LANDVIEW. Saving natural places for people & wildlife BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF. NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Lancaster, PA Permit NO.

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1 NON-PROFIT ORG US Postage PAID Lancaster, PA Permit NO 243 THE MAGAZINE OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY CONSERVANCY AUTUMN 2011 LANDVIEW Lancaster County Conservancy PO Box 716, n Lancaster PA Phone n Fax: conserve@lancasterconservancyorg wwwlancasterconservancyorg STAFF Ralph H Goodno President & CEO rgoodno@lancasterconservancyorg Kathie Shirk Gonick, JD, MA Director of Land Protection kgonick@lancasterconservancyorg Theresa W Shuman Director of Development tshuman@lancasterconservancyorg Derek H Reese Special Gifts Officer dreese@lancasterconservancyorg Ann C Johnson Marketing & Communications ann@lancasterconservancyorg Nickolas P Ebersole Community Outreach Associate & Land Protection Assistant nebersole@lancasterconservancyorg Thomas R Stahl Forester tstahl@lancasterconservancyorg Betty A Moyer Office Administrator bmoyer@lancasterconservancyorg Gerald J Fulmer Vice President, Administration & Finance jfulmer@lancasterconservancyorg Nathan D Ruckinger Conservation Planner nruckinger@lancasterconservancyorg BOARD OF DIRECTORS HENRY W HUFFNAGLE, MD Chair ERIC N ATHEY, ESQ Vice Chair Land Protection ELIZABETH H PHILLIPS-HERSHEY, PHD Vice Chair Stewardship RICHARD A MINNICH Vice Chair Development CURTIS L MILLER, CPA Treasurer JOHN W KERLISH Secretary WILLIAM K EBEL, JR JEREMY H CHASE ROBERT B MARCHALONIS ERIC A NORDSTROM RICHARD M RANKIN DONALD K ROSEMAN ANGELA M SARGENT PATRICIA T STOCKWELL SARAH N VANDERSLICE TIMOTHY M ZIMMERMAN LANDVIEW We encourage sharing of this material 2011 Lancaster County Conservancy Editor: Bette Phillips-Hershey Designer: Ann Johnson Cover photo: George Stiles Cover photo of the Susquehanna River from Pinnacle overlook Saving natural places for people & wildlife acres and growing

2 Very few organizations, agencies or companies can be successful without partners Especially when it comes to doing good for the public, we all need to collaborate to make a difference And for charitable organizations, with over 600 of us in Lancaster County alone, collaboration is not only highly desirable but necessary We are all supported by basically the same donor and volunteer base, and that base generally supports organizations that not only represent a good cause and do good work, but also do it efficiently and produce results These donors want to see results, improvement in our lives or the lives of others, and that is easier to accomplish in collaboration with others LETTER FROM THE President LETS GO O U T SID E! Autumn Foliage Hike Trout Run Nature Preserve Saturday, October 29, AM to 12 noon THE MISSION OF Lancaster County Conservancy is to save and steward the ecosystems and landscapes upon which we depend for food, clean water and air, economic and public health, and the restoration of soul and spirit This issue of LandView is about collaboration, about partnerships and about success We often write about joint projects like programs with Lancaster County Parks and our partnership to restore the American Chestnut with the American Chestnut Foundation, other community organizations and local businesses But there are so many more partnerships and collaborations that we thought we should highlight some of them in this issue of LandView I want to impress on the reader how valuable these partnerships are in achieving our mission and making a difference Without them and without our members, we could not be successful So I hope you take a few minutes to read about some of our partners Those like Lancaster County Planning Commission and County Parks, Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area, LIVE Green, Habitat MT, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Lancaster County Community Foundation and many others I am sure that you will see how valuable we consider these partners and that we spend a lot of time promoting our partners and partnerships We all win when each partner brings its own expertise and resources to the table - and comes away with a sense of accomplishment and friendship This is a great chance to get outside and explore the natural beauty of Lancaster County in all the color and splendor of Autumn Lisa Sanchez, naturalist with the County Park, will lead this hike Please wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly For directions, visit the Our Properties page and click on directions to the preserves on our website at wwwlancasterconservancyorg Please RSVP to Ann Johnson at , Ext 202 or ann@lancasterconservancyorg by October 24 Evening Owl Prowl Steinman Run Nature Preserve Saturday, December 10, :30 to 7:30PM Join naturalist Lisa Sanchez for a quiet twilight walk as we search for the elusive and silent owls that haunt the woods at Steinman Run Nature Preserve Please dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight For directions, visit the Our