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Brandywine Corridor
The Brandywine River once supported hundreds of mills and was an industrial center for colonial America. It was the site of one of the largest battles of the Revolutionary War, and for almost two centuries, the valley has enjoyed a strong artistic heritage, attracting notable artists such as William Trost Richards, George Cope, Howard Pyle, and N.C. Wyeth. Today, the valley boasts of its industrial, historic, and artistic heritage with dozens of museums, gardens and parks that draw visitors from around the world.
The largest watershed in Chester County, the Brandywine River’s two branches meander though rolling farmland, steep valleys, dense forests, and former industrial centers such as Coatesville and Downingtown before joining south of West Chester. Most of the watershed is still farmland and forests. Its water quality in the upper reaches is considered high but declines in its lower reaches where it is considered impaired or threatened. Nevertheless, the river is a major water source for both Pennsylvania and Delaware residents and industries.
The watershed supports a population of approximately 235,500 residents and is growing rapidly. With this growth comes change in land uses. Farmland and forest is being converted to residential and commercial uses at a rate of approximately 5,000 acres per year.
WE NEED TO ACT
More and more municipalities and private organizations are taking action to protect the valley, but it is still threatened by pollution, over development, and excessive withdrawals. Its beauty, artistic and historic heritage are attracting people, but it is also attracting dedicated advocates. Many residents are involved with their local municipality—attending meetings and joining committees—to speaking out on behalf of the River.
FACTS & FIGURES
Total Acres: 35,000
High Value Acres: 32,000
Developed Acres: 6,000
Protected Acres: 8,000
Additional Protected Acres Goal: 11,000
Data current as of July 2006
RESOURCE FEATURES
- Exceptional and high value streams
- Unique floodplain meadows and wild rice marshes
- Access to national historic parks and trails
SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS
- Brandywine Scenic River, Commonwealth of PA
- Coatesville Historic District, Downingtown Historic District, and others, PA Historic and Museum Commission
- Important natural landscape and top priority trail corridor, Chester County Landscapes
TREASURES
COUNTIES & MUNICIPALITIES (all or part)
Chester County: Birmingham, Caln, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Bradford, East Brandywine, East Caln, East Fallow field, Honey Brook Boro, Honey Brook Twp, Newlin, Pennsbury, Pocopson, South Coatesville, Thornbury, Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, Valley, Wallace, West Bradford, West Brandywine, West Caln, West Nantmeal
Delaware County: Chadds Ford
WATERSHEDS/SUB-AREAS
Brandywine River, Pocopson Creek, West Branch Brandywine River, Broad Run, Buck Run, Doe Run, Rock Run, Birch Run, Honey Brook Branch, East Branch Brandywine River, West Valley Creek, Beaver Creek, Shamona Creek, Marsh Creek, Indian Run Recreation Area
GROWING LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN THE AREA
Brandywine Conservancy, National Parks Service, USDA - Natural Resource Conservation Service, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, American Farmland Trust
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