The 26-acre Isabella Furnace complex in West Nantmeal Township is a well-preserved remnant of the region's iron and steel heritage. In addition to several historic buildings, some of which have been converted to a private residence, the property includes 18 acres of forest bisected by Perkins Run. The woodlands and floodplain of Isabella Furnace are now permanently protected through a conservation easement with Natural Lands.

The original charcoal iron furnace was built in 1835 and went out of blast in 1894; it is known as the last furnace in Chester County to operate. In 1973, Daniel and Patricia Lieberman purchased the 26-acre property and began restoration of many of its structures. They also converted two attached buildings - the crusher house and the charging house - into a private residence. Ted and Debby Flint purchased the property in 1986 and continued its stewardship. In 1991, much of the complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

After Ted's passing in 2016, Debby began to explore options to preserve the unique site and its natural resources. Ultimately, she decided to place most of the property under conservation easement, which is a legally binding agreement that permanently limits a property's use for all present and future owners of the land.

Debby donated the value of the conservation easement and additional funds to support its perpetual monitoring and enforcement. Additional funds came from the Conservancy Grant Program - Commissioners of Chester County, the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation, and WeConservePA.

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature's wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. To learn more, visit http://www.natlands.org.