Properties page and click on directions to the preserves on our website at wwwlancasterconservancyorg Please RSVP to Ann Johnson at , Ext 202 or ann@lancasterconservancyorg by Turkey Hill Trail closed Access to the full length of the Turkey Hill Trail (THT) is not possible at this time due to construction on the neighboring properties owned by Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority The Turkey Hill Trail's southern parking access is temporarily closed due to the relocation of several large electrical transmission towers as well as the ongoing expansion of the landfill facility Ralph H Goodno President & CEO The Turkey Hill Trail from the southern parking access to the new observation deck on LCSWMA's property is also closed Hikers can still utilize the trail from the northern parking area and hike up to the observation deck to a view of the river and the PPL Wind Turbines, but the observation deck is currently the trail turnaround point Visitors are asked not to hike beyond the overlook at the top of the hill until construction is complete The entire THT will re-open when construction is complete in late 2012 Signs are posted along the trail and at the parking areas to indicate this trail closure 2 3

3 COUNTYParks setting to the Theodore Parker Natural Area's rural setting in the woodlands along Stewart Run in the southeastern part of the County All County parks and services are also open to non-residents County Parks staff Paul Weiss and John Ulaky worked with the Conservancy to protect the Welsh Mountain Preserve The Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation County Parks continues to be a strong partner with the seeks to preserve and manage significant tracts of land and Conservancy LCC staff and volunteers have served on water for recreation and for conservation of scenic, historical, committees that provide input and support to the Parks geological and ecologically significant areas The Department program including master plan committee for County Park and is also committed to improving the well being of County Buchmiller Park We partnered on the new Conestoga residents by providing facilities and programs that encourage Greenway Trail in the City and Lancaster Township and are participation in outdoor activities and foster personal action for currently collaborating on planning for Welsh Mountain the conservation of natural resources Preserve and Money Rocks Park We jointly host outdoor events led by Park Naturalist Lisa Sanchez Recent programs With six regional parks and three recreational trails, the and hikes include Lisa's "Owl Prowl, Summer Stream Study, Department manages a total of 2,055 acres Regional parks Fall Foliage Hike, and Winter Wildlife Tracking, to name a range in level of development from Central Park's more urban few HABITATM T Overlook Park during the first two planting seasons Their work at Overlook is exactly what the Conservancy is pushing in regard to landscape restoration and backyard stewardship Additional key members of this team include representatives of the Audubon Society, Lancaster Bird Club, Lancaster Herpetological Society, Muhlenberg Botanical Society and the HabitatMT was authorized in January 2010 by the Manheim churches and neighborhood organizations who provide critical Township Commissioners to assist in implementing volunteer planting and maintenance work This team works in environmental initiatives outlined in the Green Infrastructure three key areas: on Manheim Township municipal and school element of the updated Lancaster County Comprehensive properties, with interested homeowners associations and Plan This effort is being by led by Marylou Barton, an individual property owners Their primary focus is to create a attorney recently retired from the Pa Department of much healthier ecosystem by concentrating on native plants Environmental Protection, assisted by four Master Gardeners, which provide most of the sustenance for all our native Manheim Township Public Works Department, Lancaster animals: insects, amphibians, reptiles birds and mammals In County Conservancy and numerous citizen volunteers addition to providing essential food and living space for our native animals, these plantings, once established, usually result Over 8,000 native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants have in substantial reductions in mowing and related maintenance been planned for, planted and established, primarily in MT's costs LANCASTER COUNTY PLANNING Commission The Conservancy has partnered with the County on numerous natural lands projects over the past two-decades The County relies on the Conservancy to preserve its most ecologically sensitive and important natural lands Studies and documents that the LCPC authorized guided and supported the Conservancy in securing grants and protecting parcels of land The Lancaster County Planning Commission is a branch of to further our mission and implement county-wide plans Lancaster County government and is the only agency that Some of the important acquisitions are