Press release shared by French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust on November 8, 2024.
Photos courtesy of the land trust.
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is thrilled to announce the completion of a voluntary conservation agreement with Noel and Janae Billingsley, which ensures the permanent protection of their historic 23-acre farmstead in East Coventry Township – a property that has been in their family for three generations.
“This easement ensures that our land will be preserved for generations to come, protecting the natural beauty and resources of the area while promoting open space initiatives important to the preservation of our local community. It’s our little way of giving back, contributing to the health of our environment, and creating a positive legacy,” said Noel Billingsley.
This Fulmer Road property is ecologically important, boasting nearly 1,400 feet of Pigeon Creek, with its tributaries flowing through a floodplain forest abundant in plant and animal diversity. Five acres of this property are still actively farmed to produce feed for cows at local micro-dairy farms, while the rest of the land is covered in mixed hardwood forest. The property’s pond and woodlands have long been a cherished spot for neighbors to fish and hunt.
“The Billingsley property is adjacent to the recently conserved Nester family farm, creating a contiguous protected landscape of nearly 50 acres. The elimination of the development potential on both properties furthers the Township’s goals to protect and support agriculture. It was a pleasure working with all the partners to complete this project,” noted Pam Brown, Senior Conservation Advisor for French & Pickering.
Chester County granted French & Pickering $72,900 for the acquisition of the Billingsley easement. An additional $170,100 in funding came from our partners in East Coventry Township. French & Pickering is thankful for the support of the County and East Coventry Township, and for the generosity of the Billingsleys for enabling the protection of this remarkable farmland.
About French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
Land Preservation
Since 1967, French & Pickering has protected more than 13,500 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnerships. The non-profit organization works with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland, and preserve environmentally sensitive land.
Public Access to Preserved Lands
Now more than ever, outside recreational opportunities are important to our mental and physical health. These French & Pickering properties are open to the public and contain miles of marked hiking trails and scenic views:
The Templin Woods Preserve in East Nantmeal Township is over 550 acres of woodland wildlife habitat. This valuable natural space is home to many species of birds and mammals and is an important source of clean water for the Great Marsh ecosystem.
The 108-acre Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve, located in East Nantmeal and Warwick Townships includes the ruins of the Warwick Iron Furnace and the Exceptional Value south branch of the French Creek and is recognized as a “Birding Hot Spot” by the Valley Forge Audubon Society.
Media contact: Pam Brown, Senior Conservation Advisor, [email protected]
