Publisher’s Letter

Warmer weather. Emerging flowers. Greening trees and lawns. It’s April! At County Lines, we’re taking a walk outside. At last!

“Get outside, take a hike and breathe the fresh air,” urged Joseph Rothrock, a 19th-century West Chester resident, who was Pennsylvania’s first Commissioner of Forestry, responsible for saving 750,000 acres of forest. He also built a camp for tuberculosis sufferers in Mount Alto, west of Gettysburg. In this month’s Brandywine Stories, Jennifer Green of the Chester County History Center, suggests you remember him this April in “Celebrate Joseph Rothrock Week.”

Earth Day is April 22 and Olivia Pagliaro identifies 15 volunteering opportunities to “Celebrate the 55th Earth Day.” She suggests you put on your work gloves or make it a family day out.

Fred DeLong — “Farmer Fred” as he was known — died this past January. Despite some initial opposition, he created Rushton Farm on a nature preserve owned by Willistown Conservation Trust. Today, it’s a nationwide model of regenerative agriculture on conserved land. Read about it in “Cultivating Soil, Ecosystems and Community” by Blake Goll. And read some of Fred’s articles for County Lines on our website.

As we spend more time outside, it’s the perfect time to consider how our gardens, patios and yards can complement nature. For recommendations, read “Green Your Yard” by Shannon Montgomery. Small changes can make a difference in reducing your carbon footprint and impact on nature.

“Wildflower,” they call it. It’s a farmhouse, a charming country home, dating back to 1829, set amid acres of conserved land in southern Chester County. Now for sale, Laurel Anderson takes a tour and shares its story in Dream Home.

Thinking about your yard? Maybe a patio? A deck? A pool? Check out Marci Tomassone’s “Outdoor Oasis Resource Guide.”

Or perhaps you’re thinking of raising chickens in your back yard. In “Birds of a Feather,” Shannon Montgomery tells you what you should know to get started.

Brandywine Table’s Courtney Diener-Stokes suggests lamb for Easter dinner. “Easter Feast from the Farmstead” is an excellent source of several tasty recipes to inspire an Easter family meal.

Mocktails have all the creativity and flavor of cocktails without the alcohol. Our editorial staff declares, “Don’t Mock Mocktails” and shares recipes. They’re a great alternative for wellness and mindful drinking.

On the weekend from April 25 to 27, over 60 short films — Oscar-nominated/short-listed films, local favorites, moving documentaries and more — will be shown in venues around the Borough for the “19th West Chester Film Festival.” Victoria Rose invites you to be part of the celebration!

As spring begins, with summer breezes not far behind, I found myself wondering whether there are opportunities to sail, paddle or tube around Chester County. Surprisingly, I found more than expected. Read “Spring into the Water.”

If you want to improve your smile, prosthodontist Daniel E. Moore of Visionary Dental advises that “Your Ideal Smile is Within Reach.” Porcelain veneers, he suggests, may be the answer.

Cara Corridoni says that Lancaster County may be known for family-friendly activities, but it has a sweet side too. In “Sweet Escape,” she finds spots where you can spend the day together and hold close the whole night through.

As always, we have plenty of Family Fun and the Best Local Events.

Perhaps you already have County Lines delivered to your mailbox. Save it for future reference. At CountyLinesMagazine.com, you can read the April issue online. At Issuu.com, you can read the digital issue. Or click “Get A Copy” on our website to find locations to pick up your own print copy.

We hope you’d like to subscribe to County Lines. Do it on our website or call 610-918-9300. For single issues, try Wellington Square Bookshop, Main Point Books or Reads & Co. Bookstore. Visiting an advertiser is also a great — and free — way to find copies!

We hope you enjoy this issue. Thank you for reading this month and all year long!

Ed Malet, Publisher

610-918-9300

Birds of a Feather

If you want to raise chickens, the experts advise you plan ahead, consult your local ordinances, have a coop, brooder with heat lamp, thermometer and bedding, and an outdoor space enclosed with chicken wire and a roof. Your eggs ultimately won’t be cheaper than store-bought. But raising chickens can be fun and educational, if not low-maintenance.

Celebrate Joseph Rothrock Week

A West Chester resident, Joseph Trimble Rothrock was trained as a doctor, but devoted himself to forestry. He was the first Pennsylvania Commissioner of Forestry and spearheaded new firefighting techniques, including a mobile “fire wagon” and water pumps that could be used in the wilderness. After an attempt at retirement, he went on to create a camp west of Gettysburg to treat those suffering from tuberculosis. Eventually, it became the largest free facility in the world for treatment of the disease.

Wildflower

Dating back to 1829, on 5+ acres, this home was designed to be filled with family and friends. Situated to offer country views from every window, the house overlooks a pond, hills and beyond to protected green space. Stunning hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, well-proportioned living room, country kitchen, 5+ bedrooms, separate three-car garage and more. At $1.9 million, it’s now ready for the next family.