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Rushton Woods Preserve Improvements: A Bioretention Basin, New Trails, and More to Come

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By Andrew Kirkpatrick, Director of Stewardship

If you’ve recently been out to Rushton Woods Preserve, you likely noticed some new plantings, closed trails due to maintenance, and extra noise from various machinery. For the last year, we’ve been busy at work at Rushton, and we’re pleased to report on the many projects that will help make Rushton Woods Preserve an even better experience for all!

This year, WCT received a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener program that — combined with funding from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s C2P2 program — will pay for the design and construction of a half-acre bioretention basin with a perimeter ADA path in the field below the Rushton Conservation Center.

A bioretention basin is a green stormwater infrastructure improvement that slows down runoff and contains it behind berms filled with native plants. The stormwater collects and infiltrates slowly into the ground rather than flowing across the surface, which reduces erosion and downstream sedimentation.

The new basin, which will be constructed next year, will also provide more habitat for pollinators and birds. Filled with a variety of native plant species that tolerate periods of wetness, the basin will demonstrate to the public the benefits of combining habitat improvements with stormwater management strategies.

This spring we will construct an ADA path to connect the Rushton Conservation Center to the farm shed. This new path will provide a safe and durable surface for users of all abilities to enjoy the views of the farm and preserve. As part of the project, we will also be restoring a section of the hedgerow with native shrubs that support birds with high quality food and nesting. The project is funded by grants from Chester County and PA DCNR.

At the end of last year, we finished a trail project through the main corridor in Rushton Woods that improved the surface and stability of the trail for pedestrians and equestrians. Green Roots Inc. worked throughout an unusually wet fall and winter to lay fabric and stone aggregate to create the new tread surface. They also installed pipes underneath the trail to improve overall drainage throughout the corridor.

This was the first phase of an overall plan to improve trails at the Preserve for visitor enjoyment, safety, and accessibility. Most of the trails at Rushton were never properly designed or sited, but are the remnants of a legacy of equestrian use and fox hunting. Where the fox went, the horses followed, and thus, a trail was born. Now with the help of grant funding, we are improving our trails to deal with the increasingly intense storms resulting from climate change. Taking action now will ensure their long-term viability and accessibility for years to come.

We identified all of these projects during our Master Planning process that looked at the ecological and cultural resources at the Preserve. We then developed plans to improve these resources and amenities while increasing their sustainability and resilience for future generations.

For now, we hope you’ll spend some time exploring these new trails at Rushton Woods Preserve! See you in the woods.

It’s a Wrap for the Campaign for Rushton Woods!

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Cover Photo by Jennifer Mathes

In 2018 Willistown Conservation Trust embarked upon an ambitious $2 million fundraising campaign. Named the “Campaign for Rushton Woods,” the effort came on the heels of the construction of the Rushton Conversation Center (RCC), located on the grounds of the Rushton Woods Preserve. 

The Campaign supported a vision to enhance the Rushton Woods Preserve, featuring the stunning new RCC as its heart, as a hub of conservation activity for WCT. Specifically, the campaign was designed to raise funds to renovate the White Farm House on the property, establish an environmental master plan for the Preserve, improve circulation and recreational enjoyment of the Preserve, and provide much needed operating support for the vibrant programs based from Rushton Woods: Watershed Protection, the Community Farm, Bird Conservation, and Land Stewardship activities. 

We are thrilled to report that the WCT community of generous funders and donors came together and, as of December 31, 2022, successfully completed the Campaign.

Many results made possible by the Campaign can already be seen by the community. The White Farm House which sits just west of the RCC has been attractively rehabbed and expanded. It now boasts a guest room which has provided overnight accommodations to visiting conservationists and scientists. Ornithologists from Tadoussac Bird Observatory in Canada recently commented, “Such a wonderful place with such wonderful people! We had an amazing time at WCT and we learned a lot from all of you,” upon conclusion of their stay. A first floor conference room and bird book library now serve as a small group meeting space for organizational meetings, as well as a place for farm staff to cool off over lunch on hot summer days. 

