In collaboration with the Monarch Joint Venture and the Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund
Authored by NALT Environmental Scientist, Wyatt Moyer
In 2021, the North American Land Trust (NALT) proudly acquired Brinton Run Preserve, a 71-acre tract in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, once destined for development. Thanks to the support of several grant funders, this beautiful preserve is now owned and managed by NALT, safeguarded forever by a Conservation Easement, and open to the public for passive recreation.
As preserve managers sought assistance for habitat improvement projects, they turned to the Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) Pollinator habitat Help Desk. The collaboration between NALT and MJV aimed to enhance habitat diversity at the newly acquired preserve. MJV introduced NALT to The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund (BBHF), which has a unique program called 'Seed A Legacy.' This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between NALT, MJV, and BBHF.
These partnerships uniquely positioned NALT to transform 24 acres of introduced cool-season grasses into vibrant pollinator habitats at Brinton Run Preserve. Currently, the pollinator meadows are in their second year, with management practices adapted based on seasonal variances and on-ground observations. It's vital for landowners to understand that creating quality habitats requires ongoing management to ensure desired results. While there is no fixed schedule for this work—requiring a commitment to nature's calendar for site preparation, implementation, and post-planting establishment—the true impact of these efforts often becomes more evident over time. For example, an increase in diversity, particularly from a forb perspective, is typically observed in years three, four, and five, illustrating the need for patience and long-term stewardship in achieving a thriving and diverse ecosystem.
Since planting in Fall 2022, the meadows at Brinton Run Preserve have undergone 1-3 high deck mowing events. This timed mowing targets annual weeds present in the seed bank or blown in from adjacent lands, preventing them from reproducing. Additionally, selective invasive species occasionally appear in the plantings and are addressed as needed. It's crucial to tackle any concerns within your plantings early to prevent them from becoming larger problems that could jeopardize your project's success. Patience, observation, and involvement are key to a successful project.
Notably, monarch butterfly observations have significantly increased in areas where the habitat is present. Today, visitors to Brinton Run Preserve can walk through the pollinator meadows and learn about native habitats and the science behind the monarch butterfly, thanks to informative signs from the Monarch Joint Venture Store.
NALT continues to expand pollinator habitats in southeastern Pennsylvania, having planted approximately 50 acres with the help of partnerships with the Monarch Joint Venture and the Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. NALT eagerly anticipates monitoring the progress of their meadows in the coming years and witnessing the continued flourishing of these crucial ecosystems.
About the Project Partners
North American Land Trust
In 1992, Andrew L. Johnson and a small group of professionals established North American Land Trust (NALT) with the primary purpose of preserving and managing open space with ecological, agricultural, or historical significance. With roots in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, NALT has an established focus area right Chester County, one that NALT is continually growing with the help of dedicated landowners and partners, and their first public preserve, Brinton Run Preserve. NALT’s reach extends across the United States and continues to grow every year.
Learn more about the North American Land Trust at northamericanlandtrust.org
The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund
The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund establishes high-quality habitat to ensure pollinator populations thrive. We work with private, public, and corporate land managers to develop sustainable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
Learn more about The Bee and Butterfly Habitat Fund at beeandbutterflyfund.org
Monarch Joint Venture
The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is a national partnership dedicated to conserving monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Since 2008, MJV has united diverse partners, including government agencies, nonprofits, community groups, businesses, and academic programs, to implement science-based conservation actions through education, habitat creation, and research. These efforts are guided by the Monarch Conservation Implementation Framework, which informs conservation planning nationwide.
As a leader in monarch conservation, MJV supports broad-scale conservation planning by facilitating information sharing, building partnerships, and funding priority actions. We also provide accessible educational resources and engage a wide range of stakeholders to meet the nation’s monarch and habitat targets.
Learn more about the Monarch Joint Venture at monarchjointventure.org
