Campaign for
KESTREL HILL PRESERVE
THE NEED HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER We hope you will join us in creating a beautiful nature preserve that will provide new trails, bird-watching adventures, creek explorations, and stunning views for all. Learn how you can support this project here! KESTREL HILL PRESERVE BRINGS US ALL TOGETHER One of the things that makes this property so special is its location. Found across from our WCT office, south of Kirkwood Preserve, and east of Rushton Woods Preserve, this location is right in the middle of WCT's mosaic of protected lands. With trails leading throughout the terrain, our hope is that Kestrel Hill Preserve will become an integral connective piece to Willistown's beautiful open space. KIRKWOOD FARM'S HISTORY 1700s | Kirkwood Farm is established on Lenni Lenape land. 1900s | The land is owned by descendants of the Rockefeller family for 100+ years. 2004 | WCT helps to acquire and preserve 350 of Kirkwood Farm's original 550 acres, resulting in the permanent protection of two tracts of land and the creation of Kirkwood Preserve (855 Grubbs Mill Rd.). 2022 | The remaining portion of Kirkwood Farm is listed for sale. 2023 | The 218-acre Kirkwood Farm is purchased by conservation-minded buyer M. Night Shyamalan who works with WCT to create plans for a 90-acre public preserve.
Together, we can continue to Save, Study, and Share all this future preserve has to offer! SAVE | PRESERVE AND PROTECT We will preserve prime habitat for numerous species of wildlife, including critical areas for declining nesting and migratory birds. This land is part of the Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area (IBA) and its rich habitat has been identified by National Audubon as globally important for bird conservation. With it, we will establish an ecological greenway to nearby protected open spaces that will allow wildlife to safely travel to and from other habitats.
STUDY | USE THIS PROPERTY AS A KEY STUDY LOCATION FOR OUR CORE ACTIVITIES This protected land will serve as an important resource for environmental research and education, particularly in the areas of: Bird Conservation | We plan to continue studying bird populations at this critical monitoring site, building on the past 10 years of research. Watershed Protection | We hope to create riparian buffers to protect Yarnell Run, a stream that connects to Ridley Creek. Stewardship | We will create trails, plant native species, and host volunteer days.
SHARE | ESTABLISH A PUBLIC PRESERVE Kestrel Hill Preserve will provide opportunities for all to enjoy the preserve and its natural features! It will include extensive pedestrian and equestrian trails, as well as wildflower meadows, stream buffers, and native habitat restoration. We will enhance the greater network of local hiking and riding trails enjoyed by so many.