$6.35M Grant Awarded By Chesco Commissioners For Crebilly Farm

WEST CHESTER, PA —Chester County commissioners approved a $4.2 million preservation partnership program grant to Natural Lands this week to preserve Crebilly Farm in Westtown Township.

The grant is added to a $2.15 million grant approved at a Feb. 8 meeting for the preservation of the farm.

The two grants, totaling $6.5 million will support the county’s purchase of 208 acres for park and conservation easements on the remaining 104 acres.

“Helping to preserve Chester County land for future generations is one of the most important actions we can take as county leaders,” said Marian Moskowitz, chairwoman.

“Our open space program, approved overwhelmingly by voters more than 30 years ago, not only allows us to preserve valuable acres, it also contributes to Chester County’s economic success.”

Jon Altshul, township manager, thanked the commissioners for their generous support.

“This grant award aligns perfectly with the results of the recent voter referendum in Westtown, in which 68 percent of Westtown voters supported the imposition of new taxes to protect open space,” he said.

County Commissioner Josh Maxwell described Crebilly Farm as a gemstone of hills and woods that deserves to remain as it was when the Battle of the Brandywine occurred there in 1777 during the American Revolution.

County Commissioner Michelle Kichline thanked the Robinson family, owners of the farm; Westtown Township; and Natural Lands for all the time and effort that has gone into saving Crebilly.

Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands, said the community cares deeply about preserving the farm.