Protected open spaces provide substantial economic, environmental, and health benefits to surrounding communities, but these benefits are often overlooked or undervalued in policy debates and investment decisions. A better understanding of these benefits can demonstrate how protected open space contributes to economic development and fiscal stability and can reverse the common misconception that conserved undeveloped land is non-productive and non-revenue producing.
Chester County’s open space preservation program began in the 1980s amidst a growing public concern that the county’s vistas and landscapes were disappearing in a tide of suburban sprawl. Chester County voters overwhelmingly passed a $50 million bond referendum in 1989 for open space preservation, and funding has continued ever since. As of the end of 2018, over 28% of Chester County’s land is preserved- a testament to the coordinated effort by County leadership, municipalities, nonprofit partners and supportive citizens.
Willistown Conservation Trust was proud to partner with Chester County and other major land conservancies active in Chester County, as well as the Chester County Economic Development Council and Chester County Association of Township Officials to produce a report that estimates the economic impact of the County’s robust open space preservation initiative.
Our own Rushton Farm and Rushton Woods Preserve are the subject of one of the case studies featured in the report. Please take a moment to review the full report, which clearly shows the significant and positive effects of open space.
Here are some articles in local press covering the Return on Environment study:
Money May Grow on Trees After All
An additional 780 feet of the Crum Creek are protected forever.
Another view of the newly protected stretch of creek.
Therese, David, and Carter Rawson. prepare to color their property green on the Trust’s protected lands map as Erik Hetzel and Bonnie Van Alen look on.
Another 10 acres of land are now permanently protected from development, thanks to the generosity and foresight of David, Therese and Carter Rawson, who donated a conservation easement conserving the land on October 22. What is remarkable about the easement is that this is the second easement the Rawsons have donated to the Trust, creating a total of 35 contiguous acres of Rawson family land in permanent protection.
The newly protected 10-acre parcel includes 780 feet of Crum Creek and densely wooded floodplain near Kirkwood Preserve. The easement protects the sensitive areas near the creek, establishing a riparian buffer zone that ensures continuing protection for the area’s delicate ecology. With one primary residence existing on the property, it limits the size of the residence and prohibits the construction of additional primary residences and subdivision of the land. Restrictions on architectural details of future improvements, lighting, and fencing further ensure that the property will always be compatible with Chester County rural architecture. The easement also encompasses an equestrian and pedestrian trail easement, which leads to the Crum Creek.
The Rawson’s generosity represents an significant gift to nature, contributing to clean water and providing healthy habitat for wildlife. As with all conservation easements, the protection granted in the easement will remain in perpetuity, even if the land is sold. As part of its mission, Willistown Conservation will visit the land annually to monitor its condition and ensure that the terms of the easement are upheld.
People like the Rawson family, true heroes of the countryside, have permanently protected over 7,200 acres of the Willistown area from development. As shown by a recent census, efforts by land trusts like Willistown Conservation Trust have conserved a staggering 56 million acres across the nation, an area of protected land that is double the size of all the land in national parks across the lower 48 states. For more information about how we protect land, visit our 
Ben and Kate Etherington
The barn at Rooster Run Farm.
Two of the Etherington children and the vegetable garden at Rooster Run Farm.
Just a few of the farm animals at Rooster Run Farm.
