The McAlister Family Forest Preservation project encompasses 50 contiguous acres of fully canopied forest, located 30 miles south of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The site is host to a diverse mix of red and white oak trees, contributing to a healthy and mature ecosystem. Surrounded by agricultural farms, a solar farm, residential houses, and roads, this forested parcel is one of the last remaining undeveloped tracts in the area. This project seeks to mitigate land-use changes that could lead to deforestation or soil degradation as pressure increases from nearby developments.

Franklin Township’s 2011 Master Plan prioritizes economic expansion by encouraging commercial and industrial development in designated areas, further threatening the preservation of the rural landscape. The zoning designation of the project property, Residential Agriculture, does not provide sufficient protections to prevent deforestation, making proactive preservation efforts crucial. Preserving this land will not only prevent deforestation but also maintain critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and biodiversity conservation, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the surrounding community.

Information coming soon.

Information coming soon.