The Master Plan for Rushton Woods was also completed with Campaign funding, and it outlined a framework to address identified environmental and recreational improvements needed in the Preserve. As a result of the Master Plan, several projects have already begun, including the first step in restoring the hedgerows in the center of the Preserve. The first 100 feet of invasive species were removed by Land Studies Inc., and replanted by Preserve and Facilities Manager Mike Cranney with the help of volunteers. The project was funded with a grant from Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology. 

A new visible result is the just-completed equestrian/pedestrian trail through the woods, constructed by Green Roots Landscaping. This beautiful and functional path will be enjoyed by hikers and horses alike as they wind their way through the woods on sure and dry footing. Further enhancements planned in the coming year include an ADA accessible trail connecting the Rushton Farm shed to the RCC with a section of hedgerow restoration along Delchester Road as well as a bioretention basin, which will address stormwater, improve stream health by reducing erosion, provide habitat, and be accessible to all with an additional ADA trail loop.

Campaign funds will also support WCT operating activities and programs. Rising costs and growth of our departments require constant funding, and our ability to keep the departments running relies upon the generosity of a community who understands the importance of open space and conserved land and its positive impact on wildlife preservation and a healthy environment.

The Board and staff of WCT would like to acknowledge and thank all those who came together in this effort. There were approximately 71 donors, made up of individuals, foundations, and governmental organizations. Additionally, the work at this Preserve wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated volunteers and Land Stewardship Team. We will continue to provide updates to the community, as work is completed at Rushton. The entire community is welcome and encouraged to visit the Preserve to enjoy a solitary winter hike or a lively, warm weather picnic at one of our Community Super Series events. There is something for everyone at Rushton Woods Preserve!

A big thanks to everyone who contributed to this Campaign:

Anonymous (2)

1976 Foundation

Mr. Timothy B. Barnard and Ms. Meredyth Patterson

Lisa Hatcher and Charlie Bernard

Michael and Linda Burg

Mr. Adrian A. Castelli and Ms. Molly G. Love

Chester County Preservation Program

The Colket Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Cozzi

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Department of Environmental Protection: Growing Greener

Diamond Ice Foundation

Anthony and Linda DiValerio

Ray Dombroski and Colleen DeMorat

Dick and Nancy Eales

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher B. Ebmeyer

Kate and Ben Etherington

First Cornerstone Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. John Fry

Jim and Dina Gibson

Steve and Christina Graham

Julie S. and K. David Graham

Mrs. Perry C. Gresh

Dr. Janet F. Haas and Mr. John Otto Haas

Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel P. Hamilton Jr.

Meg and Chris Hardesty

Alice and Peter Hausmann

Lynn Hitschler

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Hofmann

Mr. and Mrs. Bill T. Howard

Elayne Howard

Beth and David Hucker

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Johnson

Mrs. Barbara M. Jordan

Michelle Kichline

Mr. George F. Krall Jr.

Ms. Lisa Krall

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Layden, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Ledger

Lindsay and Ted Leisenring

Michael McGraw

McLean Contributionship

Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. McMenamin

Dr. F. Arthur McMorris and Dr. Joanna Balcarek McMorris

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Morse

Donna and Bill Oliver

Otto Haas Charitable Trust

Heidi S. Phelan

Marshall-Reynolds Foundation

Quaker City Foundation

Lang and Marilyn Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Steven L. Spinner

Veritable, LP

Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Stolper

John F. and Holly H. Stoviak

Jennifer H. Gorman-Strawbridge

Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Strawbridge

Jeanne and Doug Swope

Mr. Matt E. Taylor and Ms. Francie Ingersoll

The Darling Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation

The RJM Foundation

Bob and Carolyn Turner

UNFI Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen II

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Van Alen, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander S. Van Alen

