Brushy Fork Nature Preserve
Welcome to the information page on the Brushy Fork Nature Preserve. This project is a collaboration between The Kenton Conservancy and the Banklick Watershed Council. The goal of the project is to protect a beautiful natural area along the Brushy Fork Creek that contains old-growth forests, a wetland, and over a mile of creek.
Project Update Picts - Spring 2023
Public Park vs. Nature Preserve
The Kenton Conservancy is all about greenspaces and the natural environment. While technically, it is a park-like use, what is planned is much less 'developed' and less used than a park. Really, it's a nature preserve. We don't plan on any playgrounds, ball fields, or anything that draws large crowds at a time. We just want people to have a good way to get down to the trails to hike along the creek, wetland, and forest.
A Better Alternative
The original 2004 development plan for the Canberra Ridge Subdivision called for the hilltop removal and filling of the wetland valley. Had that plan been completed, there would have been an additional 100 homes off the back of Canberra Drive.
The purchase of the property by The Kenton Conservancy ensures that all 104 acres around Canberra Ridge will remain as green space in perpetuity. The comparison maps below show the original neighborhood layout compared to the revised plan. In 2018, the developer reached out, recognizing the value of preserving the greenspace, and a compromise was reached. Instead of an additional 128 homes, they would finish the final phase of the development with only 27 new homes, and sell the remainder of the land for conservation. Planned Improvements
While a vast majority of the site will remain in its natural condition, we realized the need to create an easier way to access the existing trails that doesn't involve scrambling down steep hillsides or trespassing on other's property. We worked with the developer, who agreed to split the land so that we could have the level area between the new homes and the railroad tracks, making it possible to install a trailhead and trail connector down to the valley with a reasonable slope. We named the trailhead area the Access 'Hub' and provided the following features (see maps at bottom of this page):
2020 Construction Plan
We have been working closely with the developer as they finish the final phase of the subdivision. Our goal is to capitalize on the presence of the construction crews so that they can install our sidewalk/driveway at the same time they are there for installation of the streets. This will help to save costs and make sure the site blends nicely with the new street installation. Installing a entry sign, gate/bollards, kiosk and trail connector will help to make the Access 'Hub' an attractive addition to the new development.
Future OptionsOur March 2020 zoning application required that we submit our vision for the ultimate build-out conditions for the property. While we don't have the funding or the need to construct any of these elements in the near-term, we left space for the possible future addition of:
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Maps
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