Marsh Creek State Park & Struble Trail Expand

Outdoor recreation enthusiasts had much to celebrate today as officials from Natural Lands Trust, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Chester County marked the expansion and future linking of two popular destinations – Marsh Creek State Park and the Struble Trail.

The additions were the result of Natural Lands Trust’s purchase of the 27-acre Shryock Brothers property along the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek in Upper Uwchlan in 2008. That purchase was the culmination of a year-long conservation effort that began when the landowners closed access to the Struble Trail where it entered the property.

Under the terms of the purchase, ownership of 23 acres was to be transferred to the Commonwealth for addition to Marsh Creek State Park and 4 acres to Chester County to ensure access to the Struble Trail. The deal also gives the County the ability to continue the trail northwest across a 5-acre private portion of the Shryock Brothers site where it will link directly to the State Park. At Monday’s event, officials announced that the transfers of ownership had been completed.

“Preserving this property has been an extraordinary journey,” noted Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. “It brought together a broad coalition of people who care passionately about the trail and the property, including the Commonwealth, Chester County, Upper Uwchlan Township and trail users.”

Ms. Morrison was joined at a ceremony along the Struble Trail on Monday by Representative Curt Schroder, Senators John Rafferty and Andy Dinniman, County Commissioners Terence Farrell, Carol Aichele, and Kathi Cozzone, and senior officials from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Cindy Dunn and John Norbeck.

Representative Schroder stated, “I am pleased to have worked with DCNR, Chester County and Upper Uwchlan Township to preserve this strategically located property. Generations of outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from keeping this property, situated along the Brandywine with access to the Struble Trail, in its natural state.”

Senator Rafferty added “This is a huge win by preserving scenic open space and providing trails to view nature first hand.”

“This effort was a true partnership between state and local government and Natural Lands Trust. Thanks to this successful collaboration, the Struble Trail will now link directly to Marsh Creek State Park, adding more than 23 acres to the park itself,” Senator Dinniman said. “It is good news for the citizens of Chester County and a victory for open space preservation.” Chester County Commissioner Chair Terence Farrell noted: “This link between Marsh Creek State Park and the Struble Trail is a great addition to our extensive – and rapidly growing – trail network, and it strengthens Chester County’s offerings as one of the top ten places in the nation to raise a family.”

“As one of the fastest growing counties in the Commonwealth, Chester County has had to plan and manage its resources wisely, with programs such as Landscapes2 helping to balance growth and preservation. The purchase of this property and the option to continue the trail to the northwest fits perfectly into the Landscapes2 plan,” added County Commissioner Carol Aichele.

“Today's ceremony is indeed a real milestone for the trail system in Chester County and in particular the Struble Trail. Access to the trail has been a priority initiative for the County and I am thrilled that we have been able to move this project forward. I am grateful for the efforts of the public officials and land preservationists who began this effort and I am so pleased that we have been able to work with Natural Lands Trust and the Commonwealth to see it through. Truly, this is a wonderful day for land preservation and trail enthusiasts in Chester County,” commented County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.

“This is a great addition to Marsh Creek State Park, helping us in our efforts to connect the Struble Trail to the park trail system and providing an improved access point to the park,” State Parks Bureau Director John Norbeck said. “This land acquisition helps us protect wetlands, woodlands, steep slopes and surface waters that are enjoyed by hikers and bikers, equestrians, and anglers.”

Funding for Natural Land Trust’s purchase of the property came from two $1.5 million grants from Chester County and the Commonwealth. Additional support was provided by Upper Uwchlan Township and members of the Friends of the Struble Trail.

Read the Daily Local News' report on the event and editorial praising the project.