On May 23, Chester County Parks and Preservation announced it has awarded the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust $623,765 through their Preservation Partnership Program to assist in the permanent protection of four environmentally significant properties in northern Chester County, including--

-- Camp Innabah in East Vincent Township along the French Creek, 126 acres, $221,000 awarded in addition to a previously announced county grant of $640,000.

-- The Kirlin property in North Coventry Township near the headwaters of Pigeon Creek, 55 acres, $201,565 awarded

-- The Nester Property in East Coventry Township along Pigeon Creek, 24 acres, $128,300 awarded

-- The Billingsley Property in East Coventry Township along Pigeon Creek, 23 acres, $72,900 awarded

The permanent protection of these properties through voluntary conservation agreements will provide vital protection for wildlife habitat along the French and Pigeon Creeks and increase public access to trails and waterways.

“The continued investment in natural resource preservation by the County Commissioners is critical for the ecological and economic resiliency of our beautiful farms, fields, forests, and preserves,” noted Bill Gladden, French & Pickering’s Executive Director. “We owe it to ourselves and future generations to preserve our most special places while the pace of our increasing population makes us one of the fastest growing counties in Pennsylvania.” 

French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is thrilled to continue our partnership with Chester County to preserve these important natural areas and grateful for the opportunity to advance these four unique conservation easements.

These grant funds will be spent to compensate these conservation minded landowners for permanently protecting their properties.

The technical assistance from Chester County Parks and Preservation and the ongoing investment in open space preservation by the Chester County Commissioners are crucial. 

Since 1967, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has protected more than 13,500 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnerships.

The nonprofit organization works with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland, and preserve environmentally sensitive land.

Related Articles:

-- Chester County Awards French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust $623,765 To Preserve 4 Environmentally Sensitive Properties Totaling 228 Acres  [PaEN]

-- Berks Nature, Partners Protect 131 Acres In Schuylkill County And Kittatinny Ridge  [PaEN]

-- Susquehanna National Heritage Area, Conservation Fund Partner To Preserve Historic 87 Acre Farmstead In York County  [PaEN]

-- Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust Protecting 41-Acre June Fete Fairgrounds In Montgomery County  [PaEN]

-- Heritage Conservancy Completes Conservation Easement Preserving 29.3 Acres In Northampton County  [PaEN]

-- Natural Lands Preserves Additional 22 Acres In Stone Hill Greenway, Montgomery County  [PaEN] 

-- Allegheny Land Trust Permanently Protects Former Hospital Site In Allegheny County  [PaEN]

[Posted: May 23, 2024]

5/27/2024