Spring Road in Willistown Township is one of those beautiful roads that has that wonderful rural feeling - the Township designated it a "Scenic Road" in its comprehensive plan for having a high degree of natural beauty and historic significance.  Thanks to the generosity of a land owner, much of the scenic rural character along Spring Road just became permanent.

Michael and Deborah Kirby Protect 18 Acres on Spring Road

On November 22, 2013, Michael and Deborah Kirby generously donated a conservation easement that preserves their 18-acre Spring Meadow Farm on Spring Road, where they have resided for over ten years.

The Kirby's 18-acres completes 146 acres of contiguous land protected from development.

When asked why they decided to protect their land from development, Michael explained "We wanted to be good neighbors".  With their easement donation Michael and Deborah have indeed sealed themselves into the "good neighbor" category! The fact that they see their property as a wonderful place for future grandchildren to visit also played a factor in the decision to conserve the property. 

The Kirby's land is completely surrounded by protected lands on the east side of Spring Road, and now with the protection of their 18 acres, they've completed a contiguous 146-acre tract which can never be developed.

The farm enjoys many special natural features, including the original spring for which Spring Road is named. Michael excitedly reports that several bald eagles regularly visit the large pond on the property. It's been the setting for many special family celebrations, including the wedding of one of their daughters and an annual gathering to celebrate the ripening of over 30 blueberry bushes on the farm.  

In addition to restricting future building on the property, the new conservation easement protects an important segment of the Crum Creek's West Branch, as well as an

Bald eagles regularly visit the farm's large pond.

associated tributary, wetlands, and woodland, which are providing important wildlife habitat and helping to

maintain water quality. The West Branch and its

tributaries were designated by the state's Department of Environmental Protection as "Exceptional Value" waters for their outstanding biological quality. The Kirby's easement also establishes a trail easement that connects to existing trails on neighboring conserved lands.

As with all of the Trust's conservation easements, this easement is attached to the land in perpetuity, so even if the land is sold, future owners must abide by its restrictions.

The Trust is truly grateful to the more than 150 landowners in the Willistown area who have permanently protected their land over the past 35 years. Every landowner has a unique story about their property and why they made the decision to pursue conservation, but in every case, a generous heart is at the root of the decision.  Their generosity is a gift that will be enjoyed by people and wildlife forever.

Questions?