the following: the comprehensively addresses county-wide planning issues The Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve, PPL lands, Donegal Commission prepares and implements county policies and Highlands, additions to Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve, plans that support federal and state planning responsibilities Octoraro Creek riparian buffer, Texter Mountain Nature These policies protect the health, safety, and welfare of our Preserve, as well as House Rock, Reed Run, Windolph residents: provide leadership in the management of growth and Landing, Shiprock Woods and many others change in the county; and balance the desire to preserve the cultural and natural uniqueness of Lancaster County with the "The Conservancy has protected over 4,500 acres through need to address changes to the economic, social and built acquisition or conservation easement and without Lancaster environment County's and the Planning Commission's support, this total would be much less" 4 Green LIVE awareness among residential and commercial property owners to remedy problems of stormwater on the City's finances and water quality from the Conestoga River to the Chesapeake Bay LIVE Green s residential education program reached thousands of urban residents and prompted planting of some 500 trees and In partnership with the Lancaster County Conservancy, LIVE installed 400 rain barrels, complementing the Conservancy's Green is expanding its efforts in the City bringing an enhanced "Backyard Stewardship" efforts in suburban and rural areas of the compliment of expertise to implement the City's green county LIVE Green co-led the implementation of the infrastructure plan Together, we'll be improving and restoring Lancaster County Roof Greening program which resulted in the water quality from natural landscapes to urban streetscapes installation of nine green roofs at three elementary schools, Groff Funeral Home and Franklin & Marshall College LIVE Green's commitment to build environmentally strong and healthy communities with special emphasis on the City of The City of Lancaster released it s 2011 Green Infrastructure Lancaster supports the Conservancy's efforts to curb pollution Plan ; a comprehensive strategy to address stormwater issues in starting in the city to the Chesapeake Bay Over the past four Lancaster The plan is to provide livable, sustainable years, LIVE Green and the Conservancy have been working to neighborhoods for City residents and eliminate its sewer raise awareness about stormwater pollution - its causes and its overflows These overflows - about 1 billion gallons per year - consequences to our environment Our combined efforts raise are a source of pollution to the Conestoga River and beyond 5

4 DCNR PENNSYLVANIA Foundation LANCASTER COUNTY COMMUNITY work and support through the county Planning Commission, The Community Foundation has been directly supporting the The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) has been a long time partner of the Lancaster County Conservancy PA DCNR has partially funded many of the Conservancy's land acquisition, planning grants, and stewardship projects The Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Fund is PA DCNR's primary source of funding for recreation, park, trail, and land and river conservation planning; acquisition of open space, trail corridors, and critical habitat; as well as for the development of parks, trails, and other public recreation facilities The majority of eligible applicants include municipal entities and nonprofit organizations The Conservancy has worked on many projects with DCNR staff, often in partnership with other organizations DCNR's the City of Lancaster, Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area and others is usually a key factor in assisting in a wide range of conservation and recreational projects, and is often a critical component of getting these projects off the ground Lori Yeich, a Natural Resource Program Supervisor with PA DCNR, has been our contact over the years Lori is passionate about seeing land protected and is a valuable partner assisting in all matters concerning the Conservancy's land protection and planning efforts Examples of projects which PA DCNR has partially funded include the following: Conestoga Greenway Trail, Susquehanna Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI), PPL Phase 1, Donegal Highlands, Octoraro Creek, Welsh Mountain Preserve, Texter Mountain Preserve, additions to Tucquan Glen, additions to Steinman Run, Reed Run and many others The extent of LCC's land protection could not have been accomplished without the vital support of PADCNR Their name speaks partnership Their actions change lives for the better If you think the Lancaster County Community Foundation works behind the scenes, you'd be right But make no mistake, their voice, leadership and impact is deeply felt throughout this community The foundation empowers the nonprofit community by bringing people together to catalyze new ideas and create lasting change They value