(April 2007, #008)

For Immediate Release

CHADDS FORD, PA - Diane Cook lives 2,700 miles from the Brandywine Battlefield, but the California resident is passionate about saving this major landmark in American history from suburban sprawl.

"I grew up going to Birmingham Friends Meeting, and my father and I go together whenever I am in the area," says Ms. Cook. "I've always looked out across those fields and thought, 'Isn't it lovely that the area is still open and green and there are no houses.'"

Ms. Cook is one of many people who have rallied to preserve the battleground where thousands of American patriots died on September 11, 1777. To date, the Brandywine Conservancy has raised $8 million towards a goal of $10 million to purchase and endow one of the few remaining unprotected parcels within the Brandywine Battlefield National Landmark. Although Landmark status recognizes a site's historical importance, it does not prevent landowners from altering or developing their properties.

Four of the five most important properties within the Landmark have been permanently protected through conservation easements and other measures. The fifth property - the hole in the donut - is the focus of current efforts. In order to protect this important property in the middle of preserved lands, your help is essential. Please donate now online at www.savethebattlefield.org or send a contribution for the battlefield to the Brandywine Conservancy at P.O. Box 141, Chadds Ford, PA 19317.

  For more information about the Brandywine Conservancy, call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywineconservancy.org.

For digital photographs to accompany this press release, please contact 610-388-8337 or lenglehart@brandywine.org.

Media Contacts:
Halsey Spruance or Lora Englehart at 610-388-8337.