Collaborating on Conservation in East Bradford Township: The Brandywine Conservancy and Natural Lands Trust

Collaborating on Conservation in East Bradford Township: The Brandywine Conservancy and Natural Lands Trust

Since its founding in 1967, the Brandywine Conservancy has partnered with other conservation organizations to protect open space in the Brandywine and adjacent watersheds. These organizations include the Natural Lands Trust, Delaware Nature Society, The Nature Conservancy, Stroud Water Research Center and Brandywine Valley Association. Recently, the Conservancy and the Natural Lands Trust (NLT), a land trust headquartered in Media, PA, joined forces to preserve 123 acres in East Bradford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Formerly known as the Parke Farm, the newly-designated Susan Groome Harney Preserve has a wealth of natural resources including 20 acres of mature woodlands and 100 acres of agricultural land. In addition, the preserve contains over 4,700 feet of tributaries to the East Branch of the Brandywine River, 3,000 feet of which is Taylor Run, a state-designated Trout Stocking Warm-Water Fishery.

Donated to Natural Lands Trust in 2002, the property is adjacent to NLT's Stroud Preserve and Harney-Baker Preserve. Combined, the three preserves encompass 574 acres managed by NLT to promote conservation and environmental education, forest management, scientific research, archaeological research and agriculture.

The Brandywine Conservancy was entrusted with the responsibility of holding conservation easements on all three preserves. This project brings the total amount of land protected by Brandywine Conservancy easements in East Bradford Township to over 1,000 acres.

The Susan Groome Harney Preserve is an excellent example of how conservation organizations can work together to preserve natural and cultural resources. Through collaboration, we accomplish a great deal every year.

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