Press Release by Open Space Institute on December 3, 2024
The Open Space Institute (OSI), through its Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund (DRWPF), has supported the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust in the permanent protection of the “Kirlin North” property—55 acres of forestland in North Coventry Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Conservation of the land supports water quality goals in the Delaware River Watershed.
The ecologically rich property, characterized by mixed-hardwood forest, wetland meadows, and proximity to the headwaters of Pigeon Creek, is important for both water quality protection and carbon sequestration efforts. The property also plays a major role in connecting two preserves—Coventry Woods in North Coventry Township and Woody’s Woods in South Coventry Township —forming a vital link within the 73,000-acre Hopewell Big Woods, the largest intact forest in southeastern Pennsylvania.
“This property protects a key source of clean water in the forested headwaters of Pigeon Creek,” said Bill Rawlyk, OSI’s Mid-Atlantic Senior Program Manager. “Conservation of this property will limit further land conversion and resulting pollution downstream. Protecting these 55 acres of forest, wetlands, and farmland enhances water quality and plays a key role in sequestering forest carbon, which is essential in our fight against climate change.”
OSI’s 2024 research report, Protecting Forests for Clean Water—which examined results from 10 years of OSI’s DRWPF–highlights the vital role forestland protection plays in maintaining clean water: when forest cover is maintained at 70 to 90 percent or greater, streams and rivers stay healthier and cleaner, and wildlife thrives. Protecting these 55 acres of forestland not only enhances water quality in the headwaters of Pigeon Creek, it also contributes significantly to carbon sequestration. Forests are among the most effective ecosystems for absorbing atmospheric carbon, helping mitigate climate change. By supporting the protection of this land, OSI is helping ensure that the forest will continue to absorb and store carbon, and filter and recharge groundwater, providing long-term climate benefits while also safeguarding water resources.
The property has a rich history, previously hosting a trout hatchery and serving as a working farm and orchard. Over half a mile of the North Coventry trail system runs through the Kirlin North property, providing access to scenic views and outdoor recreation. The Kirlin family has been a steadfast supporter of conservation initiatives in North Coventry, with several trailheads named in honor of Julia Kirlin and her late father, Karl Maier.
“This important win for open space preservation stems from a strong working partnership between the Kirlin family, OSI, North Coventry Township, Chester County, and French & Pickering. Residents and visitors to the Hopewell Big Woods will be able to enjoy this important natural asset in perpetuity thanks to the generosity of Julia Kirlin and her family,” noted Karl Russek, Conservation Director for French & Pickering.
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust’s work at Kirlin North was funded through OSI’s DRWPF, which seeks to protect water quality in the Delaware River Basin. Launched in 2014 with funding from the William Penn Foundation’s Delaware River Watershed Initiative, the DRWPF has protected more than 21,000 acres of forested land to safeguard water quality in the Delaware River Watershed, a source of drinking water for approximately 15 million people — including residents of northeastern Pennsylvania as well as Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and New York City.
Related News Article: French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Protects 55 Acres in North Coventry Township, September 18, 2024
About OSI
The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. and Canada. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats climate change, while curbing its devastating effects.
About French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
Since its establishment in 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.
