SPRING Landview THE MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY CONSERVANCY SAVING NATURAL PLACES FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE

Transcription

1 SPRING 2015 Landview THE MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY CONSERVANCY SAVING NATURAL PLACES FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE ACRES AND GROWING.

2 LETTER FROM THE CEO/COO Dear Friends of the Lancaster County Conservancy, Thank you for your support, dedication, and investment in our mission. We are indeed fortunate to be associated with a talented and passionate Board of Directors, staff, donor base, and growing volunteer support. This past year offered its share of challenges while at the same time provided many opportunities. At this time last year, we set into motion our Strategic Plan with goals driving us to Protect, Sustain, Engage, and Advocate. Our mission directs us: because clean air, fresh water, and wild places are vital to every generation. This plan became our target for our yearly work plans, quarterly assessments, and daily progress. Through closer analysis, you will discern our focus: The here and now, as well as our future legacy and conservation efforts tied directly to our youth. Conservation is the choice to Protect special places for present and future generations. It is our choice to safeguard water, care for wildlife, and preserve forests and natural land while maintaining the natural beauty of Lancaster County. Those who conserve their land create a profound legacy. Whether forests, meadows, or mountains, they offer a gift that will resonate through time. We continue to work with PPL to further the Susquehanna Riverlands acquisitions and land transfer. We have made a concerted effort to expand our volunteer base which has brought 175 individuals ready to steward our 5,000 acres. In a time of environmental and economic challenges, the need to Engage our community, providers, funders, and likeminded people is never more important than it is today. Take a quick glance at what s been happening: FORMAL AND INFORMAL PRESENTATIONS: 25 Community organizations, clubs, businesses, public and private schools. WORKSHOPS: 4 Volunteer Land Stewards, public and private schools / instructors. FIELD TRIPS: 12 Lancaster City and Penn Manor School Districts, Head Start, Arbor Place, Crispus Attucks, Chestnut Hill Daycare, Millersville University. CONSULTING: Millersville University, Local Scout Troops, FERC and pipeline related, home owners and developers storm water native plant related. TESTIFYING: Environmental Impact Pipeline,Local and State funders. UNIVERSITY / HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS: Millersville University, Franklin & Marshall College, and Thaddeus Stevens College. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS: Alcoa, Armstrong World Industries, DCNR, DEP, Donegal Trout Unlimited, Hershey Company, Lancaster County Community Foundation, Lancaster County Parks, Lancaster City storm water initiatives, Lancaster Recreation Commission, North Museum, PA. Master Naturalist, Stroud Center, Wolf Museum, and local scout troops. USE OF OUR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA: We averaged 3,000 hits per month on our website, 6 newspaper articles, and 1 Learning Matters (WGAL) television story. It is becoming clear that the Lancaster County Conservancy is a major player in our community. We strive to provide direct programming and contact while motivating and empowering others to do the same. Community organizations, agencies, public and private schools, colleges and universities, environmental education providers, elected officials, corporate and business leaders, and scouts, have been and will continue to be partners and collaborators. During this past year, the need to Advocate on behalf of protected natural places became a major focus, consuming time and attention on a daily basis. We quickly learned of our community s capacity to make their voices heard while protecting natural places in Lancaster County. We collaborated with a varied population base while providing direction in dealing with pipeline companies, FERC, elected officials, and our community at large. We forged relationships and partnerships which will continue to benefit our organization and community. Our capacity to Sustain the Lancaster County Conservancy broadens through an ever-expanding dedicated donor base, business and corporate partners, and volunteers. We continue to seek funding to secure natural land while realizing our conservation mission. The Susquehanna Riverlands Research and Education Center at Climbers Run Nature Preserve has become a source of attention, community excitement, and income source. If we want future generations to carry on the work of conservation, then we must pay attention to what is happening with our youth. To make conservation efforts endure, we must emotionally connect children to nature. Children need nature and nature needs children. Mike Burcin, CEO/COO 2 Landview spring 2015 COVER PHOTO: FEMALE EASTERN BLUEBIRD

