The French Creek Valley Conservancy (FCVC) has received a significant land donation from the Morton family. 249 acres of forested property that had already been protected under a conservation easement. With this donation, FCVC now owns the land outright and will conserve it permanently.
The newly donated property lies within the Muddy Creek subbasin of the French Creek Watershed and borders the Seneca Division of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge. The conservation easement will retain its name the Jane and Gene Morton Forest in honor of the Morton parents.
Eugene Morton, who passed away in August 2025, played a central role in conserving the land. The donation was championed by his wife, Bridget Stuchbury, along with Timothy Morton and Marian Metler Morton. The permanent protection of this forest now stands as a tribute to Jane, Gene, and Eugene Morton and their long-standing dedication to the environment…