Phoenixville, Pa., December 9, 2022 — French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, in partnership with East Pikeland Township, has protected another 4.45 acres in northern Chester County. The conservation easement on the Prizer Road property in Kimberton Village, owned by the Estate of Ellen Dixon, was funded through the township’s Open Space Initiative.
The long-time home of the Dixon family is adjacent to the existing township open space an includes an important wetland habitat in the heart of Kimberton Village. Under current zoning, this property could have been developed into 10 townhouse units but is now protected from development in perpetuity. The easement will also allow for over 230 feet of public trail connecting township-owned parking along Prizer Road with planned trails along the nearby creek.
“This is a relatively small property but extremely strategic in terms of enabling public access and protecting the nearby wetlands,” noted Karl Russek, French & Pickering Conservation Coordinator. “Its location in the village will help ensure long-term walkable access to green space for residents of East Pikeland,” Russek added.
The Dixon property is located within the French Creek watershed which is designated as a High- Quality waterway by the PA Department of Environmental Protection. The mosaic of mixed- aged woodlands, grasslands, and emergent wetlands provide habitat to numerous plant and animal species and is particularly important to migrating birds.
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is grateful for the Dixon family’s generosity and for the opportunity to protect this beautiful property with the support of East Pikeland Township.
About French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
Land Preservation
Since its establishment in 1967, French & Pickering has protected more than 13,350 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 Templin Woods Preserve (formally known as 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.
