$1.6M in Grants Clear the Way to New Land Preserves

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The Ironmaster's house at the Warwick Furnace.
The Ironmaster's house at the Warwick Furnace.
The Ironmaster’s house at the Warwick Furnace.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is helping clear a path into new recreational territory for the benefit of the Chester County public with $1.6 million in new Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants.

“The preservation of our natural spaces and historic places is a big part of what makes Chester County so special,” Sen. Andy Dinniman said. “It is important that we continue to invest in open space and land conservation while making our natural areas more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. These grants can go a long way in not only protecting our environment but also increasing recreational opportunities for residents and families throughout the region.”

The funding infuses the recent Warwick Furnace Preserve acquisition with $1 million, freeing up the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust to showcase the historic furnace ruins along French Creek with new trails that are hoped to open late this year.

It also provides $267,000 of woodland protection to 125 acres on Old Kennett Road through the Land Conservancy of Southern Chester County, $250,000 toward the first wave of development for the coming New London Village Park, $84,000 to acquire and renovate a historic barn and springhouse on seven acres at Strode’s Mill — already a National Register of Historic Places destination — and $25,000 of updates to the Valley Township Comprehensive Recreation, Park, Open Space and Greenways Plan.

Read more of the grant details on Sen. Dinniman’s website here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of Chester County land preservation efforts here.

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