The Chester County Parks and Preservation Department is accepting applications for its Preservation Partnership Program, which provides funding to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to protect open space across the county.
The grant program supports the preservation of natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural land resources. About $2 million is available in the current funding cycle.
The application period runs from March 1 through April 30. Application materials, instructions, and a list of previously funded projects are available on the county’s website.
“Preserving open space is crucially important to the future of Chester County and is a tenet of the county’s strategic plan,” said Josh Maxwell, chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. He said the program allows the county to partner with local governments and conservation groups to protect landscapes and natural resources valued by residents and visitors.
Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, vice chair of the board, said open space plays a key role in protecting clean water, supporting wildlife habitat, and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.
“The Preservation Partnership Program empowers local municipalities and conservation groups to advance projects that will benefit residents today and for generations to come,” she said.
The program was created to expand public access to open space and to help implement county and municipal land-use policies outlined in the county’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3. Preference is given to projects that leverage state, federal or other external funding sources.
Commissioner Eric Roe said the county’s long-standing commitment to land preservation is a major reason residents value living in Chester County.
“Strengthening partnerships and exploring additional funding avenues ensures that these important and beloved landscapes remain part of our county well into the future,” Roe said.
Since its creation in 1989, the Preservation Partnership Program has helped preserve more than 20,000 acres in Chester County. A 2023 county “Quality of Life” citizen survey found that preserving open space remains a top priority for residents, ranking second only to emergency services and the county’s 9-1-1 system.
For more information, including application and program guidelines, call Monica Mullaji at 610-344-6937 or emailmmullaji@chesco.org.
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.