3 SPRING 2015 LANDVIEW THE MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY CONSERVANCY IN THIS ISSUE Letter from the CEO 2 LCC Annual Picnic 3 Little Gem Spotlight 4 Nature Connection Camps 5 Intern Profile 5 Environmental Education 6 & 7 Stewardship Preserve Highlights 8 BioBlitz 9 Susquehanna Riverlands 10 & 11 The Extraordinary Give 11 Events Calendar 12 LCC Paddle Tours 12 Springtime Renewal 13 Native Plants Conference 14 Nature Play 14 Dine on Harvest Moon 15 Staff & Board 16 SAVE THE DATE LCC Annual Picnic Our annual picnic and membership meeting will take place on Saturday, June 13th, 9 am - 2 pm at Climbers Run Nature Preserve. Pileated Woodpecker at Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve Shadbush at Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve Parking is at the Marticville Middle School, 356 Frogtown Road, Pequea, PA A shuttle to the picnic will be provided. spring 2015 Landview 3

4 Little Gem Spotlight Ray s Woods By Terri Shuman With 38 properties in the Conservancy s preserve system, our larger natural gems like Fishing Creek, Welsh Mountain and Tucquan Glen get the most visits and attention. But if you haven t explored some our lesser known and smaller properties, you re missing something special. There s much enjoy from outings to our little gems, like Ray s Woods in Providence Township. The 58 acres of regenerating woodland of Ray s Woods are comprised of an initial donation of 38+ acres by the Kent and Hale families in 1997, another 8.6 acres donated by the Ryder family in 2000, followed by purchases of 6 and 5.25 acres in 2003 and 2006, respectively. Ray s Woods rests about 600 feet above Lancaster City on the high ground near the headwaters of Tucquan Creek, Fishing Creek, and both branches of Trout Run. The preserve is t-shaped, with the left arm descending downward almost to the east branch of Trout Run, while the right extension climbs to nearly 900 feet. Wildflowers may appear a week later in the microhabitat of the higher elevation section. This preserve was logged, so there are few trees with diameters greater than 12 inches. Dominant canopy species include sweet birch, red maple, and chestnut oak with some scattered tulip poplars, red oaks, beech and tupelo. The classic understory has spice bush, laurel, dogwood, sassafras, and maple leaf viburnum. From the sign at the parking area, the original main access road slopes gently downward for about 300 yards. These old logging roads are bordered by brambles, grasses, and ferns. The trail is miles long, cleared, and well-marked. It is classified as a moderately difficult hike. If you walk the descending section, be prepared to get your boots wet! Your chances are excellent for catching a glimpse of whitetail deer, especially in the lower arm, as well as seeing and hearing Your chances are excellent for catching a glimpse of whitetail deer, especially in the lower arm, as well as seeing and hearing common songbirds and woodpeckers. common songbirds and woodpeckers. Ray s Woods is close to a small residential development so hunting is not allowed. If you re seeking a shorter, serene hike close to home, Ray s Woods is a beautiful, unsung little gem not to be missed. How to get there: From Lancaster, follow Route 272 south through Willow Street, passed WDAC-FM to the top of the hill at Truce Road. Turn right on Truce Road. Continue west on Truce Road to Rawlinsville. Turn right on Rawlinsville Road. Travel a short distance and take the first right, onto Laurel Drive. Note: Laurel Drive is at the crest of the hill and somewhat obscured by trees. Proceed to the end of Laurel Drive and look for the Ray s Woods sign. Park on the cul-de-sac; take care not to block any driveways. Be careful pulling back out onto Rawlinsville Road on your way home. For a downloadable map: Go to LCC s website at browse Preserves then Ray s Woods. 4 Landview spring 2015

