Supporting scientific studies, educational opportunities, and protecting the unique
Great Marsh in Northern Chester County.

Our Mission

Chester County’s Great Marsh provides a unique habitat for the study of flora and fauna as well as the unique characteristics of the Periglacial marsh. It is the purpose of the Great Marsh Institute (GMI) to support scientific studies through access to the property, technical support, and opportunities for educational activities including funding for student interns.

Chestnut Hill College students testing the water quality of the Great Marsh.
Jim Moore helping campers explore the marsh.

The Great Marsh is a periglacial marsh and the largest marsh in Southeastern Pennsylvania, about 700 acres. Surrounding the marsh is shrub swamps, swamp forests, corridors of floodplain forest, upland forest, row crop farming and the PA turnpike.

The Great Marsh is a private property, but there are still ways you can visit! Check out some of the events we have open to the public as well as our public access trail in collaboration with French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust.

If you or your organization are interested in visiting the property, please contact us.