🚨 Brandywine Creek Claims Life | 🗝️Spackman-Davis Farm Park Plans | 🌲Forest Bathing at Springton Manor

***Limited Summer Posting Schedule***

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

 🚨 Avondale Man Drowns in Brandywine Creek

🗝️ Spackman-Davis Farm Poised to Become Public Park

🌾 Chester County Farm Conservation Grants

🌲 Forest Bathing Walk Offers Peaceful Nature Experience at Springton Manor

🎧 Local Podcasts 

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🏡 Just Listed Real Estate Listings

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Avondale Man Drowns in Brandywine Creek After Being Swept Away

CHADDS FORD, PA — Emergency responders were dispatched Sunday morning to Brandywine Creek near the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford Township after a swimmer was reported missing. A 21-year-old man from Avondale had been in the water with a friend when he was swept downstream. His friend exited the creek and called 911. Fire companies, rescue boats, and medics converged on the scene, launching a search that ended over an hour later when the man’s body was recovered underwater. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

Caln Township’s Spackman-Davis Farm Poised to Become Public Park

CALN TWP — Plans are underway in Caln Township to convert the historic Spackman-Davis Farm into a public park. Purchased in 2002 to prevent development, the 129.5-acre farm includes a centuries-old farmhouse, one of Chester County’s largest bank barns, and a unique three-story springhouse. Much of the property retains its original features, reflecting the area's agricultural and Quaker roots.

A township task force will meet this month to review a 2007 master plan, aiming to balance public access with preservation. While currently leased to farmers, the land may soon include perimeter walking trails and host more public events.

Applications Now Open for Chester County Farm Conservation Grants

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board has opened its 2025 application cycle for two farmland preservation programs that help ensure the region’s agricultural heritage endures. Through the Commonwealth/County Program and the Challenge Grant Program, farm owners can receive compensation in exchange for agreeing to permanent agricultural conservation easements.

Landowners maintain ownership but must keep the land in agricultural use. Over 590 farms and 45,000 acres have already been preserved through the initiative. Eligibility requirements include at least 10 tillable acres, with minimum acreage thresholds if the property is not adjacent to previously preserved land.

The deadline to apply is Friday, August 1. More information is available at chesco.org/4618/Farmland-Preservation or by contacting Geoff Shellington at the Chester County Planning Commission at 𝟲𝟭𝟬-𝟯𝟰𝟰-𝟲𝟱𝟬𝟰 or 𝗴𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻@𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼.𝗼𝗿𝗴.

Forest Bathing Walk Offers Peaceful Nature Experience at Springton Manor

WEST CHESTER, PA — In a continued effort to support children and families across the region, the Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families is inviting residents to consider becoming foster parents. The department is looking for compassionate individuals or families to provide temporary homes for children in need of care during challenging circumstances. This initiative helps ensure children remain in safe, nurturing environments within their own communities. Residents interested in fostering can contact the department directly to learn more about the process and available support at 610-344-5877 or [email protected].

Upcoming local events…

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 24th, 3pm-6pm

Christmas in July (Wallace Twp) - July 25th, 6:30pm

East Brandywine Movie Night: Paddington (East Brandywine Park) - July 25h, 8:45pm

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - July 26th, 9am-1pm

Eagleview Farmers’ Market (Eagleview) - July 31st, 3pm-6pm

The Amazing Spaghetti (Downingtown) - July 31st, 6pm

National Night Out Concert: Chico’s Vibe (Caln twp) - Aug 5th, 6pm

17th Annual Golf Outing and Dinner (Downingtown) - Aug 8th, 11am-8am

Caln Summer Series: Wonka (Caln twp) - Aug 8th, 7:30pm

96th Old Fiddler’s Picnic (Coatesville) - Aug 9th, 10am-4pm

Roots and Blues Festival (Kennett Square) - Aug 9th, 11-6:45pm

1526 WALTON DR Downingtown ($549,900)

43 MAY APPLE DR Downingtown ($425,000)

140 VIADUCT AVE Downingtown ($329,000)

107 LITTLE WASHINGTON RD Downingtown ($450,000)

335 STUART AVE Downingtown ($289,900)

1884 THISTLE CT Downingtown ($435,000)

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Catch up on previous issues…