The times, they are a changin'. Not only is our new 2024 wall calendar a glaring reminder of this fact, but it is difficult to ignore that so much is happening around us. After all, 2024 is set up to be a big year. A solar eclipse in April. The Summer Olympics. A presidential election in November.
Closer to home, the Village of Marshallton will host the 50th running of the Marshalton Triathlon in October. Considered one of the country's longest-running triathlons, perhaps a more significant distinction is that the pristine open space of the scenic Chester County landscape—the backdrop of the triathlon—has remained virtually unchanged since its inception in the 1970s. But, like the triathletes taking on the rolling hills of Chester County, preserving our open space is an uphill battle. The pressures on our Village from nearby development only continue to grow, making conservation efforts by organizations like the Marshallton Conservation Trust essential to protecting the quaint setting and historic integrity of the Village. Read on to learn more about some of the current threats to our open space where you can get involved (see Conservation Updates for details). Because it truly does take a village.
Letter from the President
(Left to Right) Marshallton Conservation Trust Board Members Robin Ashby, Lyle Frederick, and Bob Portnoy attending the 2023 Souper Supper and Spring Meeting.
It is with immense gratitude that I have accepted the role of President of the Marshallton Conservation Trust starting in January 2024. I desire to continue the outstanding work done by my predecessor, Bob Portnoy, and I am grateful that he will remain on the Board to provide his wise counsel as I settle into this new post.
Growing up in Marshallton, surrounded by my family and friends, has instilled in me a deeply rooted connection to the history and spirit of community that is unique to the Village. Although I left to live and work abroad and have lived in other states as well, I always find myself returning home to the Marshallton area. With this strong sense of place in my heart, I wish to guide the Marshallton Conservation Trust to be a strong advocate for our community as we advance our mission of preserving the past, protecting the present, and planning for the future.
Marshallton’s rich history informs much of what we experience today in the Village. And it is our contributions as a community that ensure that we continue to connect our history to future generations. To that end, I want to thank you for supporting our mission and engaging with us to continue our work. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming community events, such as the Valentine’s Day Food Drive, Souper Supper and Spring Meeting, and Memorial Day Parade.
I am grateful to be a part of this special community.
Robin Ashby
President, Marshallton Conservation Trust
Community Spotlight:
Valentine's Day Food Drive
Join the Marshallton Conservation Trust and The Goddard School in Marshallton to share the love this February with a donation to our Valentine's Day Food Drive to benefit the West Chester Food Cupboard. For a list of items of greatest need, please visit our website by clicking the button below. To make a financial contribution to the West Chester Food Cupboard as part of this effort, visit WestChesterFoodCupboard.org and click on Donate Now. Please type the word “Love" in the Special Instructions section so that we can keep track of the donations and report back to you. Thank you!
Conservation Update:
Woods Property
At the core of Marshallton Conservation Trust’s mission is the belief that permanently protecting the open space surrounding Marshallton is the most effective way to protect the village. To this end, we would like to inform residents of a proposal for 188 age-restricted units presented to the Township Planning Commission in November that involves a request for a zoning change on a 60+ acre parcel on the northern end of the Township. This zoning change request to allow such density is well beyond the “by-right” allowance of approximately 45 units. Proposed plans can change, so while it appears this may not impact the schools as currently proposed, there would be a significant impact on the roads and emergency services while also further impacting the scenic beauty of West Bradford Township.
Our primary concern, however, relates to the precedent of a landowner being granted a zoning change that would allow for greater density and negatively impact the Township as a whole. Such a request could be made of any parcel in the Township if allowed, and thus is of particular concern to all of us. If you would like to learn more about this zoning change request, please review the November minutes for the Planning Commission by clicking on the button below. You may also contact the West Bradford Township Supervisors via email to voice your opinion on the zoning change.
West Bradford Township Supervisors:
Jack M. Hines, Jr: | Kevin Houghton: | Laurie W. Abele: |
Conservation Update:
Crebilly Farm
Photo Credit: Tim Wingert
At the Westtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting on January 16, Todd Sampsell of Natural Lands provided a Crebilly Farm fundraising update, noting that the conservancy is moving closer to finalizing the acquisition of the remaining 206 acres of unprotected land. With a total purchase price of $25 million, Natural Lands has almost cleared the final hurdle and is $3 million short of its goal, which it must acquire by March 31.
One potential source of additional funding comes from S.3568, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act of 2024, a bipartisan bill that would protect America’s historically significant battlefields across the US. Successful passage of this bill would make Crebilly Farm eligible for conservation funding to close the gap that remains to protect one of Pennsylvania’s most important Revolutionary War battlefields.
Crebilly Farm supporters who reside within and outside of Westtown Township are urged to contact our PA Senators to encourage their support for Senate Bill 3568. If you wish, you may use a letter template prepared by Natural Lands, which can be cut and pasted as you see fit or used as is. To access this letter, please click on the button below. We have also provided you with the contact information for our PA State Senators for your convenience.
Senator Robert Casey | Senator John Fetterman |
202-224-6324 | https://www.fetterman.senate.gov 202-224-4254 |
Please use Contact tab and choose "Parks & Interior" prior to inserting your message. | Please use Contact tab and select "Military" prior to inserting your message. |
Crebilly Farm Letter Template:
Through the Lens
Every month, we will feature an image captured by photographer and Village resident, Jim Lawson, showcasing the natural beauty of Marshallton. Enjoy!