WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe have awarded almost $6.7 million in grants for open space preservation and park improvements, following the Commissioners’ public meeting held on Wednesday. Chester County’s Preservation Partnership Program, which opens the gate for local governments and non-profit land preservation bodies to access funding, is making these grants available.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioners expressed their satisfaction at collaborating with municipalities and land trusts in protecting the environment and preserving natural resources in Chester County. “These projects help us contribute to a high quality of life that we hope will inspire future generations to similar stewardship. We are fortunate that, for more than 30 years, the people of Chester County have approved devoting dollars in this way,” stated Commissioners Maxwell, Moskowitz, and Roe.
For over three decades, Chester County has approved the allocation of funds for such projects. This year, a total of 16 grants are up for grabs, with individual grants ranging from $11,533 to East Coventry Township for an environmental restoration project to $2,000,000 to Natural Lands for the expansion of the William Penn State Forest.
East Coventry Township is set to receive $11,533 to help tackle problems like streambank erosion, flooding, and invasive species at the East Coventry Nature Preserve. They aim to bring about environmental restoration in the area. On the other end of the spectrum, Natural Lands will use its whopping $2,000,000 to add more land to the William Penn State Forest.
Other prominent projects receiving funding include East Vincent Township’s acquisition of a 25.6-acre woodland property in southeastern Pennsylvania’s largest remaining contiguous forest, Hopewell Big Woods. Once the acquisition is complete, this enclave of nature will provide trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature exploration.
Meanwhile, London Britain Township has been given the nod for a $199,187 grant to improve Nichol Park, including replacing an existing playground with a handicap accessible version and resurfacing an existing basketball court. Penn Township, on the other hand, will receive $250,000 to construct the third phase of Penn Township Sports Park, with all facilities to be handicap accessible.
The French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust and Natural Lands will also benefit substantially, receiving $623,765 and $2,238,184 respectively for multiple projects. Willistown Conservation Trust will see a total of $296,170 for two projects aimed at better stormwater management and creating a new nature preserve.
Notably, Chester County has already funded the preservation of over 65,000 acres across all 73 municipalities in the county. Its efforts have seen open spaces, nature parks, farmlands, and preserves spring up in partnership with farmers, municipalities, non-profits, and landowners. With this new injection of funds, Chester County shows its continuous commitment to environmental stewardship as it continues to preserve and enhance the region’s natural resources.
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