Willistown Conservation Trust Awarded $525,400 In Grants

WILLISTOWN, PA — The Willistown Conservation Trust will be the recipient of two grants totaling $525,4000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to further land conservation efforts in Chester County.

State Rep. Kristine Howard, D-Chester has announced the two grants Thursday.

One grant worth $500,000 will go toward acquisition of approximately 12 acres for an addition to the Kirkwood Preserve.

The other grant worth $25,400 is for further development of Ruston Woods Preserve, including construction of a pedestrian walkway, ADA access and landscaping.

"Willistown Conservation Trust’s phenomenal work in protecting and preserving more than 7,500 acres has given people of all ages the chance to enjoy nature," Howard said. "I’m excited to see the trust utilize these grants to not only grow protected lands, but to make them more accessible for all."

Howard said the funds are part of the Pennsylvania DCNR grant program, which pulls from multiple state and federal funding sources to award grants.

More information on DCNR grant programs can be found on the department’s website.