West Chester University, East Whiteland Township Preserve 52 Acre Farm From Anonymous Donor In Chester County

 West Chester University and East Whiteland Township take steps to preserve the 52 acre Ridley Springs Farm from an anonymous donor as a nature preserve and public park in Chester County.

WCU students majoring in or with interests in geographic information systems, health, sustainability, art and design, areas of the sciences, and other fields of study will play active roles in working with East Whiteland Township to develop the preserved farm property for the community’s use and enjoyment. 

The intent of the collaborative initiative is to preserve one of the region’s most breathtaking greenways.

“We are extremely grateful for this donation and for all the possibilities that it holds for our students’ experiential learning,” said West Chester University President Laurie Bernotsky. “Our commitment to sustain this land is part of the fabric of who we are as good stewards of our community. As a public institution, we have an obligation to contribute to the public good. 

“Thanks to the generosity of our anonymous donor and to Dr. John Baker, who played a tremendous role in making the gift happen, this is a beautiful example of how the University can contribute to environmental sustainability while integrating students in everything that we do.”

Preserving the property is a mutual commitment. 

“East Whiteland Township’s vision for the property centers on long-term conservation and community enrichment,” said East Whiteland Township Manager Steve Brown. “Plans are underway to transform the land into a nature preserve and public park, preserving its natural beauty and preventing future commercial, residential, or industrial development – honoring the original intent of the donor.”

Click Here for the announcement.

(Photo: Dr. Zeb Davenport, Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs; Deb Cornelius, Executive Director of the WCU Foundation; Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, President of West Chester University; Scott Lambert, Chairman of the East Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors; Dr. John H. Baker, Professor Emeritus of Art.)

(Reprinted from the WeConservePA website.)

Related Articles This Week:

-- Wildlands Conservancy Protects Over 2,500 Acres In Carbon County  [PaEN]  

-- Manada Conservancy Protects 185 Acres On. The Kittatinny Ridge In Dauphin County  [PaEN]

-- Heritage Conservancy Protects 90 Acres Of Woodland and Family Farm In Bucks County  [PaEN] 

-- West Chester University, East Whiteland Township Preserve 52 Acre Farm From Anonymous Donor In Chester County  [PaEN]

[Posted: August 11, 2025]  PA Environment Digest