5 Nature Connection Camp Instructor: Keith Wilson, Nature Mentor Children ages 10 to 12 will be re-introduced to a most human birthright: dynamic awareness of nature. Join Nature Mentor, Keith Wilson, in rediscovering the joy and power in seeing (as well as hearing, smelling ) and understanding the natural world through games, primitive skills, and awareness tools! Learn valuable skills such as fire-building, tracking, plant-identification and, most importantly, be inspired to spend more time outside. ANIMAL NATURE Friday, June 26, 2015 Designed for all nature adventurers. Increase your awareness and appreciation of Lancaster County animal species. Track raccoon and stalk like foxes! The day will combine nature awareness exercises, observational tools, species-specific programs, tracking, and games to learn about animal behavior. MEET THE TREES Friday, July 31, 2015 Unravel the mysteries of our grandest plant neighbors through games, observation, species identification, and traditional uses of common native trees. Increase your awareness and appreciation of tree diversity! NATURE S TOOLS: MORE THAN SURVIVAL Friday, August 14, 2015 Unlocking the elemental power of fire requires understanding of trees, plants, weather, and even some physics! Learn primitive survival skills and deepen your connection to nature in the process! All three camps will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Susquehanna Riverlands Research & Education Center at Climber s Run Nature Preserve, 226 Frogtown Road, Pequea, PA Cost will be $50 per child for each day camp. Register for all three camps at a discount for $135. Please register 7 days prior to the event date for each camp. Children should bring a bagged lunch. Dress for outdoor conditions. FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO REGISTER, PLEASE CONTACT FRITZ SCHROEDER : FSCHROEDER@LANCASTERCONSERVANCY.ORG; X 207 INTERN PROFILE Mark Rooney Mark Rooney is interning with the Lancaster County Conservancy during the school year under the direction of Fritz Schroeder, Director of Urban Greening. Mark is a sophomore at Franklin & Marshall College, majoring in studying Government and Environmental Studies. His work at the Lancaster County Conservancy is focused on assisting Fritz with various urban greening initiatives, as well as identifying and developing a system to market the Conservancy s preserves to a wider audience. Mark is very grateful for the opportunity to work with the LCC, where he is able to combine his passion for conservation with his interest in urban sustainability and city dynamics. spring 2015 Landview 5

6 LCC EDUCATION NEWS Environmental Education By Mike Burcin Through education programs, the Lancaster County Conservancy continues to connect people with nature and create personal and meaningful experiences in nature, as well as contribute to the creation of an environmental ethic in Lancaster. As a result of funding from the Hershey Company, underserved city youth were provided opportunities to experience Climbers Run Nature Preserve and the Susquehanna Riverlands Research and Education Center during the summer and fall of Environmental education programs and fitness activities opportunities were provided. Summer 2014 Children ages 5-12 visited Climbers Run for nature field trips, stream studies, nature hikes and nature journaling. 6 Landview spring 2015

7 LCC EDUCATION NEWS Fall 2014 Four year old children from Lancaster Head Start partnered with LCC for fifteen field trips to Climbers Run. To learn more about the Conservancy s Educational programs, visit our website at To view a slideshow of the Head Start field trip, go to education/connecting-with-nature and click on Head Start - October 2014 STAY CONNECTED WITH CONSERVANCY NEWS! Find us on Facebook, visit our website, and sign up for our newsletter. spring 2015 Landview 7