the collective impact Their mission is to "advance the vitality and well-being of the residents of Lancaster County by inspiring generosity and being responsible stewards of gifts for future generations" Conservancy for many years, including our work on the following: Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve, River Hills utility lands lease management and cultural resources inventory, Conservancy/LIVEGreen collaboration study, Urban Forest Center planning, Donor-designated fund management and Charitable Gift Annuities, Beiler Tract of Fishing Creek Nature Preserve, LCC web-based preserve guide, Land steward training, Origins of LCC's education program As the Foundation has evolved, the focus is increasingly on strengthening the nonprofit community in Lancaster County - not just on funding good projects, but making our community organizations stronger You'll see a pattern emerging One that comes from what the Lancaster County Community Foundation does best; they listen carefully, respond quickly, inspire giving and bring great strength to this extraordinary community we share Gateway SUSQUEHANNA HERITAGE Members LANCASTER COUNTY CONSERVANCY We would also like to issue a call to action As many of you SGHA is based at The John & Kathryn Zimmerman Center are aware, only 16% of Lancaster County remains forested for Heritage, a historic home on the riverfront south of Natural lands have been a foundational component of our local Wrightsville culture and heritage; it has in many respects defined who we are today From the River Hills to the Welsh Mountain, our The staff of the SGHA, Mark Platts, Jonathan Pinkerton, natural resources are our most precious commodity, but one Marie Cartwright, and Pam Kilgore, are long time partners of that we must recognize is finite the Conservancy SGHA is currently partnering with the Conservancy as external leads on the PA DCNR designated Since 1969, our supporters have been a dedicated component Our call to action for our members is simple- continue The Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area (SGHA) enhances Lower Susquehanna Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI) of the Conservancy and our mission advocating for our natural lands and the wild things within our region's quality of life and economic vitality by promoting SGHA s role in the CLI project is to promote marketing and Continue supporting the Conservancy, whether by the preservation, conservation and interpretation of the economic development to realize community sustainability; Members are the lifeblood of any organization and we are volunteering your time or money or voice Get your friends Susquehanna River's cultural and natural heritage in both York The Conservancy s role is to conserve and protect the natural certainly no exception From our volunteer board of directors and family involved as well; go for a hike on one of our and Lancaster Counties SGHA works to build public and cultural resources of the Susquehanna River corridor and to outdoor educators to those who assist with stuffing preserves, tell your employer about our Green Teams program, awareness and understanding of the Susquehanna's value to our adjacent tributaries The CLI area includes the Susquehanna envelopes throughout the year; our members generously give join one of our committees, express your opinion to elected region, state and nation by preserving and enhancing the River corridor from south of Harrisburg to the Maryland their time, energy and financial support We would like to officials--- make a choice to continue making a difference by river's assets for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike border thank each of you for your dedication and commitment to supporting the natural lands of Lancaster County because when 6 Saving Nature they re gone they re gone for forever 7

5 2011 ANNUAL FUND 8 "SAVING NATURE" The Conservancy Puts Your Gifts to Work Every Day We hope you're considering a gift to the Conservancy's 2011 Annual Fund Perhaps you're asking yourself "How will my gift be used? Will my support really make a difference? Why should I support the Annual Fund?" Your gift to the Annual Fund Supports the mission of the Lancaster County Conservancy Our mission is to save and steward the ecosystems and landscapes upon which we depend for food, clean water and air, economic and public health and the restoration of soul and spirit Creates the essential annual financial foundation we need to move the Conservancy's programs ahead Our highly capable staff implements vibrant and well-run programs that are consistent with our strategic plan Finances the work to protect our treasured natural land, forever We protect natural lands by purchase, conservation easement, or gifting of high priority natural areas Provides access to our preserves and helps protect wildlife habitats We steward these lands to insure healthy wildlife habitat and safe recreational use by the public Helps people get outside We educate the public by working with schools, universities, municipalities