The Brandywine Conservancy has permanently preserved more than 69,400 acres of land in Chester and Delaware Counties, which is just shy of the historic goal of preserving 70,000 acres, writes Jen Samuel for the Daily Local News.

In its 55th year, the Conservancy has more than 500 conservation and agricultural easements through aid from partnerships with other land stakeholders.

In Chester County, more than 30 percent of land is protected, with another 30 percent developed. This leaves around 30 or more percent of land—including forests, farmland, wetlands, fields, and more—that can be either preserved or set for development.

“The Conservancy has continually been a leader in the land trust field,” said Stephanie Armpriester, Brandywine Conservancy director of conservation and stewardship. “Our mission has never been more relevant as we strive to protect the land and water of the region for generations to come.”

Read more about the historic goal in the Daily Local News.