The Joseph Davis Tract is a 16-acre property nestled in the heart of Chadds Ford, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The conservation of this property provides protection forever from further development in this growing region, ensuring public access to open space for the community. With help from Atira Conservation in March 2025, North American Land Trust (NALT) secured funds to acquire this property, making it NALT’s second public preserve. Several other conserved lands near the Joseph Davis Tract include Brinton Run, NALT’s first public preserve, Chadds Ford Old Fields, the Harvey Run Trail, and the Chadds Ford Swamp.

The ecological significance of this property is evident as the western portion of the property is identified as core habitat within the Chadds Ford Swamp Natural Heritage Area. The State Natural Diversity Inventory records indicate that the Pennsylvania endangered cattail sedge (Carex typhina) is documented on or near the property. Natural resource managers from NALT believe the eastern edge of the property provides the correct habitat profile for this sensitive wetland species; as such, this area of the property will be protected and managed accordingly.

Chadds Ford Township has initiated The Walkable Chadds Ford Trail Project, which will connect recreational, cultural, historical and commercial sites in the historic Village District of Chadds Ford Township. NALT plans to connect the trails at the Joseph Davis Tract to the Walkable Chadds Ford Trail project to benefit Chadds Ford residents, businesses and visitors, while creating a community center/village green for events in the heart of Chadds Ford Village.

The Joseph Davis Tract is located entirely within the core area of the Revolutionary War Brandywine Battlefield and was a crucial part of Washington’s main defensive line at Chadd’s Ford. During the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, an estimated 30,000 troops fought that day throughout the Brandywine Battlefield. Due to its historical significance, the Joseph Davis Tract is designated as a Preservation Priority I (Class A), a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Property Cost: $3,600,000
• Atira Conservation Funding: $10,000