Mr. and Mrs. Rob B. Van Alen

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Warden

The Honorable Thomas D. Watkins and Mrs. Penelope Watkins

Ms. Lida A. Wright

Alex and Janine Zozaya

Chester County Commissioners, PA DCNR, Willistown Conservation Trust, and Willistown Township Celebrate 12-Acre Addition to Kirkwood Preserve

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Photo from L to R: Julie Graham (WCT), Drew Gilchrist (PA DCNR), Judy Thomas (Chester County Parks & Preservation), Jeanne Swope (WCT Volunteer), Ted Leisenring (Willistown Township Open Space Review Board), Erik Hetzel (WCT), Michelle Kichline (Chester County Commissioner), Bill Shoemaker (Willistown Township Supervisor), Josh Maxwell (Chester County Commissioner), Kate Etherington (WCT), Bonnie Van Alen (WCT), Mary Hundt (Willistown Township Parks & Recreation), Beth Hucker (WCT), Brook Gardner (Willistown Township Open Space Review Board), Molly Perrin (Willistown Township Supervisor). Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz joined Willistown Conservation Trust at Rushton Conservation Center prior to the Kirkwood Ceremony.

Willistown, PA — On Monday, October 24 Willistown Conservation Trust welcomed the Chester County Commissioners, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Willistown Township to Kirkwood Preserve (855 Grubbs Mill Rd., Newtown Square) to commemorate an additional 12 acres added to the 83-acre Nature Preserve owned and maintained by Willistown Conservation Trust.

Partners in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony included Willistown Conservation Trust Executive Director Kate Etherington and Director of Land Protection Erik Hetzel; Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Josh Maxwell (County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz joined WCT before the ceremony); the PA DCNR Grants Coordinator Drew Gilchrist; Willistown Township’s Parks & Recreation Director Mary Hundt, Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Shoemaker, Supervisor Molly Perrin, Open Space Review Board Chair Ted Leisenring and Open Space Review Board Member Brook Gardner; and Chester County Preservation Programs Coordinator Judy Thomas.

This ceremony honored the partnering funders who were vital in the acquisition and permanent protection of this additional 12 acres of public open space. The project was financed and made possible by a grant from the PA DCNR through the Keystone Act of 1993 to WCT; grant funds provided by the Chester County Commissioners through the Chester County Landscapes 21st Century Fund; and the Willistown Township Open Space Fund.

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline note, “The beauty of Chester County’s open space program is found not only in thousands of acres preserved, but also in the partnerships that make it happen. We are admired by communities across the commonwealth and the nation, and this is because all preservation partners — be they the State, the County, our municipalities, and conservancies like Willistown Conservation Trust — always make smart, well-planned investments in open space.”

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“Kirkwood Preserve is a special place,” says WCT Executive Director Kate Etherington. “Nestled among privately conserved lands, its protection preserves an important greenway, scenic vistas, important habitat for grassland birds and other species, meadows abundant with pollinators, and a prime section of Crum Creek. Additionally, Kirkwood provides ample recreational activities for the community with miles of pedestrian and equestrian trails.”

With the additional 12 acres comes a new trail within the Preserve — one that will provide access to many more miles of trails on adjacent conserved lands throughout the Willistown Countryside.

Says PA DCNR Grants Coordinator Drew Gilchrist, “The DCNR is pleased to partner with Willistown Conservation Trust and other funding partners in the preservation of this important parcel. With its preservation, the land will continue to provide essential environmental services, wildlife habitat, connect existing preserved land and expand the local trail network for all to enjoy and appreciate.”

Thanks to Willistown Township funding, WCT intends to install a stepping stone creek crossing along Crum Creek, which will connect the main portion of Kirkwood Preserve to this new addition. This creek crossing will also provide access to a portion of the existing Preserve that has not been accessible to the main area. WCT anticipates the creek crossing installation beginning in early fall of 2023, though walkers and hikers are currently permitted to cross the creek to access the Kirkwood Preserve addition. Proper footwear is advised.

