The Philander Chase Conservancy, Kenyon College's land trust, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an event titled "An Evening of Celebration for All Things Green." The event will take place on October 9, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Schnormeier Event Center in Ariel-Foundation Park, Mount Vernon, Ohio. This celebration also marks the anniversaries of several other local organizations and initiatives.
The evening will feature a free community concert by "Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra," supported by the Knox County Foundation and other sponsors. Food trucks and a cash bar will be available starting at 5:00 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 6:00 p.m. A special program celebrating the anniversaries of the Owl Creek Conservancy and Philander Chase Conservancy will occur during intermission.
Amy Henricksen, Director of the Philander Chase Conservancy, expressed gratitude for the support received from partners and landowners who have helped conserve over 6,000 acres in Knox County. She said that the conservancy's mission is to protect the natural beauty surrounding Kenyon College and preserve the rural character of the region.
During the event, Zali Win, Chair of the Philander Chase Conservancy’s Board of Trustees, will present the Jean S. Briggs Award for Leadership in Land Conservation to Doug Givens and Lisa Schott. Both individuals played significant roles in leading the conservancy over its first two decades.
Doug Givens was instrumental in various initiatives including enrolling Philander Chase Conservancy as a sponsor for Ohio's easement program and acquiring properties that now form part of local parks. Lisa Schott continued this work by fostering relationships with farmers and establishing new conservation projects like Kokosing Nature Preserve.
Free parking is available at multiple locations around Ariel-Foundation Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs but seating will be provided if needed.
