$1M Will Help Kestrel Hill Preserve In Willistown Township

NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA — State Rep. Melissa Shusterman announced the Willistown Conservation Trust in Newtown Square is getting a sizable funding boost.

Shusterman (D-Chester) said $1 million has been awarded in Community Conservation Partnerships Program funding to the trust.

The grant will be used by the trust to secure the acquisition of 90 acres of green space in Willistown Township to establish the Kestrel Hill Preserve. The preserve will offer hiking, running, and horseback trails along with protected habitats for local birds and other wildlife.

"Preserving green spaces is essential to our overall quality of life," Shusterman said. "These spaces provide critical habitats for wildlife, help to regulate our climate, and offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. This new nature preserve represents an important investment in the future of our community."

The funds are administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program, known as C2P2.

The program offers a wide range of grant and technical assistance programs to help Pennsylvania communities, land conservancies and non-profit organizations plan, acquire, and develop recreation, park and conservation facilities; watersheds, rivers corridors, resources and buffers; greenways and trails; heritage areas and facilities; and critical habitat, natural areas and open space.