Elk Township has taken a multi-pronged approach to open space preservation by partnering with Brandywine Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, Chester County Planning Commission, and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Challenge Grant & Preservation Partnership Programs:  1,405 acres of actively farmed land protected from future development in Elk Township as of 2014.

Springlawn Road Trail Development Grant:  2 ¼ mile recreational trail along the Big Elk Creek between Chesterville Road (Rt. 841) and Strickersville Road. There are stone foundations of homes and mill, native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.  Several of Mr. William duPont’s underpasses are still in place.  In June 2012 the Natural Lands Trust prepared a Natural Areas Stewardship Report for the Springlawn Trail.

State Owned Fair Hill Park Land (DCNR):  Over 200 acres of land in Elk Township between Strickersville Road and the Maryland state line adjoining MD Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area under the management of White Clay Creek State Park.

Chrome Serpentine Barrens:  Approximately 500 acres of globally rare ecosystem managed by Elk Township, Nature Conservancy and DCNR.

PA Chrome Barrens

PA State Line Barrens

State Line Serpentine Barrens