and other groups to provide natural classrooms and to increase awareness and understanding of the value of nature Places us at the table to influence conversations, actions and outcomes for the common good We advocate by participating at all levels of government to improve policy and appropriations for natural lands protection and stewardship Helps us convey the importance of the Conservancy's mission We produce top quality communications including our preserve guide, newsletter LandView, eview, annual report and webpage We host nature walks, trail work days, an annual member picnic and many other public events designed to connect people to nature Photo courtesy of Nick Gould How exactly is the Conservancy funded? The Conservancy is a 42 year old private, non-governmental, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose operating funds come primarily from the generous support of our individual and corporate members via gifts to our Annual Fund We also undertake special fund raising initiatives and events Project and land acquisition funds generally come from major donors, foundations and government agencies as one-time gifts The Conservancy is uniquely positioned to leverage private donations with public monies so that your Annual Fund dollars have maximum impact The Annual Fund is an absolutely essential source of funding for the success of the Conservancy Our work takes time, tools and travel, all of which are supported by the Annual Fund Your support is what has helped the Conservancy accomplish so much: Permanent protection of 4,732 acres at last count of important natural land that includes a transaction in progress with PPL that will protect 2,500+ more acres of lands along both sides of the lower Susquehanna River We recently purchased 408 acres as part of the Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve creating a wonderful community greenspace Active management of these lands in a green network of 32 public nature preserves that we own outright and 1000 acres of conservation easement lands where we hold the development rights to insure that the property is protected while owned by others Collaboration with school districts to advance environmental education through the use of our preserves as outdoor classrooms More than 2,500 students visit our preserves annually as part of organized classes Establishment of a strong base of support with thousands of members, neighbors and partners Collaboration with our many partners, including many highlighted in this issue of LandView, to identify and protect rural, urban and suburban green spaces A keystone project in progress is the reclamation of landfill space for the Lancaster Urban Forest Center We - and you - have created a strong, credible and vibrant organization that works hard to keep the promises we have made to our community When you support the Lancaster County Conservancy's Annual Fund, you are Saving Nature right here at home, right now It's that SIMPLE It's that IMPORTANT Without you we wouldn't be where we are today Thank you very much for your ongoing support as we seek to reach our 2011 Annual Fund goal of $450,000 A planned gift is a special commitment you make to a trusted organization By including the Lancaster County Conservancy in your estate plans, you can help save and steward THOUSANDS of acres, help provide habitat for MILLIONS of creatures, and help make possible HUNDREDS of memories - all with your ONE lasting gift A planned gift is a simple way to support the Conservancy and all it stands for, now and into the future You can choose to name the Conservancy as the beneficiary of a trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or financial account Did you know there are also ways you can support the natural world you love while providing yourself with income and significant tax savings? A Charitable Gift Annuity is one example Sample Annuity Payments are listed below for a $10,000 Gift*: Age Rate Annuity Tax Deduction 60 48% $480 $2, % $580 $3, % $750 $4, % $840 $5,942+ *For annual payment to single beneficiary These figures are for illustration purposes only Please consult your financial professional before making a charitable gift P lanned Giving The Tucquan Society Many Choices, Countless Benefits, One Legacy And of course, whatever your chosen planned gift might be, it qualifies you for membership in the Tucquan Society If you are interested in making a planned gift to the Conservancy or would like more information on available options, please contact our Director of Development, Terri Shuman at: Phone: ext tshuman@lancasterconservancyorg Mail: PO Box 716, Lancaster, PA New Tucquan Society Members P Edmund Bechtold Violet F Helenthal Helen L Unger 9

