our area are peppered throughout the story, including Heritage Conservancy's Aldie Mansion, the Black Bass Inn, the Michener Museum, the Delaware River, and many others.

Community members will delight in the book's acclaim of Bucks County and the natural and historic landscapes that make our area so unique. Exquisite painting pages and sketches provided by Alan Fetterman illuminate the story and further connect readers with the heritage of Bucks County. Alan's exclusive "The Wind in the Willows of Bucks County" art collection features twelve 36" by 40" oil on linen paintings that depict many of our area's preserved treasures. Other pieces of Fetterman's artwork will be available during the open house exhibit as well.

"Bucks County is my homeland. I love it like no other," says Alan Fetterman (pictured above). "With its many trickling creeks leading to the long and winding Delaware River, all souls near and far can readily witness nature's beauty in hand, heart, and mind."

As a dedicated advocate of the Delaware Valley Region, a collaboration with Heritage Conservancy was a natural fit for Fetterman. Through its mission, Heritage Conservancy ensures a future for the picturesque views that fuel Alan's creativity.

Because of his strong connection to our region, Alan is generously donating 30% of the purchase price of his "The Wind in the Willows of Bucks County" paintings and 20% of all other artwork to Heritage Conservancy's Keeping the Promise (KTP) fund. The KTP fund strengthens Heritage Conservancy's promise to landowners and local residents to protect our natural and historic heritage in perpetuity.

"It is an honor to be a part of this collaboration with Geoff and Gretchen Jackson of the Vesta Fund, whose efforts always bring hopeful promise to the benefit of many, and to ultimately support Heritage Conservancy for impeccable leadership toward preservation and stewardship of the land we love," says Fetterman.

Funding for the printing of all  The Wind in the Willows of Bucks County books in their entirety was provided by the Vesta Fund. Less than 200 copies of the collector's edition leather-bound version of  The Wind in the Willows of Bucks County are available to the public for a donation to Heritage Conservancy's KTP fund. This book is a community gift and high-end collector's item that will be cherished for years to come, and it is available just in time for the holidays.

Through its support of this project, Vesta Fund hopes to achieve many important charitable goals: to raise awareness about historic preservation and green space protection; augment educational efforts in the local public schools; and embrace and support the Bucks County fine arts community. A paperback version of the book, along with a teachers' guide, will be distributed to schools in the new year. Heritage Conservancy extends gratitude to Vesta Fund for envisioning, spearheading, writing, designing, and funding this project.

"Working with this group of philanthropists has been truly inspiring. Each person brought their own passion and focus, and these interests combined to reflect the best of what our region has to offer: an appreciation of the arts, education, and our natural and historic places," says Linda Cacossa, Chief Operating Officer for Heritage Conservancy. "Our team at Heritage Conservancy is proud to have played a part in bringing this legacy to our community."