Some Chester County municipalities and local organizations are recipients of grants that will create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help revitalize local communities.

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) awards are administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The total amount distributed to Chester County applicants this year was $5,065,700. 

The following is a list of Chester County award recipients:

• Chester County: Development of the Chester Valley Trail in West Whiteland – $500,000
• East Coventry: Development of the Schuylkill River Trail to include construction of a trailhead and restrooms in East Coventry – $376,200
• East Goshen: Rehabilitation and further development of Milltown Dam Park – $500,000
• Honey Brook Township: Prepare a Comprehensive Recreation, Park, Open Space and Greenways Plan – $30,000
• Natural Lands: Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 442 acres along Saint Matthews Road in West Vincent and West Pikeland for creation of the Bryn Coed Preserve – $1,000,000
• Natural Lands: Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 57 acres along Chalfont Road in Wallace for an addition to Marsh Creek State Park – $594,500
• New Garden: Further development of New Garden Park – $200,000
• The Conservation Fund: Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 982.6 acres along Springlawn Road in Elk, Franklin and New London for an addition to the White Clay Creek Preserve and open space protection – $1,000,000
• The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County: Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 23 acres located in London Britain protecting floodplain and riparian buffer habitat and providing passive recreation through a pledged trail connection to the White Clay Creek Preserve – $199,000
• The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County: Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 182 acres located in Elk for the creation of a new nature preserve for environmental education and passive recreation – $600,000
• Westtown: Rehabilitation and further development of Tyson Park – $66,000

The complete list of C2P2 grants statewide can be found on the DCNR website.

[Photo Credit: Mark Williams, courtesy of Natural Lands]