6 The Lancaster County Conservancy cordially invites you to Dine on Harvest Moon The 3rd Annual Conservancy Dinner & Auction Friday, October 28, 2011 Lancaster Country Club, 1466 New Holland Pike 6:00 pm - The Moon Rises - Cash Bar, Hors d oeuvres, Silent Auction 8:00 pm - Dinner & Live Auction Seating is limited SAVOR A dinner menu celebrating our region's rich natural bounty Select Dinner Wines Champagne Reception with Hors d oeuvres R ecently a business owner asked me what she could do to help the Conservancy I simply told her to consider having her business become a supporter of Green Teams, which is our corporate partners' program She responded by asking, "Why in this economy does that make sense?" A great question why indeed? GREEN TEAMS Loss of natural lands can have a negative impact on the bottom line My background has primarily centered on the private sector, so I understand the economic conditions business owners and employers face today; times are tough and this cannot be underestimated But I wonder, are we worse off than during the Great Depression? Some would argue yes, while others would say no Regardless, it's not my place to create a debate within the pages of this publication But there is historical relevance During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933 that was funded with public dollars until 1942 At its core, the CCC's goal was to provide some relief for millions unable to find employment during this time The corps' mission, however, was to work on natural resource conservation throughout the nation It was one of the most successful and popular public works programs during this time with nearly 3 billion trees planted to help reforest America, as well as nearly 800 parks constructed In addition, it also led to greater awareness and appreciation of the nation's natural resources across a broad spectrum of society That's really great, but again you ask what does this have to do with Green Teams? Today, Conservancies and Land Trusts throughout the nation, including this organization, have assumed some of the conservation roles pioneered by Roosevelt's CCC We have become a private partner in a public matter - preservation and conservation of our natural resources, resources that impact us all Natural landscapes help clean the air, provide filters for pollution in our waterways, and provide opportunities for recreation Of course, these benefits come at a cost and this is why companies and businesses should consider Green Teams For example, water and air pollution can lead to lost productivity Fewer trees create vulnerable streams and lead to storm water management concerns and costs Lack of open space negatively impacts local recreational opportunities and quality of life From a positive perspective, more trees and native plants mean less mowing, landscape maintenance, and costly fertilizers on corporate properties So by supporting the Conservancy's Green Teams, businesses can make a difference - to your employees, your customers, and society Together we can benefit our economy, our communities, and our environment; and that's something on which we can all agree By supporting the Conservancy through GREEN TEAMS, businesses can make a difference to your employees, your customers and for our people and places Together we can benefit our economy, our communities, and our environment and that's something we can all agree upon Please contact Derek Reese at dreese@lancasterconservancorg to find out more about Green teams One-week winter lakeside escape to Edgeset Cabin near Denmark, Maine Two Center Court Tickets to a riveting Duke Blue Devils Men s Basketball Game Dinner and drinks at Andy Appel s classic Frogtown Road cottage Autographed Bat by Philadelphia Phillies star, Chase Utley WELCOME,Nate! Nate Ruckinger graduated from Penn State University in May 2011 where he received his Bachelors Degree in Landscape Architecture, with a focus on GIS and conservation Nate explains Most people associate landscape architecture with fancy back yards or gardens, but conservation, the preservation of our natural and wild areas for recreation and wildlife habitat, is also a growing field within the profession This is an area of focus that I am very passionate about and something I hope to pursue throughout my career Using GIS (Geographic Information System) software, we can map out areas of interest, parcels of land, and specific landscape features for an area These types of data can be used to classify an area according to geology, soil, flora, or geomorphology I have used GIS for over 3 years and have found it to be a highly useful tool when approaching projects related to conservation and preservation 10 Fabulous artwork by Laura Mark-Finberg, Suk Shuglie, Lisa Madenspacher, Chad Buffington, Beverly Zimmerman, and many others! Check our auction webpage for many more not-to-be-missed items! wwwlancasterconservancyorg/dineonharvestmoonauctionhtm Proxy bidding welcomed! Originally from Martinsburg, Pa, Nate grew up hunting and fishing with his family in central Pennsylvania, which is how he gained a passion for nature and the outdoors Nate has camped along the lower branches of the Juniata River for most of his life so being along the river is like a second home to him I am excited to work with Lancaster County Conservancy where I hope to offer my experience and knowledge wherever I may be of use 11