CHADDS FORD, PA — In an effort to help preserve and protect the environment, North American Land Trust (NALT) has been awarded a $5,000 “Healing the Planet” grant from The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. This funding will be used for tree planting and environmental education initiatives at Brinton Run Preserve. These programs will help connect families with community green spaces and build environmental stewardship in the local area.
Brinton Run Preserve, which is NALT’s first public preserve, opened on June 14 to much acclaim. The Chadds Ford Township preserve provides valuable protected green space in Delaware County and is gaining popularity among area residents. The preserve currently offers two hiking trails through the marching grounds of the Battle of the Brandywine, which occurred on September 11, 1777. The preserve is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and otters.
The grant will be used to purchase hundreds of native trees, offer environmental education events, and improve the ecological conditions at Brinton Run Preserve. NALT President Steven Carter said, “We are honored to be a recipient of the 2022 ‘Healing the Planet’ grant award, which comes on the heels of Brinton Run Preserve’s opening. We plan to use the award to purchase hundreds of native trees, offer environmental education events, and improve the ecological conditions at Brinton Run Preserve.” With this grant, NALT will be able to continue its mission of protecting natural places for future generations to enjoy.
NALT’s acquisition of Brinton Run Preserve was a milestone for the organization. The land trust had been working to purchase the property for several years and finally succeeded in the spring of 2021. NALT wasted no time in preparing the property for public use, converting the agricultural fields into meadows and demolishing a large, modern home on the conservation area. NALT staff also continues to remove invasive plants and trees from the preserve.
The grant will help fund the establishment of a riparian buffer to reduce runoff at Brinton Run Preserve. NALT also plans to hold community events at the preserve focused on teaching land stewardship practices and connecting people with nature. The opening of Brinton Run Preserve is a major achievement for NALT and will provide the community with a new place to enjoy nature.
“The Healing the Planet grant award will assist NALT in continuing its vision for Brinton Run Preserve,” Carter said. “We are truly grateful to The Giant Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for awarding this grant to NALT and Brinton Run Preserve.”
The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful have partnered to award $100,000 in “Healing the Planet” grants to 50 organizations across Pennsylvania. These grants are part of The GIANT Company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“We know that many people are looking for ways to help heal the planet, and tree planting is one of the most impactful things we can do,” said Nicholas Bertram, President of The GIANT Company. “We are proud to partner with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful on this important initiative and help make a difference in the lives of our customers and neighbors.”
The “Healing the Planet” grant program is open to 501(c)(3) organizations that are planting trees in Pennsylvania. For more information and to apply for a grant, visit The GIANT Company website.
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