Natural Lands preserves Castle Rock Farm

Posted by Press Release on April 8, 2020

Castle Rock Farm is now preserved.

Natural Lands, of Media, announced that it has preserved the 54-acre Castle Rock Farm in Chester County. The farm straddles Pocopson and West Bradford townships along the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek in Chester County, between the ChesLen and Stroud preserves.

"This farm, this land … it's too meaningful not to save it … to ensure it will always be preserved even after my sister and I are gone," said landowner Peter Giangiulio in a press release.

According to the release issued by Natural Lands, "The conservation easement ensures the property is never developed, preserving the pastoral, scenic views along West Branch Brandywine Creek. In addition, the deal means Castle Rock Farm will continue to provide vital ecological benefit by recharging groundwater supplies, slowing and filtering stormwater, and reducing flooding during storms."

Natural Lands President Oliver Bass said in the release that his organization "believes in the power of nature's open spaces to improve our health, calm our nerves, and clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. Natural Lands has been working to save our region's land — forests, fields, and farms like Castle Rock Farm — since 1953. With the help of many partners along the way, our preservation efforts have resulted in more than 125,000 acres of permanently protected open space. Even during these challenging times, our work continues."

Chester County's Preservation Partnership Program; Mars Foundation; the Marshallton Conservation Trust; the PA Department of Community and Economic Development's Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program; West Bradford Township, and the Gianguilio family helped fund the project, the release said.

The cost of the easement was $391,000.