French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Preserves 34 Acres In North Coventry Twp., Chester County

On July 1, the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust announced it has finalized two voluntary conservation easements to permanently protect 34.9 acres in North Coventry Township. 

This newly preserved land is comprised of the 15.1-acre property of the Arena-Fanucci Family and the 19.8-acre property of Alice Sharp. 

The preservation of these properties complements over 13,700 acres already protected by French & Pickering in northern Chester County.

The 15.1-acre Arena-Fanucci property features varied wildlife habitat comprised of dense tree canopy, wetlands, wet meadows, and seeps that sit within an area labeled an Audubon Important Bird Area and Pennsylvania Important Mammal Area. 

726 feet of Pigeon Creek—designated a High-Quality Waters Cold Water Fishes (CWF) by the Department of Environmental Protection —flows through the property. 

The stream in this area has healthy forested buffers that support a stable floodplain system. 

The site also features nutrient-rich soil considered Prime Agricultural Soils or Soils of Statewide Importance by the US Department of Agriculture. 

The 19.8-acre property of Alice Sharp features a mix of active agricultural land, historic farmstead, hardwood forest, and a historic dam along Eckers Run, also designated by the PADEP as High-Quality Waters CWF. 

This highly productive farmland is adjacent to the pre-existing preserved lands of the Laurel Locks Farm complex. 

It is supported by healthy soils identified as Soils of Statewide Importance by the USDA. 

“These projects protect regionally important habitat and agricultural lands,” noted Karl Russek, Conservation Director. “These wins for conservation are another manifestation of North Coventry’s durable commitment to partnering on open space preservation and preserving quality of life for its residents.”

Preserved under a conservation easement held by French & Pickering, these properties are permanently protected from subdivision and development. 

“Conservation succeeds because people choose to care for the land,” said Bill Gladden, Executive Director. “We’re grateful to the Arena-Fanucci family and Alice Sharp for making a lasting commitment to the future of North Coventry Township.”

Click Here for the Trust announcement.

Since creation of the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust by Sam and Eleanor Morris in 1967, the Trust has worked with over 200 landowners to permanently protect more than 13,700 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements, and public/private partnerships. 

The Trust collaborates with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland, and preserve environmentally sensitive land. 

(Photos: Top-- Karl Russek, Ellen K. Scott (Board President),  Judi Arena, and Bill Soumis (Chair to North Coventry Board of Supervisors); Bottom--  Ellen K. Scott (Board President), Bill Soumis (Chair to North Coventry Board of Supervisors), Alice Sharp, and Karl Russek (Conservation Director).)

[Posted: July 1, 2026]  PA Environment Digest