WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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  • Rushton Conservation Center

WHY WATERSHEDS MATTER

What is a Watershed?

You may be wondering, what is a watershed and do I even live in one? The answer is, of course, you do! A watershed is simply an area of land where all the streams and rainfall drain into a common outlet, such as a stream or river. Watersheds can be big or small, and smaller watersheds can be nested within larger ones. For example, Willistown Conservation Trust’s office is located in the Ridley Watershed, the rain that falls here will eventually drain into Ridley Creek. However, Ridley Creek flows into the Delaware River and therefore the Ridley watershed is nested within the much larger Delaware River watershed, which in its entirety extends across 4 states.

The Connection to the Delaware River

All of Willistown’s creeks are tributaries to the Delaware River, which flows all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.  While it may seem like Willistown is a long way from the ocean, the interconnectedness of waterways means that any pollution here, from fertilizers to sediment to road salt, is reflected downstream. The Trust’s focus area is fortuitously located in the headwaters of the Ridley, Crum, and Darby creeks – that is, these three streams, born of springs from the groundwater below, begin right here. We have a responsibility, as the most upstream community, to give our freshwater its best start before its long journey to the ocean.

The Watershed Protection Program

The Watershed Protection Program is actively restoring and monitoring water quality here in the headwaters of the Ridley, Crum, and Darby creeks. Our goal, through restoration and best management practices, is to make sure that our lasting impact is a positive one for our downstream neighbors.

Regional Watersheds Map August 2018

OUR NATURE PRESERVES

Our nature preserves are open to the public 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, providing natural places that offer peace and respite for all. Willistown Conservation Trust owns and manages three nature preserves in the Willistown area - Ashbridge, Kirkwood and Rushton Woods Preserve. We maintain these lands for the … Learn more about our nature preserves.

Upcoming Events

02 February

Winter Stewardship Volunteer Days | Contact us to Join!

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09 February

Winter Stewardship Volunteer Days | Contact us to Join!

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10 February
Rushton Conservation Center

Rejuvenate at Rushton Wellness Retreat

915 Delchester Road, Newtown Square, PA

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DONATE TODAY!

Invest in Nature! ENGAGE CONNECT SPONSOR LEAVE A LEGACY   If you would like to make a gift of securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares, please contact us at 610-353-2562 for instructions. For more … Donate Today

CONTACT

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

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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