Hopewell Big Woods Partnership
The Trust has been a participating member of the Hopewell Big Woods Partnership (HWB) since its inception in 2001. Originally composed of 17 members representing region and local non-profits and federal and state government agencies, the addition of municipal and individual interested partners has increased the membership to 40. The overall goal of the group is to preserve the 15,000 acres of relatively contiguous woodlands remaining in southeastern Pennsylvania, part of the Schuylkill Highlands. Additional objectives include conserving the Hay and French Creek watersheds, conserving rare threatened and endangered species and natural communities and conserving the Schuylkill River Greenway adjacent to the Hopewell Big Woods core area. The vision for this vast expanse includes goals for economic redevelopment and recreation--specifically a trail network to link historic, cultural and recreational destination sites. Two important trail projects integral to the completion of the HBW network recently moved forward.
On the northern border of Hopewell Big Woods, the 19-mile Thun Trail, a segment of the Schuylkill River Trail, was officially opened in July, 2008. This section runs from Pottstown's Riverfront Park to Reading Area Community College. The Schuylkill River Trail will extend 130 miles when completed, from Philadelphia to Pottsville.
The acquisition of the Boars Back Railroad right-of-way in Warwick Township, creates an integral connection in the Schuylkill Highlands Trail Project--currently in the planning stages through a cooperative effort between Natural Lands Trust (NLT) and DCNR. Overseen by Carol DeWolfe of NLT, the goal of the plan is to provide off-road routes linking the Schuylkill River Trail to region and local trail networks.
Chester Springs Surrounds
A four-year collaboration of 20 local attractions, environmental organizations, and neighborhood partners has resulted in a marketing initiative known as "Chester Springs Surrounds." Led by Heather Reiffer, Executive Director of the Mill at Anselma and former Historic Yellow Springs Executive Director, Rob Lukens, the project was funded by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grants, awarded through the efforts of Senator Andy Dinniman and Representative Curt Schroder.
Chester Springs Surrounds encompasses the green space bounded by Pottstown to the north, Exton to the south, Phoenixville to the east and Elverson to the west. The French and Pickering Creeks watersheds define the area, which is home to state parks, natural preserves, family attractions, and local vendors such as wineries, art workshops, and farmers' markets, all within 30 miles of Philadelphia. Chester Springs Surrounds has produced a colorful, informative brochure, which contains a map of all participants' locations. The Trust has played an integral role in helping to identify educational, cultural, recreational, and historic destination sights in the region, many of which exist thanks to the early preservation efforts of Sam and Eleanor Morris. Among the many benefits of this effort is the ability for each member to post information and events listings on the collaborative's website,
www.ChesterSpringsSurrounds.org, which also contains links to each partner website. Members may also display information at events sponsored by their Chester Springs Surrounds partners. New participants are welcome.
Click on the logos below to learn about these partner organizations
