Adolph Hailed as 'Champion of Great Outdoors'

MEDIA–Rep. Bill Adolph (R-165) was honored Thursday at the 55-acre 's Hildacy Farm Preserve in Delaware County for his longstanding support of open space, parks, and trails. 

Adolph, who represents parts of Radnor, Marple and Springfield township, currently sits on the House Appropriations Committee as chairman. Adolph also recognized Thursday for his leadership in restoring funds for the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund in the current state budget, stated a press release.

According to Natural Lands Trust, the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund is a state program created with bi-partisan public and legislative support in 1993. Over the past 19 years, the fund has helped protect 120,000 acres of green space for parks, greenways, and wildlife habitat; complete over 2,600 community park improvement projects; and maintain state parks and forests that support recreation and tourism statewide. The Keystone Fund had been targeted for elimination in early proposals for the 2013 state budget but was restored fully, thanks in large part to Chairman Adolph and others in the legislature, stated Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. 

Natural Lands Trust, a regional conservancy organization, hosted the cocktail reception in the outdoors on Thursday. Some of the other area conservancy organizations included representatives from the Brandywine Conservancy, the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, the Wissahickon Watershed, the  and Pickering Creek Conservation Trust, and many more.

In addition to Adolph, Rep. Joe Hackett (R-161) and Rep. Kate Harper (R-61) were also in attendance to honor Adolph. Radnor Township officials and Springfield Township Commissioner Gina Sage was also present and shared her thanks to Adolph.

A newly planted Blackgum tree and a plaque acknowledging Adolph's work on behalf of conservation was also dedicated at the reception. In addition, local children drew posters of what they cared most about in nature were displayed at the reception.