A badge of honor is now pinned to a local conservation trust’s already-ironclad commitment to protect the pristine beauty of the Chester County landscape. The French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has navigated new territory to climb to the esteemed heights of national accreditation.

The mark of honor in land conservation comes from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and bestows a confidence that French & Pickering Creeks lands will remain unchanged forever.

“We’re a stronger organization for having gone through the rigorous accreditation program, and this strength will help make our community an even better place for present and future generations,” Executive Director Andrew Pitz said.

The honor comes on the heels of major French & Pickering Creeks acquisitions, such as the conservation of 553 acres in the Warwick Furnace area along the South Branch of the Exceptional Value French Creek and the conveyance of sensitive wetlands in the Great Marsh from The Nature Conservancy.

French & Pickering Creeks joins accredited land trusts across the country that have permanently conserved more than 15 million acres of farms, forests, recreational and natural areas that are vital to healthy, vibrant communities.

“Together, accredited land trusts stand united behind strong national standards, ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever,” LTAC Executive Director Tammara Van Ryn noted. “In all, over 75 percent of private lands conserved by land trusts are now held by an accredited land trust.”

Read more about recent French & Pickering Creeks conservation news on VISTA Today here.