NEWS RELEASES

Lancaster County Conservancy to propose

"Urban Forest Center"

and invites the public to help design the project.

The Conservancy will hold two meetings

to seek public input on the project.

The meetings are at the Manheim Township Public Library, Overlook Park on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 or Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7:00 pm.

 

The Lancaster County Conservancy has announced a new project to create an “Urban Forest Center” with its future location along the Little Conestoga Creek in East Hempfield Township.

 

While still in the exploration phase, this project will create an urban nature preserve with facilities connecting residents to the natural environment through recreation and creative learning.  The Conservancy is asking the public to join in the design effort.  Neighbors, organizations, institutions, and businesses will have the opportunity to share their vision for the type of programs offered at the center.

 

Ideas for input already include recreational and educational uses, history programs, the arts, sustainable buildings, native plants, wellness and many others.  All Lancaster County residents are invited to attend the public meetings.

 

The site, currently owned by the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA), is located between Harrisburg Pike and Good Drive.  It includes about 75 acres adjacent to Franklin & Marshall’s Brickyard property and Noel Dorwart Park located in East Hempfield Township.

Since its purchase in 2002, LCSWMA has maintained the land as open space and constructed the popular Farmingdale Trail, a recreational trail for Lancaster residents.  LCSWMA had a vision that, one day, another agency would use the land for the benefit of the community.  “The Authority is thrilled that this open space will benefit residents.  The Conservancy’s plan to create an environmentally progressive Urban Forest Center for Lancaster County fits perfectly with our vision,” says James Warner, CEO for LCSWMA.

 

The Conservancy’s strategic plan calls for an initiative to bring its work into urban and suburban parts of Lancaster County. According to Ralph Goodno, President &CEO of the Conservancy, “We are eager to help expand connections with nature for adults and youth to promote public wellness and an environmental understanding in Lancaster County residents. We hope interested residents will come and help us design an innovative and special facility for outdoor recreation and learning”.

 

For more information on the Conservancy and the Urban Forest Center project, visit www.lancasterconservancy.org.

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Conservancy protects a 404 acre parcel

in the Welsh Mountains

We Did It!

PPL 324.5 acre acquisition

---

 

On March 18, 2010, the Lancaster County Conservation District presented the Conservation Agency Service Award to the Lancaster County Conservancy. The award is presented to an agency that has shown immense contribution and assistance in conserving land, water, and related natural resources.

The Lancaster County Conservancy was recognized for its pioneering development of the Conestoga Greenway Trail. First envisioned almost a century ago, the 1.3 mile trail along the Conestoga River will connect East Lancaster with the Lancaster County Central Park, and will provide recreational opportunity to walkers, joggers, bicyclist, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Among many other contributions, the Conservancy has provided over 40 years of land conservation, education, and stewardship. They have preserved some of Lancaster County’s most precious landscapes including Tucquan Glen, Steinman’s Run, and the Susquehanna River Hills. Their efforts continue across the county, including the acquisition of 875 acres of Welsh Mountain interior forest, and over 3500 acres of the Susquehanna River corridor.

The Conservancy has not just been stewards of our forests and waterways, but has enthusiastically shared them with all, to enjoy for generations. Congratulations to the Lancaster County Conservancy, recipients of the 2010 Conservation Agency Service Award.

Join Our Email List Email: