Kestrel Hill Preserve
Introducing our new nature preserve!
Willistown Conservation Trust (WCT) currently has four preserves that are open to the public from dawn to dusk every day of the year. Plans are now underway to open a fifth, Kestrel Hill Preserve. Located on Providence Road, a stone's throw from historic White Horse Village, this new 90-acre preserve is in the heart of over 2,000 acres of open space protected from development by WCT, Willistown Township, Chester County, and many generous donors like you.
Kestrel Hill Preserve, highlighted in red, will enhance the network of local parks, preserves, and open space in the Willistown region and offer public access to an idyllic and secluded property that has been privately-owned for hundreds of years.
Soon, you will be able to hike Kestrel Hill Preserve's rolling hills, explore the mature woodlands, marvel at the spectacular views, and escape to this extraordinary sanctuary — a retreat from the modern world. Until then, explore this map to preview what awaits you.
Come and Enjoy!
Kestrel Hill Preserve will be open every day from dawn to dusk. While this preserve is not yet open to the public, we are currently working on a plan to provide public access for all to enjoy.
A New Network of Trails
Kestrel Hill Preserve will feature a network of new trails for hiking, running, and horseback riding.
Scenic Views
Enjoy sweeping views of the beautiful Willistown countryside, unspoiled by development and preserved in perpetuity by WCT, with support from Willistown Township, Chester County, and generous donors like you. All of the land shown in green on the map has been protected from development.
An Abundance of Birds
This preserve is part of the Upper Ridley/Crum Important Bird Area, deemed critical to the conservation of bird populations by the National Audubon Society. WCT has monitored birds on this property for 9 years and has found 84 species, including rare and declining species such as Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Northern Harriers. To learn more, click here to read our Bird Monitoring Program Report.
Habitat Restoration
In addition to maintaining the existing grasslands and woodlands on Kestrel Hill Preserve, WCT will restore agricultural areas to native habitat. These restoration efforts will, in turn, sustain wildlife and protect tributaries of Ridley Creek.
Headwater Streams
Yarnell Run and Hibberd Run, two tributaries of Ridley Creek, flow through this preserve. These small streams and associated wetlands have a large impact on water quality and are crucial to the downstream health of Ridley Creek.
Mature Woodlands
The forests at Kestrel Hill Preserve have immense ecological value, providing habitat for birds and critical pathways for wildlife to travel to adjacent nature preserves and undeveloped areas.
A Once in Forever Opportunity
This land speaks, both to our history and to our future. Before this land was privately-owned, the Lenni Lenape lived here seasonally, fishing, foraging, and hunting in the streams, fields, and forests. Now, with your help, we can ensure this land is protected forever from development and restore a wildlife sanctuary for present and future generations to enjoy.
Kestrel Hill Preserve will open to the public at a future date. Stay tuned for updates!