NATURAL LANDS . FALL / WINTER 2020 19 offers critical habitat for a number of species , including migratory songbirds . The property provides a wooded buffer to Mine Run , which is a first-order tributary to the “ Exceptional Value ” French Creek waterway . The trees shade the water and help to filter out sediment and other pollutants , keeping the stream clear , cold , and clean .
5 Garner Property 9 acres Warwick Township
Key Partner : an anonymous donor
Another addition to our Crow ’ s Nest Preserve , the Garner property features open meadows and woodlands , including a forested buffer along approximately 700 feet of French Creek . The conservation of this donated property also protects an ephemeral wetlands area ; wetlands are among the most biologically diverse habitats in the world .
The property is within the Core Habitat for the Hopewell Lake Natural Heritage Area , and within the Supporting Habitat for 14 additional Natural Heritage Areas .
6 Bryn Coed | a conservation community East Pikeland , West Pikeland , and West Vincent Townships
Key Partners : Chester County Preservation Partnership Program ; East Pikeland Township ; PA DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation – Keystone Recreation , Park and Conservation Fund ; West Pikeland Township ; West Vincent Township ; William Penn Foundation ; and gifts via the Campaign for Bryn Coed Farms , chaired by George and Christy Martin and Peter and Eliza Zimmerman
In 2017 , Natural Lands purchased the 1,505-acre Bryn Coed Farms property , which was the largest remaining undeveloped — and unprotected — property in the Greater Philadelphia region . Since that time , we ’ ve created the 520-acre Bryn Coed Preserve and sold 72 acres to West Vincent Township for the creation of a public park . The remaining parcels are being sold to conservation-minded buyers and placed under easement to preserve them permanently . Proceeds fund an endowment that will provide for the long-term stewardship of Bryn Coed Preserve .
Since January , two 15-acre lots and a 36-acre lot have been placed under conservation easement and sold to new neighbors . There are two remaining lots for purchase . ( For more information , visit liveatbryncoed . com .)
DELAWARE COUNTY , PA
7 Hamanassett Creek Park Property 12 acres Chester Heights Borough
Key Partners : Chester Heights Borough ; PA DCNR : PA Department of Community and Economic Development ( DCED )
Natural Lands assisted Chester Heights Borough with the purchase of this 12-acre property by successfully securing grant funding from the state . The Borough has named the property Hamanassett Creek Park .
The acquisition adds to the protected land along Chester Creek just north of the intersection of two major regional trails : the Chester Creek Trail and the Octoraro Trail . It also allows Chester Heights Borough to add to local trail systems with its own loop trail .
The acquisition also increases the conserved acreage along Chester Creek at the Darlington Tract just across the creek and allows a pedestrian connection linking the two parks across the Darlington Road Bridge . The park completes the permanent preservation of the remainder of the Hamanassett Creek , a headwaters creek which is otherwise protected by homeowners ’ association lands to the west .
8 Saint Eugene ’ s Parish Property 6 acres Upper Darby Township
Key Partners : PA DCNR ; PA DCED ; Upper Darby Township
Upper Darby Township successfully acquired the Saint Eugene ’ s Parish property with Pennsylvania state funds that Natural Lands worked with them to secure . This six-acre parcel adds an athletic field , a tree-lined “ sitting park ,” and a portion of the Muckinipates Creek to the township ’ s park system . Preservation of the intact wooded buffer along the Muckinipates will help the township protect its water quality from erosion and contaminants by filtering and slowing stormwater as it flows into the creek . This is critically important in such a highly developed part of Delaware County . W
Daniel Barringer