Camp Innabah, a nearly century-old church camp in northern Chester County, has been preserved from development and will partially open to the public following a $1.6 million deal closed earlier this week, writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The conservation agreement for the heavily wooded, 130-acre site along French Creek was agreed between the Eastern PA Conference of The United Methodist Church and the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust.
The preserved tract contains 1,500 feet of the French Creek Trail.
According to Karl Russek, Conservation Director for French & Pickering, it took several years to come to an agreement, which “balances long-term preservation and recreational access with the safety of camp guests.”
Originally an all-girls overnight camp, the site later expanded to include boys in summer camps as well as all ages and genders in other programs. The camp features an area of mature woods and wetlands, providing a habitat for birds, amphibians, and rare native plants.
Following its preservation, some hiking trails and parking areas will be made available to the public.
“At Camp Innabah, we are dedicated to conserving and preserving the natural beauty of God’s creation,” said Michael Hyde, the camp’s director.
Read more about Camp Innabah being preserved in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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