Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester) will join other state, county and municipal officials in celebrating the formal transfer of Shryock paper mill land, previously acquired by the Natural Lands Trust, to the state and Chester County on November 2.

"Last year, the Natural Lands Trust reached an agreement with the owners of the Shryock Paper Mill in Upper Uwchlan Township to purchase 27 acres with the understanding that the property would eventually be acquired by the state and Chester County for the benefit of our citizens," said Rep. Schroder. "The acquisition of this property was essential to the expansion of Marsh Creek State Park and the Struble Trail."

The Shryock property is situated adjacent to Marsh Creek State Park, Struble Trail and the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek. Schroder was instrumental in brokering an agreement between the property owners and the NLT in order to expand the trail and save as much of the property as possible from development. The paper mill owners retained ownership of the mill and about five acres around it.

"This acquisition was critical to the expansion of the northern end of the Struble Trail, which is a popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts," said Rep. Schroder. "It preserves open space, restores access to the dam wall at Marsh Creek State Park and provides additional parking for those who use the trail."

A $1.5 million grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and additional funding from Chester County enabled the Natural Lands Trust to complete the land purchase last year.

A ceremonial signing of documents transferring ownership of land to the state and Chester County for the expansion of Marsh Creek State Park and the Struble Trail will be held at 1 p.m., November 2 at the Struble Trail parking area, Creek and Dorlan Mill Roads in Downingtown.

For more information, contact Rep. Schroder's district office at 610-524-5595 or the Natural Lands Trust at 610-353-5587 x 244.