The Best Public lands management in Chester, Pennsylvania

Located at 1199 Cannery Road in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, the Natural Lands' ChesLen Preserve is the largest privately owned nature preserve open to the public in Chester County. Visitors can explore miles of marked hiking trails that wind through shady woodlands, flower-filled meadows, farm fields, and stream valleys. The Ollie Owl’s NaturePlayGround is a highlight for young explorers, where they can climb logs, build stick tee-pees, hunt for bugs, and get a little dirty while gaining an appreciation for nature. History buffs will appreciate the Star Gazers’ Stone, a reference point placed by surveyors and astronomers Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1763 to mark the astronomical meridian line. The preserve was once part of a 17,000-acre tract owned by the legendary King Ranch, known for grazing cattle on the lush fields. Visitors can also discover a small cemetery that is a remnant of the Chester County Poorhouse, which operated as a refuge for orphans and indigent adults.

Okehocking Preserve, located in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, is a 180-acre park with meadows, wetlands, woodlands, and over 7 miles of natural surface trails for passive recreation. Owned by Willistown Township and protected by a conservation easement held by Willistown Conservation Trust, the preserve is a sanctuary for wildlife and a place of historical significance as the first Native American land grant in the American colonies. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems, bird watch in the Important Bird Area #72, and participate in trail workshops and programs offered by Penn Trails. The Okehocking Nature Center, which once operated in the preserve, has left a legacy of environmental education initiatives, including a self-guided tour. Parking is available at two locations on Delchester Road and West Chester Pike, and the park is open from dawn to dusk for all to enjoy the beauty of nature and the rich history of the land.

French Creek State Park Campground is located at 410 Park Road in Elverson, Pennsylvania, United States. This campground, lodging, and park is a historic site that was once an industrial complex for the United States. Today, it is a beautiful oasis for both people and wildlife, spanning 7,730 acres of forests, lakes, wetlands, and fields. Visitors to French Creek State Park can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and biking in the stunning natural surroundings. The park is home to a variety of rare animals and plants, making it an Important Bird Area and Important Mammal Area as designated by national and state organizations.