September 16, 2021 – A possible 20-house subdivision was avoided and a 57.4-acre property owned by Timothy and Amanda Maxwell was preserved forever by French & Pickering. Located in West Vincent Township in northern Chester County and adjacent to another 50 acres under easement with French & Pickering, this property provides an important connection of undeveloped land and is in close proximity to 1,100 conserved acres at Bryn Coed Farm and an additional 100 acres under easement with French & Pickering. Together these lands are critical to protecting the headwaters of the French Creek and the Pickering Creek, both tributaries of the Schuylkill River.
The Maxwell property is visible to the public for more than one quarter of a mile along Saint Matthews Road, which is a designated scenic road in the West Vincent Township Open Space and Recreation Plan. The property also offers scenic views from Kimberton Road. The easement was funded by West Vincent Township and the Chester County Open Space Fund.
This preserved property contains perennial and intermittent streams, which are tributaries to the French Creek. The French Creek and its tributaries are designated as having Exceptional Value and High-Quality waters by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
“Thanks to the Maxwells’ generosity, their property will continue to provide, maintain and improve water quality in our area, as well as reduce the need for public services required by development,” noted Pam Brown, French & Pickering Conservation Director.
A variety of land and aquatic creatures, including Bald Eagles nesting nearby, will benefit from 3.7 acres of protected woodlands that provide habitat to them and to numerous other plant and animal species.
There are 49.7 acres of rolling pasturelands which will prevent the loss and depletion of soils considered to be “Prime Agricultural Soils” by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This area will also protect biologically diverse meadow and grassland habitat, especially where it is comprised predominantly of native species.
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is grateful for the Maxwells’ generosity and for the opportunity to protect this biologically valuable and beautiful property.
About French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
Land Preservation
Since its establishment in 1967, French & Pickering has protected more than 13,000 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnerships. The non-profit organization works with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland and preserve environmentally sensitive land.
Public Access to Preserved Lands
Now more than ever, outside recreational opportunities are important to our mental and physical health. These French & Pickering properties are open to the public and contain miles of marked hiking trails and scenic views:
The Great Marsh Preserve in East Nantmeal Township is over 550 acres of woodland wildlife habitat. This valuable natural space houses many species of birds and mammals and is an important source of clean water for the Great Marsh ecosystem.
The Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve in East Nantmeal and Warwick townships is a 108-acre site that includes the ruins of the Warwick Iron Furnace and the Exceptional Value south branch of the French Creek.
NEWS RELEASE FROM
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
511 Kimberton Road
Phoenixville PA 19460
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Pam Brown, Conservation Director & Hopewell Big Woods Coordinator
(610) 933-7577 ext. 115