8 STEWARDSHIP Spring Stewardship Preserve Highlights! CLIMBERS RUN NATURE PRESERVE Early in the year, LCC partnered with Donegal Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on the Climbers Run wildlife habitat and stream restoration project. Restoration of 2,400 feet of the stream and 17 acres of adjacent natural areas included the installation of mud sills, log, rock and rubble vanes and removal of debris jams to promote healthy native brook trout and other aquatic populations along the stream. More than 50 volunteers turned out on multiple work days to help clean up trash, remove invasive species and identify native species for preservation. This project highlighted positive collaborative partnership efforts with Donegal Trout Unlimited, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, adjacent neighbors, and volunteers from many organizations including PA Master Naturalist, Sierra Club, AmeriCorps VISTA, and LCC to improve preserve wildlife habitat conditions. KELLYS RUN PINNACLE NATURE PRESERVE: Before you visit this preserve check out the new interactive Biological Survey created by Millersville University Students and Professors at pdf. Take this survey with you on your visit and see what species you can identify! PYFER NATURE PRESERVE: LCC recently recognized the Pyfer Nature Preserve on our website. In 1986 the Conservancy purchased a 14.8 acre property from John F. Pyfer, Jr. and his wife, Carol T. Pyfer who designated the lands as the Pyfer Nature Preserve in honor of John s parents, John F. and Myrtle G. Pyfer, who passed away in The Pyfer family has a long history of caring about the conservation of natural lands and outreach in the community. This tract of land is located adjacent to the LCC s other 12 parcels acquired from 1983 to 2003 which together form Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve. SHENKS FERRY WILDFLOWER PRESERVE: LCC will soon unveil a new bulletin board design in the existing kiosk at this well-known 56-acre preserve that transferred from PPL to the LCC in April The new design highlights the diversity and abundance of distinct, native wildflowers found within the sloped ravine along Grubb Hollow, as well as new maps, bird species observed, and additional information. WELSH MOUNTAIN NATURE PRESERVE: In the fall of 2014, LCC installed a rain garden at the parking lot at the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve. Collaborative efforts between East Earl Township, Caernarvon Township, and the Welsh Mountain Committee helped to bring the project to fruition, in addition to support from Lake Roeder Hillard and Associates, Martin Tree Service, Lyons and Hohl Paving, Hock Sealcoating, and Sauders Nursery. A new kiosk and trails will welcome visitors to this 906 acre preserve. Stay tuned! A grand opening will be announced for fall IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP ON OUR VOLUNTEER LIST OR KNOW ANYONE WHO MIGHT WANT TO JOIN US PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE AT: /VOLUNTEER-2/. 8 Landview Spring 2015

9 Fall BioBlitz 2014 Wrap-up & Spring BioBlitz 2015 Invite! Last fall local professors, students, scouts, naturalists, and members of the public took part in a 24-hour Fall BioBlitz at Climbers Run Nature Preserve. Over 80 participants joined in to observe and help inventory 516 species on our 82-acre preserve! Here s an overview of the species discovered: CLIMBERS RUN SPECIES AS OF FEB 5, 2015: Birds: 55 Fishes: 10 Fungi: 2 Herps: 14 Invertebrates: 189 Mammals: 12 Plants: 234 Total: 516 Check out the Climbers Run Nature Atlas Portal that has been prepared for data basing and mapping the biological data found at: Join the Lancaster County Conservancy for the 2015 Spring BioBlitz on May 16th and 17th at Climbers Run Nature Preserve home of the Lancaster County Conservancy s new Susquehanna Riverlands Research and Education Center (SRREC). Citizens and scientists will join together again to complete a spring biological inventory of flora and fauna at the preserve. Multiple activities will be available for all levels of experience, the general public, students, young adults and children, as well as scientists and naturalists! If you are interested in learning more about nature check out our website for more details! The BioBlitz begins at Noon on Saturday May 16th with a welcoming ceremony and will conclude at Noon on Sunday May, 17th with a closing slideshow and summary of species identified. SAVE THE DATE Spring BioBlitz 2015 SATURDAY, MAY 16TH AT NOON UNTIL SUNDAY, MAY 17TH AT NOON The event is FREE however registration is required and a donation of $10.00 is welcomed. Please check our website for the program of events and registration information. TO REGISTER, PLEASE GO TO : FOR QUESTIONS, CONTACT : Nancy Beachler at (717) , x 211, nbeachler@lancasterconservancy.org CLIMBERS RUN NATURE PRESERVE 226 Frogtown Road Pequea, PA BioBlitz is a 24-hour race against the clock to count as many species as possible: birds, bugs, butterflies, frogs, fish, fungi, mammals, plants, trees you name it!! spring 2015 Landview 9

