The Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT) in Upper Moreland Township is hosting their seventh annual Earth Day Trail Run on Saturday, April 26 at 9:00am at 2955 Edge Hill Road in Huntingdon Valley.
Proceeds from the event, which includes a 5K run, a 10K run, and a 1-mile walk, will be used to purchase the June Fete Fairground.
“Not only have we acquired enough land to cross the 900 acre mark, but we’ve embarked on a mission to purchase the June Fete Fairground,” PERT said in their announcement. “All proceeds from this year’s race go toward the acquisition and maintenance of that land, protecting it from development forever.”
In May 2024, PERT received a $300,000 open space grant to be used for the acquisition. The 41.49-acre parcel situated along Huntingdon and Edge Hill roads was owned by Abington Hospital and Abington Memorial Healthcare Corporation and is valued at $4.15 million. PERT began fundraising in November 2023. The property is currently “under contract” to PERT.

The agreement of sale with Jefferson Abington Hospital and Abington Memorial Healthcare Corp. includes a clause to keep the Fairgrounds as a green space forevermore. An additional clause states that PERT will grant the Abington Health Foundation Women’s Board an exclusive right to use the Fairgrounds for the 114-year-old June Fete Fair each year going forward.
“As a reputable land trust that is dedicated to the preservation of open space forever, PERT will not only own the land outright, but also protect the land under a conservation easement that will forbid development in perpetuity,” PERT said in a statement.
To register for the race, you can click here.
In related news, PERT’s annual Photo Contest is underway.
“The Annual Photo Contest has been capturing the beauty of the Pennypack Trust since 2010. The submissions benefit the Trust and are often used in our communications,” PERT said in a post. “All skill levels are encouraged to participate. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned photographer!”
The deadline for submissions is February 28 at 4:00pm.
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