Natural Lands – a Media-based nonprofit dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone – has announced the preservation of 28 acres of farmland, orchard, and forest in the northwestern corner of New Garden Township.

Owners Lynn Sinclair and John Morris placed the property — known as Sunset Farm — under conservation easement, ensuring it will remain open forever.

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A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement that remains in place in perpetuity. The easement on the Sinclair-Morris property encompasses 23 of the 28-acre tract of land. Under the terms of the easement, passive recreation, meadow management, and sustainable agriculture are permitted.

“Without landowners like Lynn and John, who chose conservation, the beautiful landscape around us would be lost,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands. “Sunset Farm is among 23,617 acres — and counting — that Natural Lands has placed under conservation. Together, these meadows, woodlands, pastures, and stream valleys contribute to our air and water quality, offer us trails to explore, and build the character of our communities.”

The Sinclair-Morris property lies within the White Clay Creek watershed and contains a section of the East Branch White Clay Creek, a federally designated “Wild and Scenic River.” Fewer than one-fourth of one percent of our nation’s rivers are designated as such. The property’s rolling hay fields and orchards create a charming vista, and embody the iconic Chester County landscape.

“Being involved in the preservation of this small piece of Chester County history and natural, scenic beauty for future generations has been rewarding,” said Sinclair.

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