Brinton Run Preserve, a 71-acre public preserve on a historic battlefield, recently benefited from the hard work and dedication of Boys Scouts from Troop 31 in Chadds Ford seeking to become Eagle Scouts.
Visitors to the public preserve will now see a new outdoor classroom with a lectern and six benches at the end of Howe Trail. Brinton Run Preserve staff plans to use this area for environmental, cultural, and historical educational programs. In addition, there are new picnic tables at the end of the new Flank Trail, overlooking 24 acres of pollinator meadow, ensuring visitors have a place to gather and take in the natural beauty of Brinton Run Preserve.
Wyatt Moyer, an environmental scientist at the North American Land Trust (NALT), worked with Boy Scout Troop 31 to identify beneficial projects for the preserve, including constructing four new bluebird boxes for Brinton Run Preserve.
“The scouts spent a lot of time and effort planning these projects, fundraising for materials, and getting the permits,” said Moyer. “We are grateful for their hard work and dedication. The Eagle Scout projects will help us in our mission to keep history alive.”
The site of the Brinton Run Preserve played an important role in the final engagement at the Battle of Brandywine. In 2021, NALT acquired the Brinton Run property, which was being considered for development. The conservation group raised more than $4 million to acquire the property with support from historical organizations, conservation groups, and government agencies.
The public preserve is located at 6 Oakland Road in Delaware County, across the street from the historic Brinton 1704 House.
Since opening in spring 2022, Brinton Run Preserve has welcomed hundreds of hikers, outdoor lovers, history buffs, and volunteers to the public preserve. In the fall, dozens of Cub Scouts from several dens in the Chadds Ford area descended upon Brinton Run Preserve. They helped staff and volunteers plant nearly 80 native trees, earning their conservation badges.
The preserve has experienced significant changes and improvement in 2023 thanks to the dedication of staff and volunteers. Visitors can now enjoy two new trails, Flank and Colonial trails. Staff and volunteers also planted more than 750 trees and 24 acres of pollinator fields, and they reduced the amount of invasive species.
“All these changes and improvements are designed to help with the vision of creating an educational and recreational destination for the public,” said Steve Carter, NALT President.
Brinton Run Preserve staff is seeking volunteers to assist with a variety of activities and improvements at the public preserve. Those interested in volunteering at Brinton Run Preserve are asked to visit the NALT website; email brintonrunpreserve@nalt.org, or call the conservation organization at 610-388-3670.
If you are unable to volunteer your time, please consider a donation to help staff continue to improve the preserve for public enjoyment. You can donate at our website or by contacting NALT.
