The Dog Days of Summer

On May 25th, Strasburg Road transformed into a sea of red, white and blue as a grateful community paid homage to the brave men and women who have served, those who continue to serve, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Whether you were clapping along to the patriotic tunes courtesy of The Galena Brass Band and the Lukens Band, saluting the Honor Guard, or waving to the enthusiastic and creative Children's Bicycle Decorating Contest participants, the Marshallton Memorial Day Parade was the perfect way to kick off the unofficial start of summer.

Indeed, the extreme heat we experienced this past week was a not-so-subtle reminder that the dog days of summer are upon us—and that Mother Nature is not to be trifled with. Read on to learn the results of the Brandywine Flood Study conducted by our conservation partner, the Brandywine Conservancy, which sheds light on the challenges facing our watershed. We’re also kicking off a new summer series on light pollution—what it is, why it matters here in Marshallton, and how we can each help preserve the peace and clarity of our night skies.

As the Fourth of July draws near, we wish you a holiday filled with the sights and sounds of nature, the spirit of community, and all the sweetness of summer.

Community Spotlight: PA Day

Celebrate PA Day on Friday, July 18, and help cultivate change right here in our community. Volunteer to package meals, process produce, or work in the gardens in Exton, Downingtown or Glenmoore. Click on the button below to sign up to volunteer.

Conservation Spotlight:

Brandywine Flood Study

In response to the increasing frequency and severity of flooding along the Brandywine Creek in both Pennsylvania and Delaware, the Brandywine Conservancy launched the Brandywine Flood Study in August 2023, nearly two years after Hurricane Ida caused historic flooding across our region. Conducted in partnership with the Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA) and the University of Delaware Water Resources Center (UDWRC), the study was a collaborative effort to better understand where and why flooding occurs and to identify the most effective strategies for protecting vulnerable communities.

For areas like Marshallton, the report provides valuable insights into local flood risks and outlines practical, data-driven approaches to increase resilience against future storms. We encourage residents to explore the findings and learn how they can inform long-term planning and protection efforts for our village and surrounding landscapes.

Brandywine Flood Study Report

Conservation Corner: Light Pollution

There’s no doubt about it: In Marshallton, we treasure our open space, dark skies, and quiet nights. But excessive and misdirected outdoor lighting—also known as light pollution—is quietly changing our environment. From hiding the stars to disrupting sleep and wasting energy, artificial light at night affects not only us but also our entire ecosystem. To help our residents stay in the know, the Marshallton Conservation Trust is launching a new series this summer to shed light (no pun intended) on this growing issue and share simple steps we can all take to make a difference.

Light pollution doesn’t just block our view of the night sky—it has tangible consequences for people and wildlife alike. For humans, exposure to artificial light at night can disrupt circadian rhythms, making it more difficult to sleep and potentially affecting long-term health. For wildlife, the effects are far-reaching: birds can become disoriented and collide with structures; bats avoid foraging in well-lit areas; and insects, such as fireflies and moths, lose the ability to navigate or communicate through natural light cues. Even plants are affected when their pollinators disappear.

By rethinking how we light our homes and properties, we can protect the night for wildlife, our neighbors, and ourselves. Let’s keep Marshallton beautiful, inside and out, day and night.