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WCT Receives “Protect Your Drinking Water” Grant

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By: Kate Etherington & Lauren McGrath

Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) is thrilled to announce that our Watershed Protection Program has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Aqua Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC). At a ceremony held on April 18, 2025, Executive Director Kate Etherington and Director of Watershed Protection Lauren McGrath proudly accepted the award, which will fuel the next phase of our critical work safeguarding the health of our local waterways — and, ultimately, the water you drink.

Since 2017, WCT’s Watershed Protection Program has made significant strides in understanding how land conservation directly impacts the health of small-order streams. Through rigorous, long-term monitoring, our team has gathered a wealth of data illustrating the powerful connection between human activity and water quality. These insights culminated in the 2022 publication of The State of Our Streams — a landmark report that drew on expertise across WCT’s Watershed, Bird Conservation, Agroecology, Land Protection, and Stewardship departments to reveal the intricate web linking land use, wildlife, and water health.

This new grant funding will enable WCT to publish a second edition of The State of Our Streams, incorporating three additional years of water chemistry data along with new findings from benthic macroinvertebrate surveys conducted between 2018 and 2023. Benthic macroinvertebrates — small, spineless creatures visible to the naked eye — play a vital role in freshwater ecosystems and are key indicators of stream health. Their presence (or absence) can tell us a great deal about the overall condition of our watersheds.

In addition to the macroinvertebrate analysis, the updated report will feature expanded chapters on sensitive wildlife species recently documented in our local streams, including freshwater mussels (Unionidae), river otters (Lontra canadensis), American mink (Neogale vision), and American beavers (Castor canadensis).

We are deeply grateful to Aqua PA and PEC for their continued partnership and support, and we are honored to stand alongside the other six grantee organizations working tirelessly to protect and restore the waters that sustain both people and wildlife. You can learn more about the grant and other grantee projects here.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Awards $1 Million Grant to Protect Open Space

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Willistown Conservation Trust to Establish Kestrel Hill Preserve

By: Kate Etherington, President and Executive Director

Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) is delighted to announce the award of a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). This transformative funding will support the protection of 90 acres of undeveloped land, culminating in the creation of a new public nature preserve: Kestrel Hill Preserve.

Named in honor of the American Kestrel—a native species that has faced significant population decline across North America but thrives in the grassland meadows protected by WCT—this preserve will serve as a vital refuge for wildlife and a place for people to reconnect with nature.

Without conservation intervention, zoning would have permitted up to 40 new houses on this pristine land. Instead, Kestrel Hill Preserve will feature rolling hills, scenic vistas, mature woodlands, and wetlands within an area designated by Audubon as an internationally recognized Important Bird Area. Visitors will enjoy a network of trails designed for hiking, birdwatching, equestrian activities, picnicking, and quiet reflection—offering respite from the fast pace of modern life.

This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership and vision of Governor Josh Shapiro, State Representative Melissa Shusterman, Secretary Cindy Dunn, and the dedicated team at the DCNR, particularly the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The Commonwealth joins Willistown Township and Chester County in their financial support, as well as many other community members who have pledged their support of this significant project. Their commitment to conserving vulnerable wildlife habitats and preserving Pennsylvania’s extraordinary natural beauty has made this project a reality. 

Representative Shusterman emphasized the importance of this effort:
“Preserving green spaces is essential to our overall quality of life. These spaces provide critical habitats for wildlife, help regulate our climate, and offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Kestrel Hill Preserve represents a meaningful investment in the future of our community.”

Since 1996, Willistown Conservation Trust has protected and managed over 7,500 acres throughout Chester and Delaware Counties, including four public nature preserves—soon to be five with the addition of Kestrel Hill Preserve. Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk, these preserves are free for all to enjoy. To learn more about Willistown Conservation Trust’s conservation programs—including bird and water research, land stewardship, and its community-supported farm—or to contribute to the $12.5 million campaign supporting the establishment of Kestrel Hill Preserve, please visit https://wctrust.org/future-preserve/.

