French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Protects 55 Acres in North Coventry Township – Technologist

Press release shared by French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, September 17, 2024.  Photos shared courtesy of the land trust. 

French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust has finalized a voluntary conservation agreement with long-time Chester County resident Julia Kirlin and her granddaughter Allison Manley to protect in perpetuity 55 acres in North Coventry Township. This property sits along a mixed-oak forested ridgeline, features wetland meadows, and lies near the headwaters of Pigeon Creek, making it an ecologically valuable parcel for land and water protection efforts. This site also serves as an important connector between the 700+ acre Coventry Woods Preserve in North Coventry and the 200+ acre Woody’s Woods in South Coventry. Both are vital components of the 73,000-acre Hopewell Big Woods, the largest in-tact forest in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Speaking to the abundance of clean water near the property, this site formerly hosted a trout hatchery as well as serving as a working farm and orchard. Additionally, over half a mile of the North Coventry trail system passes through the Kirlin property, offering rugged climbs and outstanding views of the surrounding countryside. The Kirlin family are long-time supporters of open space in North Coventry. Several of the trailheads on the North Coventry trail system bear the names of Julia and her late father, Karl Maier.

“This important win for open space preservation stems from a strong working partnership between the Kirlin family, North Coventry Township, Chester County, and French & Pickering.  Residents and visitors to the Hopewell Big Woods will be able to enjoy this important natural asset in perpetuity thanks to the generosity of Julia Kirlin and her family,” noted Karl Russek, Conservation Director for French & Pickering.

Chester County awarded French & Pickering $201,565 in grant funds for the purchase of the Kirlin easement, with the balance provided by our partners in North Coventry Township. French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is thankful for the support of Chester County and North Coventry Township, for the generosity of Mrs. Kirlin and Mrs. Manley, and for the opportunity to protect this exceptional piece of open space.

Since 1967, French & Pickering has protected more than 13,500 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnerships. The non-profit organization works with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland, and preserve environmentally sensitive land.

Media Contact: Shelby Coulton, Program & Communications Coordinator ([email protected].)