"We got lucky"

Even old-timers learned something new when David Shields of the Brandywine Conservancy gave a fascinating talk about the history of the King Ranch in Newlin, East Fallowfield and West Marlborough.
When the ranch wanted to sell the pristine land to developers, the Conservancy stepped in and tried to raise the purchase price by recruiting very wealthy people who would be interested in owning a piece of the ranch. Given the obstacles the Conservancy faced in putting together the unprecedented, years-long deal, what with conservation easements, IRS regulations, and a multitude of other complications, it's amazing that they eventually succeeded in saving the land from development and creating the Laurels nature preserve.
"We got lucky," said Mr. Shields.
He mentioned that before closing, the ranch owners insisted on checking how much oil was left in the tanks of all the houses on the property -- but then left $40,000 in first-cutting hay unharvested. He also recalled how the late Teddy Browning of Pocopson did a natural resources survey of the entire property and would sometimes take both hands off the wheel of his truck in excitement to point to an especially beautiful spot.
Mr. Shields gave his talk to a standing-room-only audience at the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library. A friend who missed the talk wondered if the library might invite Mr. Shields to reprise the lecture, and that would be a great idea. I'd go back again.
Also, Mr. Shields, who is associate director of the Conservancy's Land Stewardship program, is writing a book on the King Ranch and the Conservancy's role in saving the land, and I can't wait to read it.