In June, the Lancaster County Conservancy announced the acquisition of a 44-acre addition to the 271-acre Steinman Run Nature Preserve in Martic Township. With this addition, the total contiguous protected interior forest is now 315 acres. Acquisition of this critical habitat, recreation, and water resource property was made possible by a generous donation from the owners Penny and Jim Bunting, as well as grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Keystone Fund, the Steinman Foundation, Lancaster County Community Foundation’s Lancaster Environmental Fund, and the Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation.
“Congratulations to the Lancaster County Conservancy and its many partners who worked hard to see this latest addition accomplished at the Steinman Run Nature Preserve,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Watershed and critical habitat protection, recreation, public access–it’s all here, justifying DCNR’s support of this effort, and adding even more to the intrinsic value of the Susquehanna Riverlands conservation landscape.”
Steinman Run Nature Preserve and this addition are within the DCNR conservation landscape known as the Susquehanna Riverlands. The Susquehanna Riverlands is an incredible landscape that stretches along the length of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster and York counties.
“Land conservation and stewardship build a foundation for economic development and community sustainability in the region and the Conservancy is proud to serve as the community lead for protection, enhancement, and economic growth initiatives within the Susquehanna Riverlands,” said Phil Wenger, Conservancy president and CEO.
This addition to Steinman Run Nature Preserve includes two springs and seeps, and a tributary to Steinman Run, which ultimately flows to the Chesapeake Bay.
“Protection of this property is part of the Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to preserve critical water resource protection lands,” said Kate Gonick, director of land protection. Combined with rocky outcroppings, these water features provide a variety of habitats for native plants and wildlife and a scenic backdrop for recreation.
The property will be managed as part of the Steinman Run Preserve and open to the public for recreation and relaxation 365 days a year, dawn to dusk.
“Please come and visit this wonderful property,” said the Buntings. “Step into the wilderness–close to home.”
