Updated at 8 p.m. with comment from Friends of Strode's Mill
Two area preservation projects are among five Chester County initiatives that will share more than $1.6 million in grant funding through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced on Wednesday, Jan. 27, in a press release.
The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) will receive $267,000 for the acquisition of a conservation easement on approximately 125 acres of woodland along Old Kennett Road in Kennett Township.
"It's a key connector to the Stateline Woods Conservation Corridor with over 400 acres of protected land and 10 miles of trails," said Gwen Lacy, TLC's executive director. She said the new parcel would also provide a link to three TLC nature preserves and the Red Clay Greenway, now known as the Kennett Greenway.
East Bradford Township will receive $84,000 for its Strode’s Mill acquisition, approximately seven acres along Birmingham and Lenape Roads. The township and the Friends of Strode’s Mill organization plan to use the land for passive recreation and environmental education.
"We are thrilled to receive this news!" said Linda Kaat, who founded the advocacy organization that is working with the township. "Friends of Strode's Mill is very proud of this historic site and its very promising future."
Preliminary plans include renovating the two historic buildings, Strode’s Mill Barn and a springhouse, into an interpretative history site and developing a walking and biking trail on the surrounding wetlands.
The buildings are part of the Strode’s Mill Historic District at the crossroads of Birmingham and Lenape Roads, where Strode’s Mill, East Bradford Boarding School for Boys, the miller’s house, the Strode’s Pork Products plant and other buildings made up a small village dating from 1721 to 1880. A blacksmith, wheelwright and a tenant house provided various services to people traveling toward Kennett and Concord. The district is registered with the National Register of Historic Places, the release said.
“The preservation of our natural spaces and historic places is a big part of what makes Chester County so special. It is important that we continue to invest in open space and land conservation while making our natural areas more accessible and enjoyable for everyone,” Dinniman said in the release. “These grants can go a long way in not only protecting our environment, but also increasing recreational opportunities for residents and families throughout the region.”
In addition, $1,000,000 will go to the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust for the Warwick Furnace Preserve Acquisition, approximately 108 acres located along the South Branch of the Exceptional Value French Creek in Warwick and East Nantmeal Townships; $250,000 will be awarded to New London Township for the development of the first phase New London Village Park located at the township building property on State Road; and $25,000 is earmarked for an update to the Comprehensive Recreation, Park, Open Space and Greenways Plan for Valley Township.
The grants will be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and funding for all of the Chester County projects comes from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the release said.
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