130-acre Chesco church camp preserved with some trails opening to public

A nearly 100-year-old church camp in northern Chester County along French Creek has been preserved in a $1.6 million deal that closed Thursday. The move ensures some public access to the land, and that it won’t fall at risk to development.

The conservation agreement for Camp Innabah was reached between the Eastern PA Conference of The United Methodist Church (EPCUMC) and the French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. Officials involved in the deal say it removes pressure to develop the camp.

The heavily wooded, 130-acre preserved tract runs 4,000 feet along the creek, a tributary of the Schuylkill, and contains 1,500 feet of the French Creek Trail.

The property is fronted by Pughtown Road in East Vincent Township and lies about 5 miles south of Pottstown.

Karl Russek, Conservation Director for French & Pickering, said in the announcement that it took several years to reach the agreement, which he said, “balances long-term preservation and recreational access with the safety of camp guests.”

The camp was founded in 1929 as an all-girls overnight camp, but over the years, its use has broadened to include boys in the summer camps, and all ages and genders in other programs. The patchwork of mature woods and wetlands serves as a habitat for birds, amphibians, and rare native plants, according to the trust.

Under the agreement, some hiking trails and parking will be open 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.

Hyde said the conservation easement ensures the property is protected, “for future generations,” and will allow the camp to continue its programs.

The easement was funded by grants from Chester County, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and East Vincent Township Supervisors.

According to Russek, the easement will help the EPCUMC with its mission to keep the camp operating. The deal prohibits subdivision of the property, and places limits on building and activities in certain protection areas, among other restrictions.

The public access portion of the easement allows for access to the French Creek trail corridor, and development of an access trail and trailhead parking, Russek said. However, he noted the new infrastructure will take time to develop in coordination with the camp, the county, and township.

Current camp infrastructure contains main buildings, cabins and recreational facilities.

The camp is one of four EPCUMC operates, with most activities taking place in summer, mostly for children and youth. At Innabah, some year-round programs are offered, and the camp also host retreats for all ages.

Camp Innabah has a pool and canoe launch and includes, “dozens of hiking trails, activity areas, open fields, rustic cabins, a modern gymnasium, and gathering places ready to meet the needs of groups, businesses, schools, and families,” according to its website.