🌳 Natural Lands Expands Open Space | 🥷 Self-Defense Workshop For Women |⚕️VA Holistic Health | 👨‍💼 Twp Seeks Manager

In Today’s Issue of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🌳 Natural Lands Easement Expands Protected Open Space

🥷 MAT Fitness to Host Self-Defense Workshop for Women

⚕️VA Medical Center Introduces Holistic Health Initiative

👨‍💼 West Pikeland Township Seeks New Municipal Manager

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Conservation Easement Expands Protected Open Space Near Natural Lands Preserve

EAST BRADFORD TWP — Natural Lands has secured permanent protection for a 23.4-acre property in East Bradford Township through a donated conservation easement, expanding the region's network of preserved open space in Chester County.

The agreement, donated by landowners who wished to remain anonymous, legally prevents future development on the property while allowing it to remain in private ownership. The land connects to hundreds of acres of existing protected space, creating contiguous wildlife habitat in an increasingly developed region.

East Bradford Township played a crucial role in the preservation, contributing $20,000 to Natural Lands' stewardship fund and covering administrative expenses. Township officials had identified the property as a conservation priority in their 2016 comprehensive plan, making the easement a realization of long-standing municipal objectives.

The protected property is located less than half a mile from Natural Lands' 571-acre Stroud Preserve, fitting the organization's strategic goal of preserving land adjacent to existing nature preserves. Natural Lands currently holds more than 500 conservation easements covering approximately 26,000 acres and monitors these properties regularly to ensure compliance. Visit the website at https://www.natlands.org/

MAT Fitness to Host Self-Defense Workshop for Women

WEST CHESTER, PA — MAT Fitness is offering a free women's self-defense seminar in West Chester on February 28, providing participants with practical training in protective techniques and threat response.

The 90-minute workshop, scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., will cover several key self-defense components. Attendees will learn and practice defensive techniques, understand the most effective striking points during an attack, and develop proper defensive stances to use when confronting potential threats.

The seminar emphasizes hands-on learning, giving participants the opportunity to practice the techniques taught during the session. This practical approach allows attendees to build muscle memory and confidence in their ability to respond to dangerous situations.

Registration is required for the free event, and organizers note that space is limited. Those interested in attending can reserve their spots through MAT Fitness's website.

VA Medical Center Introduces Holistic Health Initiative

COATESVILLE, PA — The Coatesville VA Medical Center is introducing veterans to a holistic approach to health care through a series of Whole Health classes scheduled throughout the winter and early spring.

The Whole Health program represents a shift from traditional medical models by treating patients as complete individuals rather than focusing solely on illness or injury. The approach encourages veterans to examine all factors that contribute to their well-being, including personal values, lifestyle choices, relationships, and life circumstances that affect overall health.

Six introductory sessions are planned between mid-January and late March, meeting every other Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The schedule includes classes on January 14 and 28, February 11 and 25, and March 11 and 25. All sessions will take place in Building 4, Room B03 at the medical center.

The program is designed to be accessible, requiring no referral for attendance. Veterans can walk into any session, allowing flexibility for those with varying schedules or those who want to sample the program before committing to regular attendance.

West Pikeland Township Seeks New Municipal Manager

WEST PIKELAND TWP — West Pikeland Township in Chester County is accepting applications for a township manager position. Officials are seeking an experienced administrator to lead the municipality's operations and work with elected leadership and staff. Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, salary expectations, and references via email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. More info online

Upcoming local events…

Chester County Networking Monthly WC Happy Hour (West Chester) - Feb 10th, 5pm-7pm

Monthly VRA Realty Investors Meetup (West Chester) - Feb 11, 6:45pm-8:30pm

WCU Live! presents the Sharpe Family Singers $ (West Chester) - Feb 13, 7pm

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Feb 14, 10am-12pm

Downingtown Repair Cafe (Chester Springs) - Feb 14, 10am-2pm

MAT Fitness Women's Self-Defense Seminar (West Chester) - Feb 28, 10am-11:30am

Your Business Featured in Downingtown Local Pulse!

Is growing your business on your to-do list for 2026? Here at DLP we have new affordable options for showcasing your message in the most prominent and popular daily newsletter in Downingtown! You can check out our sponsorship options at our online storefront or just reach out by hitting “replay”

Let’s make 2026 your best year yet! 🍾🥳

Catch up on previous issues…