The Challenge

Despite unprecedented growth pressures that have converted many neighboring communities into vast tracts of sprawling development, the Willistown area still remains largely an oasis of green space. The rural character of our community makes Willistown a reserve in the midst of the surrounding suburban landscape.

The distinctive character of the Willistown area will not be retained on its own. One acre, every hour, every day—twice the national average—is lost to development in the greater Philadelphia area.

Now, more than ever, our region is threatened by development. Some 5,000 acres of ecologically important open space in the Willistown Conservation Trust program area are still unprotected. Further development of these lands will affect the character of the Willistown area, the quality of life in our region and the survival of its wildlife and natural systems. And we know for sure that we if we fail to take immediate action, the consequences of our inaction will be permanent.

If our farms and open lands become subdivided, paved and developed, we will lose the expansive views, compromise the survival of the area’s critical natural resources and habitats, and forgo the recreational opportunities now enjoyed by so many equestrians, fox hunters, hikers, birders and beaglers. The distinctive scenic and rural character of our region is at risk.

We have little time to save the remaining unprotected lands in our area. We must be ready to take decisive steps and act without delay. Once lands are developed, the opportunity to preserve them is gone—forever.