CHADDS FORD, PA — The North American Land Trust (NALT) has formally dedicated the Baldino Family History and Nature Center at Brinton Run Preserve, celebrating a transformative gift of conservation that saved a vital piece of American history from development.
The dedication, held on July 17, marked a milestone for the 71-acre public preserve, which sits on land where the final skirmish of the 1777 Battle of Brandywine took place. Once a private residence owned by Sandra Baldino and her late husband, Dr. Frank Baldino Jr., the land is now a public resource for education, recreation, and reflection.
Sandra Baldino approached NALT in 2019 with a proposal to protect the land. Thanks to a combination of her initiative and financial support from community partners, historical groups, and government agencies, NALT acquired the property and officially opened Brinton Run Preserve to the public in 2022.
At the center of the preserve now stands the newly renovated Baldino Family History and Nature Center. The facility will serve as a hub for community programming and historical education, connecting visitors to both the natural beauty and the historical legacy of the site.
“This space will serve as a gateway to both the natural and historical richness of this special property,” said NALT President Steven Carter. “More importantly, we’re here to honor the individual whose vision, generosity, and spirit helped make this place a reality: Sandra Baldino.”
Baldino, who attended the ceremony, reflected on the legacy of the land she once called home. “It’s so lovely to be able to come back and learn, volunteer, reflect, and exercise, and for everyone else in the community to do the same,” she said.
Chadds Ford Township, which holds the conservation easement for the property, underscored the community value of the effort. Township Supervisors Kathleen Goodier and Samantha Reiner praised both NALT and the Baldino family for ensuring the land remains protected and accessible for generations to come.
Brinton Run Preserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset and features trails through meadows, streams, and woodlands. Located across from the historic Brinton 1704 House, the site offers a glimpse into one of the Revolutionary War’s pivotal moments—when General George Washington ordered a strategic retreat, preserving his forces for future battles.
By preserving this land and opening it to the public, NALT and the Baldino family have created a lasting legacy that blends conservation, education, and national heritage.
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