Leashed Dogs Now Welcome on Preserve Trails
Chadds Ford, PA — December 18, 2025 — North American Land Trust (NALT) is pleased to announce a significant and long-awaited update to its public use policies at Brinton Run Preserve: beginning this month, leashed dogs will now be permitted on all preserve trails. This marks the first expansion of allowable uses since the preserve opened to the public in 2021.
For the past four years, NALT maintained a “no pets” rule as part of its careful approach to opening and establishing Brinton Run Preserve. At the time, the preserve was still in its early stages, with active work underway to build out the trail system, launch site amenities, and fully renovate the Baldino Family History and Nature Center, which now serves as the preserve’s primary interpretive and educational space. In addition, limiting certain uses early on allowed staff to focus on these foundational improvements and to develop sustainable, long-term stewardship practices.
“With the preserve now in a more stable and mature phase of its operations—and with the addition of our dedicated Preserve Manager, Kinsey Cuoco—we feel confident that this is the right time to expand access and welcome leashed dogs to Brinton Run,” said Steven Carter, President of North American Land Trust. “We have heard from our visitors and our community, and this has consistently been the number one piece of feedback we’ve received. We are excited to make this change and hope it encourages even more members of our community to experience and enjoy the preserve.”
A Partnership That Made It Possible
This expanded use was made possible in part through the generous support of Chadds Ford Township, NALT’s close partner and the holder of the conservation easement on Brinton Run Preserve. The Township has generously donated three new pet-waste stations, which will be installed in strategic locations throughout the property to help maintain the natural beauty of the preserve and support responsible pet visitation. See the map below for current locations of the dog-waste stations.
Carter emphasized the importance of the Township’s role: “Chadds Ford Township has been an extraordinary partner from day one. Their donation of the dog waste stations reflects their continued commitment to the success of Brinton Run Preserve and to expanding responsible public access. We are grateful for their leadership and support.”
Although the pet-waste stations themselves were donated by the Township, NALT remains responsible for the ongoing costs associated with purchasing dog-waste bags and managing waste removal, which are not covered by the donation. These recurring stewardship expenses will be supported through NALT’s grassroots membership program and through individual contributions from visitors.
A Call for Community Support
NALT hopes that visitors will continue to patronize the preserve and consider a donation to help sustain Brinton Run Preserve and the resources that make responsible pet access possible. Contributions directly support operational needs at the preserve—including trail maintenance, waste management, habitat restoration, environmental programming, and general stewardship.
“As we open Brinton Run to leashed dogs, we’re asking our community to partner with us,” Carter said. “Our members and donors make all of this possible. Their support helps maintain the preserve we all love and allows us to enhance the visitor experience year after year.”
Visiting With Dogs: What to Know
Visitors bringing dogs to the preserve must follow several guidelines designed to safeguard the natural environment, protect wildlife habitat, and ensure a positive experience for all. Dogs must remain leashed at all times; owners must clean up after their dogs using the provided stations or their own bags; and dogs must stay on designated trails and out of sensitive habitat areas. These rules help balance increased public use with the long-term conservation goals of the property.
About Brinton Run Preserve
Brinton Run Preserve, located in Chadds Ford Township, is a 71-acre historic and ecological landscape permanently protected by North American Land Trust. The property features a growing trail system, the Baldino Family History and Nature Center, diverse wildlife habitat, and numerous opportunities for passive recreation and community engagement. Since its opening in 2021, the preserve has become one of the region’s most visited public open spaces.
About North American Land Trust
Founded in 1992, North American Land Trust (NALT) is a nonprofit land conservancy dedicated to the permanent protection of ecologically, historically, and scenically significant lands across the United States. Through conservation easements, public preserves, stewardship, and community partnerships, NALT has protected more than 140,000 acres nationwide.
