|Chadds Ford conservation|
Brandywine Battlefield property purchased for conservation
North American Land Trust and partners raise $3.85 million to acquire 72 acres in Delaware County for a public preserve
N
orth American Land Trust (NALT) has acquired a historic Brandywine Battlefield property — located on Oakland Road in Delaware County — with the intent to protect the land forever under conservation easement before ultimately opening its 72 acres to the public as Brinton Run Preserve. The acquisition was announced on March 25. Originally considered for development, the property’s diverse array of plant and wildlife species and its historic significance will be forever preserved, and NALT plans to create opportunities for passive public recreation and education for the community. The effort to save this property began in 2019 when owner Mrs. Frank Baldino, Jr., Ph.D., in her preparation to sell the homestead, approached NALT to discuss open space protection as an alternative to development. “I was familiar with NALT’s mission and reputation in the field of conservation and was particularly delighted to learn of their interest in acquiring the property for a public preserve,” said Sandra Baldino. “I’m especially appreciative that through partnerships with funders and local organizations, the historical and ecological value of the land will be protected, shared and enjoyed by its neighbors and the community alike.” NALT, a national nonprofit organization known for holding conservation easements on properties — including East Bradford Township’s parks — recognized the unique significance of the land and began working diligently to not only protect it, but purchase it. “We are thrilled to finally acquire and ultimately open 36
Chadds Ford Life | Spring/Summer 2021 | www.chestercounty.com
NALT’s very first public preserve here in our local community of Chadds Ford, especially during a time when public open space is extremely important for safe gatherings, and maintaining mental and physical health,” said NALT president Steven Carter. “NALT could not have succeeded in such a short amount of time without our incredibly generous and collaborative partners who believed in our vision enough to support it, and we are forever grateful for them.” NALT was able to raise $3.85 million to purchase the property with financial support from the American Battlefield Trust, Chadds Ford Township, Delaware County’s Open Space and Recreation Grant Program, Mt. Cuba Center, the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Mt. Cuba Center is dedicated to preserving open spaces and native flora throughout the Brandywine Valley and surrounding region,” said Ann Rose, Mt. Cuba Center’s president. “Natural habitats of high ecological value are found at Brinton Run Preserve, including the forested areas along the southwest border of the property. We thank North American Land Trust for their leadership in this important conservation project and are gratified that our support will help protect the many species that call it home.” Located across from the historic Brinton 1704 House and just down the road from Dilworthtown Village and Historic District, Brinton Run Preserve will add to the rich history of the Brandywine Valley. The American Battlefield Trust identified Brinton Run Preserve as one of the most important unprotected tracts on the Brandywine Battlefield to be
