On November 8, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust announced the completion of a voluntary conservation agreement with Noel and Janae Billingsley, which ensures the permanent protection of their historic 23-acre farmstead in East Coventry Township, Chester County -- a property that has been in their family for three generations.

“This easement ensures that our land will be preserved for generations to come, protecting the natural beauty and resources of the area while promoting open space initiatives important to the preservation of our local community. It’s our little way of giving back, contributing to the health of our environment, and creating a positive legacy,” said Noel Billingsley.

This Fulmer Road property is ecologically important, boasting nearly 1,400 feet of Pigeon Creek, with its tributaries flowing through a floodplain forest abundant in plant and animal diversity.

Five acres of this property are still actively farmed to produce feed for cows at local micro-dairy farms, while the rest of the land is covered in mixed hardwood forest. The property’s pond and woodlands have long been a cherished spot for neighbors to fish and hunt.

“The Billingsley property is adjacent to the recently conserved Nester family farm, creating a contiguous protected landscape of nearly 50 acres. The elimination of the development potential on both properties furthers the Township’s goals to protect and support agriculture. It was a pleasure working with all the partners to complete this project,” noted Pam Brown, Senior Conservation Advisor for French & Pickering.

Chester County granted French & Pickering $72,900 for the acquisition of the Billingsley easement.

An additional $170,100 in funding came from our partners in East Coventry Township. French & Pickering is thankful for the support of the County and East Coventry Township, and for the generosity of the Billingsleys for enabling the protection of this remarkable farmland.

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.

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[Posted: November 8, 2024]

11/11/2024