Press Release written by Shelby Coulton for French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
posted 1 July 2026
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust finalized two voluntary conservation easements on Monday, June 30, 2026, to permanently protect 34.9 acres in North Coventry Township. This newly preserved land is comprised of the 15.1-acre property of the Arena-Fanucci Family and the 19.8-acre property of Alice Sharp. The preservation of these properties complements over 13,700 acres already protected by French & Pickering in northern Chester County.
The 15.1-acre Arena-Fanucci property features varied wildlife habitat comprised of dense tree canopy, wetlands, wet meadows, and seeps that sit within an area labeled an Audubon Important Bird Area and Pennsylvania Important Mammal Area. 726 feet of Pigeon Creek—designated a High-Quality Waters Cold Water Fishes (CWF) by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP)—flows through the property. The stream in this area has healthy forested buffers that support a stable floodplain system. The site also features nutrient-rich soil considered Prime Agricultural Soils or Soils of Statewide Importance by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
From left to right: Karl Russek, Ellen K. Scott, Judi Arena, and Bill Soumis.
The 19.8-acre property of Alice Sharp features a mix of active agricultural land, historic farmstead, hardwood forest, and a historic dam along Eckers Run, also designated by the PADEP as High-Quality Waters CWF. This highly productive farmland is adjacent to the pre-existing preserved lands of the Laurel Locks Farm complex. It is supported by healthy soils identified as Soils of Statewide Importance by the USDA.
“These projects protect regionally important habitat and agricultural lands,” noted Karl Russek, Conservation Director. “These wins for conservation are another manifestation of North Coventry’s durable commitment to partnering on open space preservation and preserving quality of life for its residents.”
Preserved under a conservation easement held by French & Pickering, these properties are permanently protected from subdivision and development.
“Conservation succeeds because people choose to care for the land,” said Bill Gladden, Executive Director. “We’re grateful to the Arena-Fanucci family and Alice Sharp for making a lasting commitment to the future of North Coventry Township.”
From left to right: Ellen K. Scott (Board President), Bill Soumis (Chair to North Coventry Board of Supervisors), Alice Sharp, and Karl Russek (Conservation Director).
About French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust
Since its establishment in 1967, French & Pickering has protected more than 13,600 acres in northern Chester County through purchases, conservation easements and public/private partnerships. The non-profit organization works with landowners, townships, foundations and the state and county to purchase and monitor conservation easements, create parkland and preserve environmentally sensitive land.
French & Pickering works daily to protect the scenic and cultural landscapes that surround you, to create opportunities for you and your family to connect with nature through public trails, nature preserves and environmental education opportunities and to protect critical habitat and ecosystems for the non-human residents in our neighborhood.