Says Bill Shoemaker, “The celebration of this addition to the Kirkwood Preserve marks another chapter in the longstanding partnership of Willistown Township and WCT. The expanded parking lot and the soon-to-be-added stepping stones across the creek make the Preserve even more available for people to enjoy. The advantages of preserving open space resources are so important to this community, and Willistown Township is proud to be a part of this today!”

This open space is also part of a larger 16-acre conservation project across Grubbs Mill Road that will enable the preservation of an historic farmstead dating from the late 18th century that includes an iconic Chester County bank barn. Portions of the property that are not subject to the Kirkwood acquisition have been placed under conservation easement and restricted from any further development, allowing for the preservation of an historically significant landscape that embodies the rural character of the Willistown countryside.

A Rushton Nature Keeper “Graduate” Restores Historic Bluebird Trail to Willistown

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By Education Programs Manager Blake Goll

Photos by Blake Goll

Almost ten years ago, a little girl named Siana Christaldi and her brother began religiously attending the Trust’s nature programs that were then part of the nascent Junior Birding Club. Siana especially loved the adventures in which she and her family enthusiastically participated: watching the dazzling courtship flights of the American Woodcocks at Rushton Farm in early spring, exploring a local vernal pool for spotted salamanders one rainy night in early April with Education Programs Manager Blake Goll, and even lending an eager hand for local stream cleanups at the Trust’s nature preserves.

Siana’s passion for nature flourished over the years as she continued to participate in Rushton Nature Keepers program that was established in 2018 as the Trust’s holistic approach to environmental education, encompassing major conservation themes of healthy habitat, birds and wildlife, watersheds, and regenerative farming. In 2019, Siana and her family also dove wholeheartedly into the Trust’s Homeowner Bird Box Program—receiving their own bluebird box to monitor in their yard. A bluebird family quickly took up residence, and Siana was hooked. Naming the dad Blueberry and the mom Muffin, she bravely inspected the nest regularly despite having her hair tousled by the chastising dives of the parents.

Siana and her brother Daniel at a Rushton Nature Keeper program in 2018

It was this personal connection to the bluebird box in her backyard that inspired her to build bluebird boxes for her Girl Scout Silver Award project last winter. Siana (now 14 years old) first met with local bluebird box builder, Ken Leister, better known as The Bluebird Keeper; he has built close to 1,000 boxes in the past ten years for homes, schools, golf courses, local businesses, and nonprofits like Willistown Conservation Trust. And his boxes are crème de la crème if you are a bluebird; they are equipped with thoughtful features that many commercial boxes lack, such as an extra-large roof and ample ventilation to help prevent the chicks from overheating during hot summer days.

After collecting free scrap wood from a local fencing company, Siana worked with Ken to learn the dimensions and to cut all the parts for ten bluebird boxes. She took these parts back to her building team of two friends and instructed them on how to assemble a “Ken Leister bluebird box.” Siana reflects, “We all had fun learning and building these boxes, and the whole experience felt like a special gift during the Covid-19 quarantine.”

In early spring, Siana worked with Blake to install the ten boxes at a private property in Willistown. This was significant because the farm’s current owner is keen on reestablishing the bluebird box trail that her grandfather, Hardie Scott, had lovingly established in the 60’s. In those days, concern was growing over the declining bluebird populations; threats included non-native competing species like House Sparrows, widespread pesticide use, and habitat loss from development. With the help of compassionate citizens establishing nest box campaigns and well monitored bluebird trails beginning in the 60’s and 70’s, Pennsylvania is once again home to healthy populations of these stunning backyard birds.

Siana helped monitor the bluebird trail this summer with Blake and found that the boxes were also being enjoyed by Tree Swallows, native birds that hunt insects on the wing. Since bluebirds hunt insects by diving into the grass from a hunting perch, they are not a direct competitive threat to Tree Swallows. Consequently, a swallow will generally allow a nearby bird box to be occupied by bluebirds but not by other swallows. As such, the boxes were cleverly paired at a private farm in Willistown to hopefully allow Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows to live and breed harmoniously.

