Friday, May 30, 2025

In Memoriam: Gerry Kaufman Founder Of The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership In Montgomery County And Philadelphia

On May 28, the
Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership announced the passing of Gerry Kaufman, its founder and first President, on May 10.  

This is from their announcement--

In 2000, as Executive Director of Awbury Arboretum, Gerry answered the Philadelphia Water Department’s call to develop a watershed management plan. 

He quickly emerged as its champion, recognizing the need for a formal organization dedicated to connecting communities and protecting our creeks and green spaces.

His leadership helped lay the foundation for what would become the TTF Watershed Partnership—a mission-driven nonprofit that continues to grow and thrive 20 years later.

We are deeply grateful for Gerry’s vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the health and vitality of our watershed. 

His legacy lives on in every trail walked, tree planted, and community brought together in care for our shared environment.

In his honor, we are making a donation to Awbury Arboretum—a place that reflects his values and passion for nature, community, and connection.

Click Here to see the announcement.

According to Mr. Kaufman’s obituary, he graduated from Yale University and Columbia Law School, and “was a lifelong environmental and social activist who served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, executive director of Awbury Arboretum in Philadelphia, and throughout his life as a devoted champion of liberal causes.” Services were held on May 16. 

The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership works in an area that includes  Abington, Cheltenham, Jenkintown, Rockledge, and Springfield in Montgomery County – to neighborhoods in North, Northeast, and Northwest Philadelphia.

They educate neighbors and stakeholders about clean water issues and how we can all make a difference at our homes and businesses, on our trails, and in our parks and communities.

Related Articles This Week:

-- PA State Conservation Commission Farm Conservation Project Certification Expands Capacity To Approve More Projects  [PaEN] 

-- Penn State Center For Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training Hosts June 24 Webinar On The Pennsylvania Right To Farm Law  [PaEN] 

-- Master Watershed Steward Christine Boyle Makes A Splash In Luzerne County  [PaEN]  

-- Cumberland County Master Gardeners: June 12 In-Person Trees For Climate Change Workshop  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension: June 16 Community Forestry Webinar On Resolving Tree-Sidewalk Conflicts  [PaEN] 

-- Penn State Extension June 25 Pennsylvania Harmful Algal Blooms Webinar  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Inquirer: Gerald Kaufman, Former PA House Member, Environmental, Social Activist, Has Died At 92

-- Glenside Local: Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Mourning Loss Of Founder Gerry Kaufman

-- Lancaster Farming: Stroud Water Research Center Floats New Restoration Approaches To Chesapeake Bay Cleanup 

-- Lancaster Farming: Lancaster County Farmer Works With Stroud Water Research Center To Improve Water Quality

-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Hope Episcopal Church In Manheim Completes Stormwater Bioretention Area To Reduce Stormwater Runoff  [Video] 

-- Gettysburg Connection: Calling Planting Volunteers, Join Watershed Alliance Of Adams County May 31 For Pine Run Planting

[Posted: May 30, 2025]  PA Environment Digest

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