Founded in 1967 by Samuel W. and Eleanor M. Morris, the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust continues to preserve and protect endangered land and natural resources in northern Chester County watersheds. Part of the greater Schuylkill National and State Heritage Area, these watersheds contain some of the most scenic lands in Pennsylvania and are rich in sites of historic importance, including those associated with the early iron industry. The Trust is a community-based organization that works collaboratively with individual landowners, local, county, and state government, and other conservation organizations to protect our precious natural resources.

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Trust LAND CONSERVATION Achievements:

• Protecting more than 8640 acres of land through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnership
• Promoting greenways and trails along the French and Pickering Creeks
• Founding the Great Valley Nature Center in collaboration with others
• Maintaining stewardship of 110 conservation easements on preserved lands

Trust Historic Preservation Achievements:

• Placing more than 60 sites and districts on the National Register of Historic Places
• Purchasing and later conveying the Mill at Anselma to a local preservation trust. The Mill was recently named a National Historic Landmark.
• Protecting the setting of Moore Hall, an 18th century site at the confluence of the Pickering Creek and the Schuylkill River, important to the Encampment at Valley Forge and the Underground Railroad
• Preserving historic Coventry House, an early 18th century iron master's mansion

Current Projects and Activities:

• Multiple conservation easement projects with individual landowners in process
• French Creek Trail Project — 10 miles through four townships
  Pickering Creek Trail Project — planning phase for a trail through West and East Pikeland Townships
• Miller Marsh Project — An important wetland and endangered habitat study area.
• Big Woods Project Partner — more than 3,000 acres of land targeted for protection
• Fundraising Events: Derby Day, French Creek Iron Tour (bicycling event), Auction Party (dinner with live and silent auctions), Bacon Brothers concert for Conservation and Culture (with Colonial Theatre).