One of the few remaining unprotected parcels in the Prophecy Creek corridor in Whitpain Township has been protected by the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA). The 8.01-acre, undeveloped parcel adjacent to the Briar Hill Preserve was part of the former estate of James Cheston IV, a conservation supporter who helped WVWA permanently protect Camp Woods nearly three decades ago. Cheston’s heirs have continued in their father’s footsteps, working with WVWA and its funding partners to ensure that this key property is forever preserved as open space, maintaining the natural character of the Prophecy Creek corridor—an important natural area with 200-plus acres of protected open space—in the region.
The Cheston Family Preserve at Briar Hill is largely open meadow habitat with some woodlands and hedgerows. There is also a small tributary to Prophecy Creek that begins on the southwest corner of the property. You can access this piece of the Briar Hill Preserve by entering the Briar Hill trail system at Prophecy Creek Park (see map here).
The preservation of this open space was made possible thanks to funding from Montgomery County Planning Commission, Whitpain Township, and a small group of community members committed to seeing this property remain undeveloped in perpetuity.
The preserve will officially open at a public celebration on September 12.
