The Kennett Township Land Trust celebrated a big score Saturday with a dedication ceremony on the 82-acre Stateline Woods Preserve, formerly the Halstead property.
Land Trust Chairman Gwen Lacy said the preservation was a long process, but well worth the effort.
“This is a celebration of our protecting, of preserving this land. It was going to be a 21-house subdivision. It took us a lot of years and a complete team effort. We had neighbors pitch in, state, county and township funding. We’ve purchased this property and made a nature preserve and this is our welcoming everyone to the land today,” Lacy said.
The property, off Merrybell Lane, is open to the public free of charge, she said. There is hiking, bird watching, mountain biking and even horseback riding—but only for adjoining property owners since trailers are prohibited.
John Gaadt, land trust chairman called saving the property from the proposed development a victory, but said it’s actually part of something more.
“This project’s been in the work for over three years but it’s part of a larger effort that really began in 2000. What we’re attempting to do is create a bi-state preserve working with a number of organizations in Delaware, such as the Delaware Nature Society the state of Delaware and working with [Pennsylvania-based organizations.] So together the objective is, over time, is to try to preserve upwards of 400 acres of contiguous land,” Gaadt said.
Gaadt added that even that amount could be expanded to have a trail network throughout the area, to preserve it for wildlife and biodiversity and to enrich the lives of those who live in the community.
Robert Hammaker, Kennett Township supervisor told the gathering that the township was proud to have been a partner in acquiring the property and that it would continue to support “worthwhile land acquisition projects. Enjoy the property.”
Also attending the ceremony was U.S. Rep. Joe Pitts who noted that the beauty of Southern Chester County’s open space and farmland is what brings the demand for more development that reduces that open space.
“We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the commonwealth. Open space and the farmland [have] attracted visitors and new residents here for years because of the quality of life. And because of the appeal of our landscapes and our open space there’s been created a demand for housing. And as land prices rise and the demand for homes has increased, more and more of our farmland has been developed. Sadly, these open spaces and farmlands are beginning to disappear. … And these increased pressures are why we see groups like this forming, and we have not only local groups, we have national groups and it’s important that we cooperate on the local level with townships and counties and state, local organizations like the Kennett Land Trust as well as on the national level. … Thank you for all of your efforts, those who contributed, those who worked so hard for your dedication, your commitment.”
Events planned for the day included hayrides, pony rides, bird and wildflower walks, cooking demonstrations, live music and an orienteering course. Hot air balloon rides were cancelled because of wind.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
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