Press launch shared by Pure Lands, June 10, 2024. Images courtesy of Pure Lands.
Pure Lands introduced right now the preservation of a 95-acre forested panorama in East Nantmeal Township, Chester County. A conservation easement permits the property to remain in non-public possession and can make sure the scenic vistas, rolling terrain, wetlands, streams, and woodlands all stay endlessly.
The Eager property represents the final, largest remaining unprotected woodland tract surrounding the historic Village of Nantmeal. The dense forest supplies important habitat for songbirds and different wildlife and helps to filter rainwater earlier than it flows into the 4,000 toes of Beaver Run Creek that meanders by the property. Categorized by the PA Division of Environmental Safety as “Distinctive Waters,” the creek drains into French Creek, then Schuylkill River, and finally Delaware River. The watershed that makes up all these waterways supplies consuming water to almost two million folks.
“The property abuts the 2 different massive properties already underneath conservation easement with Pure Lands, and it’s solely about three miles from our 712-acre Crow’s Nest Protect,” mentioned Jack Stefferud, senior director of land safety for Pure Lands. “With the ability to sew collectively a big swath of protected lands, one venture at a time, is extremely rewarding. Contiguous open parcels imply migratory pathways for wildlife, extra carbon storage and local weather cooling companies, and cleaner air and water for us all.”
The Eager property lies throughout the Supporting Landscapes of 5 completely different Pure Heritage Areas, together with: Schuylkill River – Port Windfall, Hopewell Lake, Horseshoe Path, South Department French Creek, and Nice Marsh. The farm’s buildings—together with the 1740 stone farmhouse and 1820 financial institution barn—contribute to the Nantmeal Village Historic District as listed on the Nationwide Reigster of Historic Locations.
“This property has been within the Eager Household since 1910, and 4 generations have lived on the farm,” mentioned landowner Lane Eager. “It’s our want to protect the farmland, wetlands, and forest of their pure state. We hope future generations will take pleasure in its pure magnificence.”
The venture additionally features a path easement that shall be held by East Nantmeal Township. This can enable for future public entry for climbing, strolling, bicycling, or horseback driving alongside Fairview Highway.
“The preservation of the Eager parcel is one other essential step within the practically 50 years of pioneering conservation efforts by our township, bringing the full conserved land in East Nantmeal to greater than 60 p.c of our complete 10,000 acres,” famous East Nantmeal Township Supervisors Dave Body and Tyler Wren in a joint assertion. East Nantmeal offered monetary help for this venture, using monies from its open area fund, generated by a devoted quarter level revenue tax voted by its residents greater than 20 years in the past.
Further help got here from the Virginia Cretella Mars Basis and the Conservancy Grant Program, Commissioners of Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe mentioned, “Including one other 94-plus acres of preserved land on this fast-developing a part of Chester County is an actual bonus, as a result of not solely does it shield an space of nice farming historical past, it additionally sits subsequent to the Agular property that was preserved final 12 months, extending the wonderful high-quality woodlands and Beaver Run Creek. Partnerships like this with Pure Lands and East Nantmeal Township are an instance of the energy of our county’s open area preservation program— defending irreplaceable pure and historic websites.”
Pure Lands is devoted to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders whereas creating alternatives for pleasure and discovery within the outside for everybody. Because the Larger Philadelphia area’s oldest and largest land conservation group, Pure Lands—which is member supported—has preserved greater than 135,000 acres, together with 40+ nature preserves and one public backyard totaling greater than 23,000 acres. Almost 5 million folks reside inside 5 miles of land underneath the group’s safety. Land for all times, nature for all. natlands.org.
Media Inquiries:
Kirsten Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267
267-222-0072 (cellular)
[email protected]
