Natural Lands, the local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors, has announced the protection of 35 acres of land in West Brandywine Township.

The voluntary land protection agreement between the McCaffrey family and Natural Lands will permanently prevent development of the property, which is largely wooded and located adjacent to Chester County’s 900-acre Hibernia County Park. This agreement also includes provisions for a nearly 2,000-foot-long trail that will offer scenic views and connect to the park.

The McCaffrey property includes 22 acres of mature woodlands and 13 acres of working farmland, with rocky outcroppings dotted throughout the forest. The entirety of the property is now permanently protected under a conservation easement held by Natural Lands. A conservation easement is a voluntary but legally binding agreement between a landowner and a qualified conservation organization that permanently limits a property’s use. The agreement applies to all present and future owners of the land.

Landowner Tom McCaffrey is philosophical about his decision to preserve his property.

“There are two basic forces competing in anyone’s life: one is a force for change, and the other is a force for conservation,” he said. “The output of small farms supplies a variety and fill needs, all without long transportation systems. This may be even more important around population centers in the future. So, let’s hedge our bet with a little conservation.

“Perhaps the manner through which my land is being conserved — as a small, working farm with agriculture permitted — will begin a trend and promote these ideas. I am thankful for the assistance I received so I might preserve this small example.”

In addition to preserving the farm’s scenic and agriculturally productive land, the conservation easement protects the 17 acres of woodlands and wetlands. West Branch Brandywine Creek winds just to the west of the property. During severe storms, the woodlands — part of a FEMA-designated flood plain — absorb and hold rainwater, buffering the creek. These woodlands also filter out contaminants; the tree roots help water soak into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies.

“As our region experiences more climate-related natural disasters like damaging storms and extreme flooding, the importance of preserved open space like the McCaffrey farm becomes all the more clear,” said Natural Lands President Oliver Bass. “In fact, Chester County’s landmark study ‘Return on Environment: The Economic Value of Protected Open Space’ demonstrates that our region saves nearly $400 million on stormwater costs thanks to the flood control and water pollution services that natural areas provide free of charge. I applaud Tom McCaffrey for choosing conservation, and West Brandywine Township and Chester County for supporting this choice with financial support.”

Hibernia Park’s 2.2-mile Rim Trail bisects the woodlands on the farm’s western side. A trail easement, established concurrently with the conservation easement, allows for future connection through the McCaffrey property to Hibernia Road.

West Brandywine Township provided economic assistance with this conservation project. Additional funding came from Chester County’s Preservation Partnership Program.