Borough of Chester Heights Adds 40 Acres of Open Space

A tributary to Chester Creek that flows through the Powell Property in the Borough of Chester Heights. Photo by Robyn Jeney.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA, Pa., March 27, 2025 – Natural Lands and the Borough of Chester Heights, Delaware County, announced today the Borough purchased 40.2 acres of open space on Valleybrook and Smithbridge Roads. Natural Lands, a non-profit land conservation organization, has worked for the past several years to negotiate the project and secure grant funding.

The property is comprised of rolling meadows and woodlands with a tributary to Chester Creek. The land provides important natural services like slowing and absorbing stormwater to help reduce flooding and filtering rainwater before it enters Chester Creek. This waterway is one of the heathiest streams in Delaware County largely because much of the land along it remains undeveloped. Chester Creek empties into the Delaware River and is part of a watershed that provides drinking water to 15 million people. By purchasing the property to preserve as open space, the Borough will ensure the land continues to provide these valuable environmental services and offer habitat to native wildlife.

“It’s always a cause for celebration when a community invests in open space,” said Natural Lands President Oliver Bass. “More than just places to hike or relax, preserved open space cools and cleans the air we breathe, absorbs floodwaters, filters the water we drink, and gives wildlife food and habitat. Congratulations and our thanks to Chester Heights and the donors who made this possible.”

The Borough of Chester Heights plans to establish low-impact trails on the property for residents to enjoy.

“This acquisition marks a wonderful chapter for the Borough,” said Borough of Chester Heights Mayor Gina Ellis. “Almost five years ago, former mayor Fred Wood suggested to me that we do what we can to purchase the land rather than have it developed. He and I presented the concept to Council in an Executive Session. It felt like a Herculean task, but then Council President Drew Baum was on board and the many conversations began. The tremendous work from Natural Lands, the cooperation and patience of the landowners, and the generosity of private donors in Fred’s memory made it happen. My only regret is that Fred is no longer alive to see this project come to a successful conclusion. In his words, ‘We need to do this because land is the only thing we can’t make more of.’ The Borough and I will be forever grateful for Fred bringing this seemingly impossible idea to us. We did it, Fred!”

The property was valued at $3.74 million but the previous owner, Lorraine B. Powell, accepted a bargain sale price of $3.4 million.

Natural Lands secured funding from a variety of sources on the Borough’s behalf to underwrite the property purchase. These include Delco Greenways Municipal Grant Program; Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program of the National Park Service administered in partnership with the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; The Nature Conservancy; and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, Local Share Account. Private donations in honor of Fred Wood and funds from the Borough of Chester Heights made up the balance.

“As everyone has heard me say repeatedly over the last five years in service, I place a very high premium on open space and historic preservation in our community. I was very happy to work with the Borough of Chester Heights on state funding and to clear a last-minute hurdle with regulatory approval,” said Representative Craig Williams. “I am grateful for the Powell family working with us to ensure the property remains undeveloped. And I am grateful to Borough Council, the Mayor, and Natural Lands on another successful collaboration.”

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone.  As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 136,600 acres, including 40+ nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,600 acres. About five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all. natlands.org.

Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).

Media Inquiries:

Kit Werner, Senior Director of Communications
610-353-5587 ext. 267

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