M. Night Shyamalan Is Preserving Willistown Farm

WILLISTOWN, PA— Movie director and screenwriter M. Night Shyamalan on June 2 finalized the purchase of the 218-acre Kirkwood Farm with an agreement that 90 acres will not be developed.

Willistown Conservation Trust, an environmental nonprofit, is purchasing 90 acres of the 218-acre Kirkwood Farm property for the creation of a public nature preserve on Plumsock and Providence roads. Shyamalan, who lived near Kirkwood Farm, grew up in Lower Merion. He produced the Sixth Sense. His most recent film is Knock at the Cabin.

“The chance to acquire and protect another portion of Kirkwood Farm is a dream come true for Willistown Conservation Trust,” Kate Etherington, Willistown Trust president and CEO, said Wednesday. “This future preserve will be an incredible asset to our community by providing public open space for all to enjoy while protecting its abundant natural resources for generations to come.”

The property was owned by the Rockefeller family for over 100 years. It was purchased by Shyamalan for $24 million in March.

In 2004, Willistown Conservation Trust purchased 95 acres of the farm nearby Kirkwood Preserve, 855 Grubbs Mill Road in Newtown Square.

“We are very grateful to Willistown Township, Chester County, Firstrust Bank, and Willistown Conservation Trust for helping Willistown Conservation Trust pursue this game-changing opportunity,” John Stoviak, board chairman of the Trust, said.
The land provides prime habitat for numerous species of wildlife and includes critical areas for declining numbers of nesting and migratory birds.

It has two tributaries to Ridley Creek, designated as High-Quality Waters by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.