Devault, Pa., September 16, 2026 — French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is pleased to announce the completion of a conservation easement agreement to permanently preserve Bernie and Kathleen McElroy’s 13-acre property in North Coventry Township. The protection of this property adds to a growing landscape of protected farmland, wildlife habitat, and historic lands forever preserved in North Coventry and neighboring northern Chester County communities.
“We applaud the McElroys for their commitment to conserving their property and welcome them into French & Pickering’s community of conservation-forward landowners” noted Karl Russek, Conservation Director.
This highly visible property is actively farmed and features ecologically valuable wetlands and a small stream corridor that drains into the Schuylkill River. Having lived and raised their family on this property over the last 37 years, Bernie and Kathleen McElroy are avid users of local trails and open space. Proximity to Routes 724 and 422 make large properties in North Coventry prime targets for development. Through this conservation easement agreement, the McElroys’ 13-acre property is no longer vulnerable to future development and subdivision.
“Having cared for this irreplaceable farmland for nearly four decades, the McElroys partnership with North Coventry Township and French & Pickering lays the foundation for a more sustainable and resilient future,” said Bill Gladden, Executive Director.
This 13-acre easement represents another win for open space in northern Chester County and is the result of North Coventry Township’s longstanding commitment to preserving land and maintaining quality of life for its residents. French & Pickering is grateful for its preservation partnership with the Township and to the McElroys for their dedication to conservation.
For questions about this easement, please contact our Conservation Director, Karl Russek, at krussek@frenchandpickering.org or 484-949-5657.
You can also find the release below or on our website here: https://frenchandpickering.org/13-acres-preserved-forever-in-north-coventry-township/
