This critical conservation easement expands an existing cluster of preserved properties to create a contiguous 236-acre corridor of land protected in perpetuity.
“This is the third project I have had the honor of working on with Paul and Cynthia Black,” noted Pam Brown, Senior Conservation Advisor. “They are true conservation heroes for choosing to protect their land from development.”
Positioned as a prime target for development due to its size and location, this property was eyed for preservation with determination by French & Pickering and West Vincent’s Open Space Committee.
A project that was more than two decades in the making, this land was the largest unprotected parcel along Pughtown Road. Hope was reignited in 2022 when Paul and Cynthia Black purchased the land with preservation in mind.
“We moved to West Vincent Township in 2015 without realizing that we were moving into the middle of an area that was primed for development,” said Paul Black. “In the decade since then, the 1,500+ acre Bryn Coed estate has been preserved and three contiguous land projects that we have been involved in have eliminated plans for 88 houses and 21 condominiums respectively. It will remain in woods and farmland now forever, a striking contrast to what could have been. French & Pickering were partners for all of it.”
The property is largely comprised of sustainable agricultural farmland but also features woodland and a small stream passage.
Today it sits protected alongside other French & Pickering-managed easements and in close proximity to Natural Lands’ Bryn Coed Preserve.
“Our West Vincent board, staff, and Open Space Committee cannot thank Paul and Cynthia Black enough for all they have done to ensure their beautiful vistas, farmland, and woodland remain unchanged in our lifetimes and beyond,” said Dana Alan, Chair for the West Vincent Township Board of Supervisors. “Our township values open space protection as a very high priority. The board was happy to vote unanimously to use our dedicated open space funds to complete this project. Saving open space cannot happen without landowners who love their property and willingly take action to preserve it for the future. Engaged landowners like the Black family are the reason why West Vincent can continue to maintain its rural culture, beauty, and clean air and water.”
This project marks another win for longstanding partnerships between French & Pickering and West Vincent Township, and Chester County.
$917,000 in grant funding from West Vincent Township and Chester County, plus a donation of value from Paul and Cynthia Black, was obtained to finalize the conservation easement agreement.
French & Pickering is grateful to the Black family for their willingness to protect this farmland from future development and to build on a remarkable acreage of preserved landscape.
“Paul and Cynthia Black have been extraordinary partners in conservation. Their commitment has reshaped the future of this part of West Vincent—replacing development pressure with permanently protected farmland, forest, and clean water,” noted Bill Gladden, Executive Director. “This project reflects the very best of community-driven conservation, and French & Pickering is honored to help safeguard a landscape that will benefit residents for generations.”
For questions about this easement, please contact Pam Brown, Senior Conservation Advisor, at 610-310-9499 or email pbrown@frenchandpickering.org.
The French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust is dedicated to preserving open space and helping people get outside to experience trails and protected landscapes in northern Chester County.
[Posted: August 31, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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