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/.
