CHADDS FORD, PA — The North American Land Trust (NALT) has been awarded a $276,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to support its Pollinator Meadow Initiative in Southeastern Pennsylvania. This initiative, launched in 2022, aims to convert lawns and fields into vibrant pollinator habitats, bolstering populations of critical species like bees and butterflies.
To date, NALT has transformed more than 50 acres of land into pollinator meadows, including the 24-acre conversion of cool-season grasses at Brinton Run Preserve, a conservation area in Chadds Ford Township. The preserve, spanning 71 historic acres acquired by NALT, serves as a hub for environmental conservation and public engagement through its trails and educational signage.
Following the success at Brinton Run Preserve, the initiative has expanded regionally. Recent projects include a 10-acre conversion with a homeowners’ association in Delaware County, a 9-acre collaboration across three properties in the same area, and a 12-acre pollinator habitat at Concord Township’s Bush Hill Farms Park. Looking ahead, NALT plans to establish an additional 20 acres of pollinator habitats in 2025.
“Creating pollinator habitats to support wildlife is a core part of our conservation mission,” said Steven Carter, President of NALT. The organization has partnered with the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund and the Monarch Joint Venture to ensure best practices in designing and maintaining these meadows. Additional habitat features, such as bluebird and bat boxes, have been incorporated to enhance biodiversity further.
Pollinator populations, vital to the global food supply, continue to face significant threats. Monarch butterflies, in particular, have seen an 80% population decline, while honeybee numbers have dropped by 40%. Projects like NALT’s are reversing these trends; the presence of Monarch butterflies has increased noticeably at sites like Brinton Run Preserve, where the meadows attract visitors during their peak bloom periods in summer.
The DCNR grant reflects a broader commitment to conservation and outdoor engagement in Pennsylvania. “Our grants help local partners realize their vision for community and regional enhancements,” said Tom Ford, director of DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. By advancing initiatives like NALT’s Pollinator Meadow Initiative, these efforts are enriching natural habitats while creating opportunities for recreation, education, and community connection.
NALT’s work demonstrates the vital role of conservation in fostering ecosystems, supporting pollinator populations, and educating communities about the importance of environmental sustainability.
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