On July 25, Natural Lands announced the permanent preservation of the 44-acre Aguilar farm in East Nantmeal Township, Chester County.

The irrevocable conservation plan, created in collaboration with the property’s owners, will ensure the bucolic farm vista, rolling terrain, steep slopes, waterway, and woodlands all remain intact forever.  

Said Natural Lands Senior Director of Land Protection Jack Stefferud, “The property is really special because of the water there. Beaver Run and one of its tributaries cut through the northern portion of the land. The area around the creek banks is a floodplain, which absorbs and slows stormwater during major rainstorms.”

The entire Beaver Run basin is designated as having Exceptional Value water quality by the Department of Environmental Protection. Water from Beaver Run makes its way to French Creek, which joins the Schuylkill River just upstream of Norristown.

These waterways are important sources of drinking water and recreation for the Delaware Valley, making their protection essential to our region.

There is also a small wetland area on the property. Much like coral reefs and rainforests, wetlands teem with diverse plants, insects, and wildlife. 

These important habitats are now protected forever through a conservation easement placed on the entirety of the Aguilar farm. A conservation easement is legally binding and restricts development and subdivision on the property. Natural Lands will uphold the terms of the agreement in perpetuity.

In addition, East Nantmeal Township plans to place a public trail easement on a portion of the property along Horseshoe Trail Road. The farm is within the Nantmeal Village Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and connects already conserved land to the south with the Village of Nantmeal. 

Funding for the project was underwritten by East Nantmeal Township and the Conservancy Grant Program, Commissioners of Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline said, “Preserving a property like this one checks all the right boxes in Chester County’s efforts to invest wisely in open space. The Aguilar property has historical value, the Beaver Run Creek runs through it, its woodlands extend the amazing high-quality woodlands already preserved there, and it is all located within the fast-developing Route 100 corridor. We are pleased to partner with Natural Lands and East Nantmeal Township on preserving this irreplaceable natural and historical site.”

“My wife and I want our kids and grandkids to appreciate nature's healing qualities,” said landowner Martin Aguilar. “We all need to do more to preserve land. Once it's gone, it's too late.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural Lands website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on Facebook.  Click Here to support their activities.

Natural Lands has preserved more than 125,000 acres, including 42 nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres.

Related Articles:

-- WeConservePA: The Nature Conservancy PA Permanently Protects 240 Acres In Luzerne County, Transfers To Game Commission  [PaEN]

-- Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust Accepts Donation Of 38-Acres Of Forest, Wetlands In Montgomery County  [PaEN]

[Posted: July 25, 2023]

7/31/2023