Paul and Cynthia Black’s conservation efforts have helped protect 78.3 acres in Pennsylvania from future development. (Photo: Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce)
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust announced the permanent protection of the 78.3-acre property in West Vincent Township on August 13, 2026. Paul Black said the couple had moved to West Vincent Township in 2015 without initially realizing that the area was facing significant development pressure.
The conservation easement was finalized in partnership with the Blacks, West Vincent Township and Chester County, according to a press release published by Phoenixville Regional Chamber of Commerce on their official website. “This is the third project I have had the honor of working on with Paul and Cynthia Black,” said Pam Brown, Senior Conservation Advisor. “We moved to West Vincent Township in 2015 without realizing that we were moving into the middle of an area that was primed for development,” he said. “In the decade since then, the 1,500+ acre Bryn Coed estate has been preserved and three contiguous land projects that we have been involved in have eliminated plans for 88 houses and 21 condominiums respectively,” Black said. French & Pickering were partners for all of it,” he said. West Vincent Township officials said the project reflects the community’s long-standing priority of preserving open space and maintaining the area’s rural character. “Our township values open space protection as a very high priority,” said Dana Alan, Chair of the West Vincent Township Board of Supervisors.
“They are true conservation heroes for choosing to protect their land from development. “It will remain in woods and farmland now forever, a striking contrast to what could have been.