2025

June 18, 2025

WCU Receives Largest Donation to Date of $4.7 Million

Through Unique Land Donation Partnership with East Whiteland Township 

Anonymous donor’s 52-acre gift enables innovative university-township collaboration for education, conservation & public use 

West Chester University has received the largest single gift in its history through an innovative partnership that transforms a generous land gift into both a living laboratory for WCU students and usable public space for Chester County citizens. An anonymous donor gifted a 52-acre farm property, fondly known as Ridley Springs, that has resulted in $4.7 million for the University through a unique, dual-purpose agreement with East Whiteland Township that ensures protected open space for the Chester County community. On June 17, a signing ceremony at Ridley Springs farm celebrated the final property transfer. The ceremony brought together University leaders, township representatives, students, and community members who made this historic partnership possible. 

WCU students majoring in or with interests in geographic information systems, health, sustainability, art and design, areas of the sciences, and other fields of study will play active roles in working with East Whiteland Township to develop the preserved farm property for the community’s use and enjoyment. The intent of the collaborative initiative is to preserve one of the region’s most breathtaking greenways.

“We are extremely grateful for this donation and for all the possibilities that it holds for our students’ experiential learning,” said West Chester University President Laurie Bernotsky. “Our commitment to sustain this land is part of the fabric of who we are as good stewards of our community. As a public institution, we have an obligation to contribute to the public good. Thanks to the generosity of our anonymous donor and to Dr. John Baker, who played a tremendous role in making the gift happen, this is a beautiful example of how the University can contribute to environmental sustainability while integrating students in everything that we do.”

Preserving the property is a mutual commitment. "East Whiteland Township's vision for the property centers on long-term conservation and community enrichment,” said East Whiteland Township Manager Steve Brown. “Plans are underway to transform the land into a nature preserve and public park, preserving its natural beauty and preventing future commercial, residential, or industrial development - honoring the original intent of the donor."

The land transaction required extensive support from the greater Chester County and Pennsylvania communities, as well as a series of innovative funding solutions. To purchase the farmland from the University, East Whiteland Township secured grant funding from both Chester County and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Additionally, township supervisors passed an open space referendum, enabling the use of taxpayer funds for future conservation acquisitions.

“This project exemplifies the tremendous support from our greater Chester County and Pennsylvania communities,” said Chairman of the East Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors Scott Lambert. “The collaboration between our anonymous donor, West Chester University, county government, state agencies, and local taxpayers shows what’s possible when we work together for conservation and education.”

Located in the middle of the Chester Valley in east-central Chester County, East Whiteland Township is best known for the picturesque hill range found along its northern and southern boundaries, as well as its expansive valley floor. The distinctive valley includes an intricate pattern of streams, which include Valley Creek and Little Valley Creek, and majestic woodlands.