10 STEWARDSHIP What is the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape? By Kate Gonick The Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape encompasses the Susquehanna River and riverside lands in York and Lancaster counties and includes all the municipalities that touch the river in York and Lancaster Counties. Conservation Landscapes are a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) place based strategy. The goals of Conservation Landscapes focus on protection of natural resources and stewardship of key Pennsylvania landscapes based on local support for land conservation, recreation and historic tourism, and community revitalization efforts. DCNR has identified 7 Conservation Landscapes in Pennsylvania with the Susquehanna Riverlands being the most recently designated. For more information on Pennsylvania s Conservation Landscapes see dcnr.state.pa.us/cli/aboutcli/index.htm. The Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape developed from the large landscape protection project within the lower Susquehanna, known as the PPL project. The PPL project involved over 15 years of planning by partners including DCNR, The Conservation Fund, PPL, the National Park Service, Lancaster and York Counties, Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area, and others and is continuing to be implemented with acquisitions by the Conservancy of PPL lands each year. The Conservancy serves as the external lead organization for the Susquehanna Riverlands and is the organization responsible for implementing, with partnership support, this nationally recognized land protection effort. The Conservancy s Director of Land Protection was invited to present with DCNR at the first National Workshop on Large Landscape Conservation in Washington, D.C. The Susquehanna Riverlands started with the PPL project, but this landscape effort is much more. In addition to the PPL land acquisitions and stewardship projects within the Susquehanna Riverlands, work within this landscape includes efforts with county and local tourism, business groups, and municipalities on economic revitalization of the river-towns of Columbia, Wrightsville, Marietta, and Pequea; work with Lancaster County, Lancaster County Solid Waste Municipal Authority, and the municipalities on completion of the Lancaster County Northwest River Trail; Manor Township s Low Grade Trail; completion of improvements to the Zimmerman Center at Long Level including installation of a dock and boat launch; construction of the Columbia Riverfront Park and Trail Service Building; work with the National Park Service on the Captain John Smith Connector Trail; and municipal outreach and heritage and business partnerships. Check our website for events and times and stay tuned to Landview for future updates on the Conservancy s work within the Susquehanna Riverlands. 10 Landview spring 2015

11 Susquehanna Riverlands Funding & Mini-Grants By Fritz Schroeder Thanks to funding received from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR), the Lancaster County Conservancy has been afforded the opportunity to award grants that range from $2,500 to $25,000 for projects that focus on land conservation and preservation, stream and habitat restoration, passive recreation development, locally driven planning, and community economic revitalization efforts. These projects are meant to promote the Susquehanna Riverlands area and achieve the goals set by the partners. One such award winner was Donegal Intermediate School, who, along with 935 third to sixth grade students, worked with local artists to design and install a tile mosaic on the retaining wall in the East Donegal Riverfront Park. Along a similar vein of collaboration, the Lancaster Creative Factory won an award to work with students, artists, fabricators, and volunteers to create artistic permanent benches along the Northwest River Trail. Additionally, Columbia Borough was awarded funding to hire professionals to develop a management and operation plan for the newly completed building at the Columbia River Park. The building will serve as a trail head for the Northwest River Trail. Winners in York County include Hellam Township, who is receiving funding to install a demonstration rain garden, rain barrels, and native plant gardens to educate the public on how storm water run-off can be managed in a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing manner, and the York County Park Foundation Charitable Trust to install interpretive signage at Highpoint Scenic Vista. The signage will highlight the natural, cultural, and historic resources of York County s Highpoint Scenic Vista, and will include a QR code directing visitors to a website on the Susquehanna Riverlands region. The Lancaster Area Solid Waste Management Authority also won one of the Susquehanna Riverlands grants to install a unified and comprehensive interpretive signage system along the Northwest River Trail to help highlight the natural, historic, and scenic resources of the Susquehanna River. These signs will also tell historic stories from early settlements, industry, and trade practices along the river, as well as describe and specify native habitats and wildlife along the trail. The Lancaster County Community Foundation s EXTRAORDINARY GIVE returns this fall for all 24 hours of Friday, November 20. Last year, the people of Lancaster County gave $4,474,027 to support the work of local community benefit organizations, including the Lancaster County Conservancy! Your tremendous response resulted in a 9th place ranking for the Conservancy in number of donors responding, and a 15th place ranking in funds raised. Thank you to the Lancaster County Community Foundation and to YOU for this very special support. Together, we have fun, and make a HUGE impact on Lancaster County! NOV. 20 FOR 24 HOURS spring 2015 Landview 11

