New Trail Opens with Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

Chester Springs, PA– A ribbon-cutting was held on October 20th to celebrate the opening of the New Pickering Creek Trail in West Pikeland. Part of the funding for the project was provided by Marjorie and Arthur Miller, Jr. who were on-hand to cut the ribbon and walk the new trail with members of the West Pikeland Land Trust. They were joined by Beth Briglia from the Chester County Community Foundation, West Pikeland Supervisor, Harold Hallman and other commmunity members, including David Kline, whose sixth grade class from the Montgomery School helped to plant over 200 trees along the creek in April. The new trail is part of a riparian buffer restoration project that preserves 14 acres owned by Charles and Alyssa White, which were put into a conservation easement held by Natural Lands Trust that will allow public access to Pickering Creek. This segment is part of WPLT’s mission to create a community-supported “Open Space Network” of preserved public and private land that connects trails, parks, historic sites and recreational areas. The White property is adjacent to the Township’s Pickering Grove Park and also links on its eastern corner to Natural Lands Trust’s Binky Lee Preserve, also a partner in this project.

Nearly all of the new trees planted by the students have taken root and will soon be able to survive without their protective tubes. They will help prevent erosion along the banks of the creek, which has been designated as a high quality stream by the PA Department of Environmental Protection. In appreciation for their gift, Mike Groman, a member of the West Pikeland Land Trust, presented the Millers with a special “Thank You” note in a framed collage of photos from the tree planting event. “We are thrilled to help preserve such a beautiful setting,” said Mr. Miller, “and if this project encourages just one young person to participate in conservation, our efforts are a success.”

In the current economic environment, township budgets everywhere are stressed. The West Pikeland Land Trust has been working with township officials to make the most of every dollar available. “By utilizing private resources provided by people like the Millers, we are able to maximize the scope of our projects,” said Mr. Groman, “Projects like this enhance recreational opportunites for township residents, while preserving natural resources.” The new trail begins on Pikeland Road, just off Route 113 and runs along the Pickering Creek. Signs along the trail provide information about the value of wetlands, native species and the Pickering Creek.