Fundraising status includes pledges that will be fulfilled prior to October 31, 2024.

Crebilly is a 308-acre ecologically, historically, and culturally significant landscape situated in the heart of Westtown Township, Chester County. It has long been a priority for conservation. One-third of the property was protected via permanent conservation easement in June 2023. Now, we are within reach of being able to take the final step to secure a new 206-acre passive-use park—with trails through meadows, across streams, and over rolling hills—for generations to experience, enjoy, and love.

It’s the chance of a lifetime. But our fundraising deadline is October 31. Help us meet a $2 million challenge, which will match your contribution for even greater impact and make success possible.

As one of the largest remaining open spaces in our region, Crebilly’s conservation plan (see below) has required significant financial investment.

Thanks to the generosity and leadership of the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Chester County, the residents of Westtown Township (who voted overwhelmingly in favor of an Open Space Fund referendum in November 2022), and nearly two years of additional fundraising, we are within striking distance of saving Crebilly. Forever.

We celebrated an important milestone in June 2023 by protecting one-third of the property (shown in tan) with permanent Natural Lands conservation easements. Development on these four privately owned lots is now limited to one residential dwelling. Additional subdivision is not allowed. These rules apply to all future owners of the land, so this portion of the Crebilly landscape will retain its unbroken feel.

Now we need to cross the final hurdle to secure the most exciting element of the plan: a new 206-acre, Westtown Township-owned, passive-use park (shown in green). The park would be open for public enjoyment, free of charge, year-round.

At one point, I heard there might be money coming from the American Battlefield Trust. What’s up with that?

Crebilly Farm was the site of important troop movements during the Battle of the Brandywine, but it is not currently eligible for federal battlefield preservation funds. The most up-to-date research about the battle would likely expand the federal map to include Crebilly, but any change in the map would require action from Congress.

There was initial optimism that this change in the battlefield designation could happen in time to benefit the effort to preserve Crebilly. However, even if legislation is passed, a multi-year rule-making and administrative process would follow before funding for Crebilly might become available.

Can I visit Crebilly Farm now?

No, Crebilly Farm not currently open to the public. If the conservation plan is successful, the eastern portion of the property will become a Westtown Township-owned passive-use park open to the public. The western portion of the property is permanently protected and will remain private property.

What will that passive-use park look like? Will I have a say in the preserve plans?

Westtown Township has stated that they intend to seek residents’ input as part of a planning process for the nature preserve. No details have been finalized.

What do the conservations easements allow? What do they prohibit?

There are four lots protected by conservation easements. Each lot may contain a single primary dwelling, accessory dwelling, barn, and miscellaneous outbuildings. Fields may be farmed or pastured. Wetlands, woods, and streams will remain in their natural state. No further subdivision is allowed.

Who monitors the conservations easements for compliance? Who enforces the conservation easement restrictions?

Natural Lands holds the conservation easements. We will monitor the properties annually to ensure the terms of the easements are being upheld. Should a violation occur, Natural Lands will work to resolve the issue and bring the property back into compliance.

Conservation easements are perpetual legal agreements. All future owners of the properties will be subject to the terms of the easements.

Who will own the four conservation easement lots?

These lots will continue to be in private ownership. To learn if any lots are available for sale, interested parties may contact Lisa Yakulis: www.lisayakulis.com.

What about farming at Crebilly?

The private property owners who own the eased parcels may farm their land.

The state and federal grants that are planned to fund the purchase of the remaining 208 acres are intended to protect parks, wildlife habitat, open spaces, forests, and trails. They do not permit active agricultural uses. There are no exceptions to these restrictions. However, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant would allow Westtown Township to lease the farm fields to a farmer for three years. This would allow for a transition of the farm fields to native meadows and other more ecologically beneficial habitat types.

What will happen to the existing structures at Crebilly Farm?

There are three structures on the 208-acre purchase area:

1. The Darlington Inn at the corner of Route 202 and 926
2. A house along Route 926 between Caleb Drive and Bridlewood Drive
3. A house with a small, detached garage in the interior of the property to the southwest of the Westminster Presbyterian property

The Darlington Inn is listed on the Township’s historic resources inventory. The Township has not yet discussed what to do with this structure. It is our hope that it will also be preserved in a way that honors its history. The township plans to tear down the two remaining two houses. They are in poor condition and pose a safety hazard.

The existing structures on the conservation easement area of Crebilly Farm include barns, stables, residences, and a chapel. It is anticipated that most of these structures will remain. They are subject to the conditions of the individual conservation easement agreements between Natural Lands and the private property owners.