12 Events Calendar LCC & SHANK S MARE Spring Paddle Tours SPRING/SUMMER: May 16/17 Bio Blitz, Climbers Run Nature Preserve June 4 - June 7 Millersville Native Plant Conference Millersville Universtiy June 13 LCC Annual Picnic and Member meeting Climbers Run Nature Preserve June 26 Animal Nature Camp Climbers Run Nature Preserve June 21 Petroglyphs Paddle Tour, Pequea, Lancaster County July 19 Conestoga River Paddle Tour Rock Hill July 31 Meet the Trees Nature Camp Climbers Run Nature Preserve August 9 Tucquan Glen Hike & Paddle Tucquan Glen August 14 Nature s Tools: More than Survival Nature Camp Climbers Run Nature Preserve LOOKING AHEAD: October 23 LCC Dine on Harvest Moon November 20 The Extraordinary Give THE PETROGLYPHS PADDLE TOUR Sunday June 21, 10am 4pm Native American Rock Art is visible on several large rocks located in the Susquehanna River on Lake Aldred. This paddle tour will embark from Pequea, Lancaster County, paddle to the rocks, and return to the Pequea launch. A Shank s Mare guide will lead the paddling, with a guided tour of the Rock Art conducted by a local expert. Paddlers will have packed lunches on-board their kayaks spending most of the day in and among the rocks viewing the art. The tour is open to all participants 12 years of age and older with some physical dexterity and strength required. Price (including kayaks, paddles and life vests, guides, and lunch): $99/Person, minimum of 10 to a maximum of 14 persons CONESTOGA RIVER PADDLE TOUR Sunday July 19, 10am 3pm Follow guides down this gently flowing river winding through the Lancaster County countryside. The put-in for the tour is Rock Hill, with the take-out at Pequea. Paddlers will see the Lancaster landscape from a different perspective as they paddle with the gentle flow of the Conestoga. This tour is open to participants 10 years of age and older with some physical dexterity and strength required. Price (including kayaks, paddles and life vests, guided paddle tour, shuttle and lunch): $99/Person, minimum of 10 to a maximum of 14 persons TUCQUAN GLEN HIKE & PADDLE Sunday August 9, 10am 4pm Paddle the Susquehanna River embarking at Pequea and heading to Tucquan Glen. Park your kayaks and hit the trail exploring the beautiful natural area of Tucquan Glen. Take a break for lunch, then board your kayaks for a return trip to Pequea. The tour is open to participants 12 years and older with some physical dexterity and strength required. Price (including kayaks, paddles and life vests, guided paddle tour, hike, and lunch): $99/Person, minimum of 10 to a maximum of 20 persons All paddlers must reserve their spot in advance by contacting Shank s Mare Outfitters at Reference the Lancaster County Conservancy paddle tours when calling. 12 Landview spring 2015

13 LCC MEMBERSHIP By Terri Shuman Now and from the Beginning, Supporters Keep LCC Strong 1969 Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Revelers filled the fields at Woodstock. The first ATM began dispensing cash. Sesame Street made its television debut. The Beatles released Abbey Road. More than 80,000 barrels of crude oil gushed into the Santa Barbara Channel and fouled 37+ miles of California coastline. The severely polluted Cuyahoga River caught fire. Public outcry following these disasters contributed to the establishment of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Lancaster County Conservancy was founded by a group of sportsmen, concerned about the alarming loss of natural land in our county. FROM 1969 TO 2015, THANK YOU, CONSERVANCY SUPPORTERS. LCC 46 YEARS ON You have kept the Conservancy strong and effective throughout these 46 years. Because of your support and trust, we all share 38 nature preserves open 365 days a year 5,473 acres of protected natural land 32.5 miles of hiking trails A million trees protected Countless outdoor memories One shared legacy to pass to future generations Why Does Your Continued Support Matter? Because clean air, fresh water, and wild places are vital to every generation Nature s season of renewal is coming. We are reminded of the Conservancy s impact every spring when clean water flows downstream from our forests, Lancaster County s hillsides and meadows fill with birdsong, and outdoor enthusiasts take to the trail. As you make plans to go outside on our beautiful nature preserves to watch springtime unfold, please consider a gift to the Conservancy. You know our track record. The Conservancy gets results and creates impact. Your support, from 1969 to right now, is what allows us to save natural land, green our cities and share nature with children. Your special springtime gift helps us sustain and grow this shared legacy. spring 2015 Landview 13

