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Stewardship Summary & Reference Links
Willistown residents have repeatedly identified hiking, trail systems, and nature enjoyment as recreational priorities. Willistown Parks & Recreation recognizes that environmental as well as park infrastructure stewardship are important factors of these priorities that lead to a high quality of life and recreation. Following is information on water stewardship and Okehocking and Serpentine Preserve Management, as well as links to stewardship organizations serving the community.
Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association
Willistown Township Parks and Recreation has worked with CRC for many years on the improvement and protection of our precious water resources through joint enhancement projects, stormwater education, and the annual CRC Watershed Clean Up. Visit the CRC website for more information. CRC is currently renting the Garrett Farmhouse at Okehocking Preserve from the Township. Stop by to say hello when you're out for a hike at Okehocking!
Stormwater Awareness
Willistown Township is conducting a comprehensive stormwater management program mandated by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and monitored by the state Department of Environmental Protection. A major component of the program requires an effort by the township to increase citizen stormwater awareness and participation in stormwater protection.
Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater pollution is a challenging water quality problem. It is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere. Rainwater and snowmelt run off streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites. The water picks up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil and grease, and many other pollutants on the way to our streams, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.
Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is the most common cause of water pollution. And as we all know, water is essential to life, so we should all do our part in protecting this precious resource.
Best Management Practices Guidelines
Report Violations or Problems
Citizens are important advocates for the health of our local streams and water systems. To report a concern, see the list of events to report and whom to contact.
For more information about stormwater, please visit our stormwater management page.
Greentree Park Management
PECO Green Grant
Willistown Township is one of three municipalities in Chester County to receive $10,000 in grant funding from the 2017 PECO Green Region Grant Program for municipal open space and environmental projects. The program is part of PECO’s ongoing efforts to support environmental initiatives across southeastern Pennsylvania including park and recreation resource improvements, open space preservation, and ecological conservation.
“The municipalities and nonprofits receiving grants are putting their energy into the environment, and we’re proud to support these initiatives as PECO remains committed to increasing the environmental sustainability of the communities we serve across southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Craig Adams, PECO President and CEO. “Each of these projects will positively impact the region as they create new green spaces, revitalize vacant lots, beautify trails, and much more.”
The funds were used for Phase 1 of the Greentree Park Best Management Practices (BMP) Retrofit which consisted of 3 components:
- Site Assessment and Analysis: Conduct an existing conditions survey including topographic, utility, and physical conditions; a geotechnical investigation at proposed porous paving and bioswale sites; field reconnaissance to evaluate site conditions and understand factors affecting the feasibility and design of the proposed site improvements; and base map preparation.
The Site Assessment and Analysis findings included limiting conditions on the property for our original concept of creating storm water runoff bio-swales and pervious paving. We gained approval from PECO and Natural Lands to adjust the Scope of Work to include: - BMP Concept Plan to include stormwater basin naturalization design and planting plan and trail layout.
- Interpretive sign design for meadow management as well and about the Important Bird Area in which Greentree Park is located.
- Read about it in the Crier.
- Project deliverables:
Greentree Park Site Assessment
Greentree Park Best Management Sketch Plan
Greentree Park Stormwater Basin Planting Plan and Educational Signage Design and Detail
Greentree Park Educational Signage Design Meadow Management and Important Bird Area
Greentree Park PECO Green Region Project Final Report
This completes Phase 1 of the Greentree Park Best Management Practices Retrofit. Phase 2 will include: Attaining funding to plant the detention basin naturalization project and manufacture and install the educational signage.
Okehocking Preserve Management
View Okehocking Preserve acquisition, management, and stewardship information.
View the Okehocking Preserve Management Plan.
Okehocking Trails Program
Find out about the Okehocking Trail Corps
View the Okehocking Preserve Trail Assessment and Prescriptions Report.
View the Okehocking Trail System Map.
View Penn Trails' Bed & Tread Trail Workshop information.
Okehocking Weed Warrior Program
Find out about the Okehocking Weed Warrior Program
Serpentine Preserve Management
CRC & Willistown Township Serpentine Preserve Riparian Buffer Planting
Spotted Lanternfly Management
The spotted lanternfly has found its way to Willistown. Here's what you need to know and what to do to stay vigilant in limiting the damage of this invasive insect. Please tell your friends, family, and neighbors! The more we all can spread awareness about the insect, the better chance we have against fighting it.
Stewardship Organizations
Chester County Water Resources Authority
Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association
Delco Anglers & Conservationists