Press release by French & Pickering on 16 Jan 2025
Aerial view of Camp Innabah. Picture by Samantha Charles.
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust and the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church are delighted to announce the completion of a voluntary land conservation agreement to preserve Camp Innabah’s 130-acre property along Pughtown Road in East Vincent Township. A space that has been a cherished center for community, outdoor recreation, and connection to the natural world for generations will never face the pressures of land development.
“After working with the Camp for several years to develop an agreement which balances long term preservation and recreational access with the safety of the Camp’s guests, French & Pickering is excited to partner with the Camp and the community to permanently protect this natural treasure. We particularly appreciate the significant funding assistance from our State, County, and Municipal partners,” said Karl Russek, Conservation Director for French & Pickering.
The camp was founded in 1929 as an all-girls overnight camp and has since grown to include a variety of programs for people of all ages. The Camp facility features a patchwork of mature woodlands, wetlands, and over 4,000 feet of stream frontage. Included in this total is 2,640 feet of the Exceptional-Value French Creek, a natural landmark for northern Chester County and a tributary to the Schuylkill River. This property also features ecologically important flood-plain habitat for birds, amphibians, and rare native plants. To further share this landscape with the wider community, this agreement includes provisions for long-term public access to hiking trails and parking for the French Creek Trail. Over 1,500 feet of the French Creek Trail is hosted on the property.
“At Camp Innabah, we are dedicated to conserving and preserving the natural beauty of God’s creation. By working together with our East Vincent Township community, we strive to nurture a love for nature and ensure these spaces are protected for future generations. Camp Innabah is very grateful to French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, as well as East Vincent Township, Chester County, and the state of Pennsylvania, for their support of this incredible opportunity to preserve 130 acres. This will help ensure we can stay committed to providing experiences that last a lifetime in an environment where campers and guests can make new friends, challenge themselves, explore and grow their faith,” noted Michael Hyde, the Director of Camp Innabah.
French & Pickering worked with the Camp to obtain over $1,360,000 in funding, including $861,000 from the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program, $500,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Bureau of Recreation and Conservation through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, and $252,000 from the East Vincent Township Supervisors. French & Pickering is grateful to Camp Innabah for their willingness to include responsible public access as well as their dedication to conservation and commitment to the permanent protection and stewardship of this remarkable landscape.
About French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
Since its creation by Sam and Eleanor Morris in 1967, French & Pickering has protected more than 13,600 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. As of 2024, French & Pickering has protected 200 properties through the support of municipal partners and landowners.
For more information
Karl Russek, Conservation Director
[email protected]
(484)949-5657
Rev. James Lee, Director of Communications
[email protected]
(973)224-4556