14 MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Native Plants in the Landscape Conference at Millersville University Thursday, June 4th Saturday, June 6 The 24th Native Plants in the Landscape Conference brings together a diverse group of presenters and one-of-a kind field trips for local professionals and plant enthusiasts alike. To register and learn about this informative conference visit Experience any or all of the following: Inspirational Field Trips Educational Workshops Engaging Topics of Concern Native Plant & Book Sale Native Plant Merchandise FOR MORE INFORMATION, OR TO REGISTER VISIT: This conference offers you the opportunity to learn more about native plant and animal diversity and highlights the ecological value of native plants in our landscapes. In addition to the exceptional speaker line up, visit a variety of native plant vendors offering common to unusual native plants that will benefit and beautify your landscape! The Lancaster County Conservancy is proud to join other partner organizations in presenting a Thursday, June 4 Green Infrastructure Tour and for sponsoring the Saturday workshops with a specific focus on transforming your residential backyard. Please join us! Nature Play: Nurturing Children and Strengthening Conservation through Connections to the Land The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has published a guide to nature play. You can view or download the beautifully illustrated edition at ConservationTools.org or access the text-only edition. Unstructured, frequent childhood play in informal outdoor settings powerfully boosts the cognitive, creative, physical, social and emotional development of children. It also engenders deep conservation values-more so than any other factor. If we want future generations to carry on the work of conservation, then we need to be paying attention to what is happening in childhood. To make conservation efforts endure, we must emotionally connect children to nature. Part 1 of this guide explores the essential characteristics of nature play, the benefits nature play provides and the societal barriers to it. Part 2 describes the array of concrete actions that organizations may take to restore nature play to children s lives. This includes the creation of spaces for nature play, which don t have to be expensive ventures, and the various features that can be added or enhanced in a play space to make it more attractive to kids and effective in promoting nature play. A copy of the publication is available online at: Hard copies may be requested by calling Landview spring 2015

15 Lancaster County Conservancy s 7th Annual Dinner and Auction Friday evening, October 23, 2015 Lancaster Country Club Your support of Harvest Moon advances the Conservancy s work to protect natural lands, green our cities and share nature with children Because clean air, fresh water, and wild places are vital to every generation. Don t miss it! We filled every seat last year! CELEBRATE... the work of the Conservancy that you make possible! RELISH... a delectable dinner and fine wines DISCOVER and BID... on fabulous items and experiences spring 2015 Landview 15

16 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Lancaster, PA Permit No. 243 P.O. Box 716 Lancaster, PA Phone: Fax: We encourage dissemination of this material Lancaster County Conservancy Design: Modern Art BOARD & STAFF Lancaster County Conservancy BOARD OF DIRECTORS Richard A. Minnich, Chair Carol Simpson, Vice Chair Andrea Campbell, Chair Urban Greening William K. Ebel Jr., Chair Stewardship Elizabeth H. Phillips-Hershey, Ph.D., Chair Education Eric A. Nordstrom, Chair Land Protection Angela M. Sargent, Chair Development Curtis L. Miller, CPA, Treasurer Richard M. Rankin, Secretary Jill D. Brewster, CPA David R. Dobbins, Ph.D. Henry W. Huffnagle, M.D. Timothy R. Martin John McGrann Carl Pike, Ph.D. Patricia T. Stockwell Max B. Tribble Stefanie B. Valar STAFF Mike Burcin, CEO/COO and Director of Education Jerry Fulmer, Finance Administrator/Consultant Kathie Shirk Gonick, Director of Land Protection & In-House Counsel Fritz Schroeder, Director of Urban Greening Theresa Shuman, Director of Development Thomas Stahl, Director of Stewardship Nancy Beachler, Administrative Assistant Lydia Martin, Education Specialist & Land Steward Betty Moyer, Office Administrator MISSION Because clean air, fresh water, and wild places are vital to every generation.