Marsh Creek Land Preserved

Only traces remain of the homestead of Civil War landowner S. Johns, located within the Gettysburg National Military Park historic district on the now-preserved property of Charles and Lynn Skopic.  With an appreciation for history and destiny, the Skopics have made the decision to protect their 28 acres from future development by placing a conservation easement on their land, which they have named Foxfield.

    The Skopics purchased the property in 1985, but didn’t move to Gettysburg until 1998.  They joined the Land Conservancy soon after settling in and talked of conserving their land “some day.”  The inception of the Marsh Creek Watershed Protection Project, along with the encouragement of neighbor Jim Paddock, was the catalyst to put into practice their dream of preservation.

    The Marsh Creek Project began in December 2001, when the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection granted the Adams County Conservation District funds to be used for the protection of the watershed and preservation of the lands surrounding it, in order to assure that quality water drains into Marsh Creek from surrounding areas. The funds provided were a portion of penalties paid by the former Westinghouse Electric Corporation for violations of the Clear Streams Law.  Thus far, nearly 610 acres have been protected through the Marsh Creek Project.

    Mowed walking paths, which are part of a trail system, lead through the Skopics’ open meadow, early stage forest, and along a small stream.  Wildlife denizens include deer, raccoon, rabbit, and fox.  Birds inhabitants range from turkey, geese, and ducks to songbirds. Nesting boxes are placed to attract bluebirds, tree swallows, and other species.  The footpath, named Fox Run Trail, is open to members of the Land Conservancy of Adams County.  Fox Run Trail includes both the Skopic and Paddock properties, and makes accessible over 128 acres of preserved land for the enjoyment of Conservancy members.

    The Land Conservancy of Adams County is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to permanently preserve the rural lands and character of Adams County.  For more information about the Conservancy or for information on how you can protect your land legacy, contact Sidney Kuhn at lcac@acc.pa.net or call 334-2828.

Contributed by Paul Doerwald