The new bluebird trail now lies vacant under the crisp autumn sunshine in the wide-open rolling hills, wild meadows, and fields of Willistown. The boxes hold the promise of many more broods of baby birds in the spring to come. When the Tree Swallows return to somersault through the honeysuckle-scented air and the bluebirds’ sweet songs bubble forth from the new leaves, Siana’s boxes will again come to life.

  • Siana and her brother Daniel monitoring the bluebird trail this summer. BHG
  • Tree Swallow nest lined with goose feathers

Blake Goll | she/her | Education Programs Manager | Blake plays a big role in the Trust’s Bird Conservation Program, as well as the outreach and educational initiatives as the coordinator for the Rushton Nature Keepers program.

Volunteer Spotlight: Eagle Scout Will Hetzel Leads Troop 106 in Building Bog Bridges at Ashbridge Preserve

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By Director of Stewardship Andrew Kirkpatrick

Photos by Director of Land Protection Erik Hetzel

It has been over five years since I began working in the nonprofit sector, and during that time I have learned a universal truth about our work; volunteers are the backbone of our operations. People who choose to give their time to support our mission are critical to our success. Across all of our program areas, we could not achieve our mission without our volunteers.

Boy Scout Troop 106 with Andrew Kirkpatrick and Erik Hetzel

When it comes to our Habitat Restoration Program, managing and maintaining our nature preserves in Willistown — Rushton, Kirkwood, and Ashbridge — would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. Keeping trails clear and invasive species in check is a full-time operation. Our preserve manager Mike Cranney has his hands full, but with the help of our incredible volunteers, he can accomplish a lot. Local Eagle Scout, Will Hetzel (son of our Director of Land Protection, Erik Hetzel) recently demonstrated this in August when he organized scouts from Troop 106 to install eight new bog bridges at Ashbridge Preserve.

We use bog bridges at our preserves to allow visitors to traverse wet and mucky areas without causing damage to the trail. The bog bridges, also called puncheons, are constructed with wood planks on top of footers and covered with chicken wire to reduce slippery conditions when it rains. The bog bridges are anchored to the ground using rebar stakes. For his project, Will raised over $1,000 in donations and goods to build the new bog bridges for the path adjacent to Ridley Creek.

On a hot and sunny Wednesday afternoon, Will gathered his team of scouts to build the bridges on site and install them along the trail. Will and the scouts were well organized, efficient, and professional. I felt inspired watching these fine young men work together in the preserve, getting their hands dirty and creating an amenity that will benefit the community. The scouts did a great job and completed the project from start to finish in three hours. Thanks to them, this trail, which is often wet and muddy, will now be more easily accessible to our visitors.

Having been a scout myself, I can say what an accomplishment it is for Will to reach the rank of Eagle Scout and complete his service project. Not many scouts stick it out and commit to this level of accomplishment. It is a reflection of Will’s perseverance, fortitude, and determination that will serve him well throughout his academic and future professional career. I think we can all draw inspiration from the example set by Will and the scouts from Troop 106. Taking the time to give back by volunteering is both personally fulfilling and incredibly impactful for organizations like ours.

If you are interested in joining our group of dedicated volunteers, you are welcome to join us at our Stewardship Volunteer Thursdays, held at our various Preserves from 9am to 4pm every Thursday through November. You can come for the whole session or as long as you’re able! Send an email to Preserve Manager Mike Cranney (mjc@wctrust.org) to sign up. If you’d like to complete a larger project, similar to Will’s bog bridges, please get in touch with Stewardship Director Andrew Kirkpatrick (ajk@wctrust.org).


By Andrew J. Kirkpatrick | he/him | Director of Stewardship | As part of the Trust’s Habitat Restoration Program, Andrew oversees the stewardship of our private conservation easement properties and our nature preserves, in addition to coordinating our Stewardship volunteers days.