Forestry project planned for Anson B. Nixon Park

Posted by Press Release on November 8, 2023

Forestry management is an ongoing priority in Anson B. Nixon Park. The Kennett Area Park Authority would like to acknowledge Janice Taylor, past president and former board member of KAPA. Her dedication to the park and the community spans decades. With her generous financial support, 32 fine native specimen trees were planted near Pavilion 3 and the edge of the disc golf course in October. Through her years of volunteer service and continued engagement with the board and staff, Janice has had a profound impact on park operations, KAPA’s environmental stewardship, and the facilities & recreational resources that enhance Anson B. Nixon Park, enriching the entire community.

Another 50 native saplings were planted near the disc golf course and in the riparian buffer. Those trees from the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance and Chester County Conservation District are part of their “Tree For All” program, which falls under the Keystone 10 Million Trees partnership that has a goal of planting ten million trees by the year 2025.

Earlier this year KAPA’s Chairperson, Richard Lyon helped staff and volunteers plant four fine native specimen trees in the new Honorary / Memorial Glade located by the new pedestrian entrance and a tributary of the East Branch of the Red Clay Creek. Those trees were planted to honor Janice Taylor and other past board members: Pam Carter, Prissy Roberts, and Eva Verplanck (deceased). The E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation made a financial contribution to that project and a fifth tree was planted in honor of Bill Stullken who served for many years as the Dockstader Foundation’s board president. Their steadfast support and generous grant awards over the years have assisted with environmental stewardship and capital improvements in the park. Bill has been a true friend of the park.

Other projects currently underway include the Ash Grove Reforestation, in line with Chester County's Climate Action Plan. In 2022, nearly 300 trees in the former Ash Grove were felled, due to the emerald ash boring beetle. With funding from the Chester County Parks + Preservation Partnership Grant Program, the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Healing the Planet Grant Program with support from The GIANT Company, and in part by a grant from the Brandywine Creek Greenway Mini Grant Program administered by Brandywine Conservancy. So far, KAPA has replanted the area with 325 native specimen trees, including the Pawpaw.

For more information about our valued community partners and to learn how you can support the Kennett Area Park Authority’s mission, please visit the park website: AnsonBNixonPark.org