In July, Dr. Julie Jones became Lancaster Conservancy’s new Board Chair. She is a retired family physician who worked at Manor Family Health in Millersville for 35 years. Upon retirement, she joined the Board of the Lancaster Conservancy, and she has been a member of the Board since 2018. She shared these thoughts as she steps into her new role:
Board Chair Dr. Julie Jones (Photo by Nick Gould)
Why is the mission of the Lancaster Conservancy close to your heart?
I love the mission of The Lancaster Conservancy! Saving natural land forever is near and dear to my heart. My childhood home in the Delaware Water Gap was so special that it was taken by eminent domain for a National Recreation Area. While that initial process was painful for our family, now I can appreciate that a 40-mile stretch of the Upper Delaware River is preserved forever. I spent many days paddling, swimming, and camping on that clean and beautiful river. My mother, Ruth Jones, organized an annual cleanup of the river. This event continues after 40 years and will be her legacy. All my friends and classmates from junior high through my family practice residency at Lancaster General Health were invited to join me to paddle and camp along the river. Getting people out of their usual element into nature is one of my favorite pastimes.
Here in Lancaster and York, our work is to protect as much beautiful natural land as possible. This is something we can do in our own area for our families and future generations. It is gratifying to protect land here and now, despite national and world events beyond our control. Our supporters understand this, too, and the outpouring of encouragement for our mission is truly awe-inspiring! Thank you, defenders of nature!
What challenges and opportunities do you see for the Conservancy as you start your tenure as the new Board Chair?
I consider it a huge privilege to be working with a great staff and Board. I have great respect and admiration for our passionate and capable staff. The Board is insightful and engaged and brings varied perspectives for robust discussion. We are prepared to meet the challenges we face.
The possibilities to save natural lands are diminishing. Our biggest challenge is to quickly identify and protect natural areas that we might acquire in the Susquehanna Riverlands. Development pressures in our area are weighing heavily on all of us, but we’ve made great strides in land protection in the last decade. The Cuffs Run pumped storage project threatens our beautiful landscape, and we will continue to fight the good fight to prevent the destruction of 1,000 acres of lovely, forested land along the river.
As we protect our natural lands, we also have an exciting opportunity to engage more people with our mission! Once people experience the beauty and solace of nature on our preserves, hopefully they will also recognize the value of saving nature. Education is key to this part of our mission. The newly acquired Ingrid Graham Historic Hellam Nature Preserve is a hidden gem that will be a wonderful place for education in York County, and it is easily accessible. Education is key to our mission.
What gives you hope for the future of conservation and our natural lands?
Keith Williams, our Vice President of Engagement & Education, has told us about the reemergence of native trout in restored streams in our area. The endangered wood thrush (my favorite songbird!) is thriving at Climbers Run. As Keith says, we are working to prevent the extinction of experiences in nature while also working to prevent the extinction of wildlife by making space for endangered species. Our staff is working to restore grasslands to make a home for meadow larks and other ground nesting birds. I hope my grandsons will one day hear these birds on Wizard Ranch. Kids will hopefully know the joy of chasing fireflies, observing monarch butterflies, and hearing the beautiful song of the wood thrush if we protect and preserve natural spaces now.