Advocacy Alert! PA Growing Greener Would Invest Millions in Conservation and Outdoor Recreation

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Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

Currently, there is a proposal in the Pennsylvania General Assembly called Growing Greener 3, and its funding affects our livelihood, along with the success of all conservation and environmental organizations in Pennsylvania. Our friends at Natural Lands wrote this message on the importance of using our collective voice in support of Growing Greener 3 this week, and we couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Read below and help us Invest in Nature.

Growing Greener 3 would invest $500 million in:

  • conservation of open space and farmland, 
  • clean water initiatives, 
  • upgrades in state parks and forests, 
  • projects to reduce flooding, and
  • trails, greenways, and parks. 

There are two pieces of good news, and one problem. First, there is bipartisan support to use federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for these local investments. Second, Pennsylvania revenues are at all-time highs — we can afford to make this happen.

The problem is this: the representatives and senators who are championing this legislation tell us they are not hearing about it from their constituents. 

This is where you can help. Would you please take just a moment to tell your elected officials that this investment is important and urgently needed? THIS WEEK is the most important time to get the message out. 

Here’s what you can do:  

Ask them to talk to their leadership in the House/Senate to urge their support of Growing Greener 3. Please share this message with friends, neighbors, and family who also might be willing to make a call.

Here’s a sample email you can copy and paste: 

I’m writing to urge Senator/Representative X to support Growing Greener 3. Our district needs investment in clean water, open space and farm conservation, vibrant parks and trails, outdoor recreation, and projects to reduce flooding. Please tell your leaders in the Senate/House that our district needs this funding. It’s important to me to have safe places to get outside, clean water to drink, and fresh air to breathe. Please make sure that Pennsylvania is investing in those things on our behalf. 

Thank you for making your voice heard, and for speaking up for nature!

Sincerely,

Kate Etherington

Cover Photo by Jennifer Mathes

WCT Update: Promising News about Kirkwood Farm

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last month, I shared with you that Kirkwood Farm — a 218-acre parcel in the heart of the Willistown countryside between Providence and Plumsock Roads surrounded by conserved lands and a critical component of an established greenway — was listed for sale. I am excited to announce that a positive outcome has been reached, and as hoped, Kirkwood Farm is now under agreement of sale with a conservation buyer. 

The buyer and family love the property and surrounding countryside, and they are excited by the opportunity to own and preserve it. I am confident that they will be great stewards of the land, dedicated to protecting the farm’s special natural and scenic resources. Over the course of the next several months, WCT hopes to engage in discussions with the buyer to collectively determine the best way to protect this treasured part of the Willistown countryside forever. 

Our community is grateful for the hard work of local conservation groups and individuals, who remain committed to the protection of this special property, and for your continued support and shared concern for the future of our natural spaces.  

Sincerely,


Kate Etherington

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WCT Update on Rock Hill Farm

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Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am writing to you once again with another important land protection update. 

As many of you know, for years, Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) has been interested in the future of Rock Hill Farm, a 246-acre property bordered by South Valley, Grubbs Mill, and White Horse Roads. We have been in discussions with both the former and current owners to explore ways to protect the land’s conservation values that would permanently preserve the natural and scenic resources found here.

Since the sale of Rock Hill Farm last year, WCT has continued to have conversations with the current owner with the hope that we can work toward a conservation outcome for the entire property. We are not able to share the specific details of easement discussions, but what we can tell you is that we are continuing to prioritize our conservation work at Rock Hill Farm. 

WCT’s role is to assist landowners in identifying constructive uses and protections for their property, particularly those with sensitive environmental features. Rock Hill Farm is a special property with an abundance of meadows, forests, historical structures, and a section of Crum Creek. Its open space connects with several conserved properties and other large tracts of land that provide important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, as well as scenic views for the enjoyment of the many people who travel along the South Valley Road corridor by bike, foot, or car. 

For years, WCT has assisted with the stewardship of Rock Hill Farm through tree plantings, and we’ve used the property as a site for our Watershed Protection Program’s research, which includes monthly water chemistry analysis and three years of annual macroinvertebrate sampling. We care deeply about what happens here, just like you do. And we pledge to do what we can to achieve a positive outcome.

Thank you for your steadfast support and shared concern about the future of this region’s open space. Please send this letter to your own friends and neighbors, and we will do our best to keep you updated on our progress.

Sincerely,


Kate Etherington

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GIVE

LEARN

PARTICIPATE

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