WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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CONSERVATION

 

Land Conservation

Protecting open land in the Willistown area is the Trust’s highest priority. Staff members utilize all available conservation tools, including donated conservation easements from private landowners, the purchase of conservation easements, the purchase of land, seeking and leveraging public funds to acquire land or easements, and accepting donations of land. In addition, the Trust has developed an array of creative and proactive approaches to land protection.

With our critical mass of protected open spaces, we have a tremendous opportunity to improve habitat for wildlife. Whether on one of our nature preserves or on private property, practicing and promoting careful management of  land, or land stewardship, is an important part of our conservation work. 

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Bird Conservation

The Trust’s Bird Conservation Program works to enhance and promote bird conservation in the Willistown area and beyond.  Our primary initiatives include bird banding, bird tracking via Motus, bird monitoring, and habitat restoration. Our bird conservation program is nationally recognized, and attracts students, scholars, and scientists from all over the country.

Habitat Restoration

Trust staff members view our protected lands (and those not yet protected) as a large reservoir of natural resources and strive to work with area landowners to manage this land  for the promotion of healthy ecosystems and the diversity of flora and fauna. The Trust aims to strengthen its reputation among private and public landowners as an excellent resource for advice on how to help sustain plants and animals that were once common in this area.

Our Land Stewardship efforts focuses on habitat restoration in our nature preserves and develops and promotes guidelines for private landowners.  Native tree, shrub, and wildflower plantings are the most common habitat restoration projects. Our goal is to enhance bird and wildlife habitat and to protect water resources.

Community Farm

The Community Farm program models and promotes sustainable agriculture, producing healthy food for the community while enhancing the area with biodiversity and habitat. Rushton Farm, uniquely situated within the 86-acre Rushton Woods Preserve, is the centerpiece of the program, hosting a 130 family CSA, myriad school groups, volunteer days, and a “Share the Bounty” program that donates thousands of pounds of fresh food to local food cupboards.

Watershed Conservation

The Trust is working to develop a system that will provide an in-depth look into the function of the Ridley, Crum, and Darby Creek watersheds by establishing several long-term water quality monitoring sites with specialized, permanently installed, testing equipment. In collaboration with scientists from the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University and other institutions with expertise in watershed protection, the Trust’s Watershed Conservation program seeks to develop and implement best practices for enhancing water quality, and to share its findings with other land trusts throughout the region and the country.  

Education and Community Outreach

In addition to on-the-ground land protection, stewardship and farm efforts, Trust staff members spend an increasing amount of time on education and  public outreach. Through publications, events, educational activities and habitat restoration projects, the Trust aims to raise awareness about the benefits of land protection and stewardship, thus forwarding the Trust’s mission.

 

OUR NATURE PRESERVES

Our nature preserves are open to the public 365 days per year, providing natural places that offer peace and respite for all. We will keep them open as long as it is safe to do so. While visiting our preserves, please practice social distancing and wear a mask if you encounter another person who will be closer than six feet … Learn more about our nature preserves.

Upcoming Events

27 January

Lunch and Learn: Road Salt and Its Impact on Fresh Water

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CONSERVE. INSPIRE. RESTORE. DONATE.

The Trust's holistic approach to land conservation, with a focus on the connections among land, farm, birds, and water, protects native habitat and provides open space for our earth to heal. Please help the Trust continue to preserve our natural world for all  generations and consider making an impactful donation … Donate Today

CONTACT

925 Providence Road
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 353-2562
land@wctrust.org

OUR STORY

Willistown Conservation Trust's mission is to: "preserve and manage the open land, rural character, … read more

WHERE WE WORK

The work of the Willistown Conservation Trust is concentrated on 28,000 acres of Willistown Township … read more

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