The Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania Chapter

Farming represents the backbone of Pennsylvania's heritage and economy. However, in the 21st century, the agriculture industry faces pressing challenges related to producing enough food, fuel, and fiber to support a rapidly increasing population without harming our lands and waters.

In Lancaster County, The Nature Conservancy is working with farmers and agri-businesses to promote practices that improve water quality in streams and rivers. We are actively participating in a statewide alliance of farmers, agri-businesses, government agencies, researchers, and conservationists seeking science-based practices that safeguard lands and waters and assists local growers with meeting the rising demand for food. 

The Nature Conservancy’s ongoing work with Pennsylvania farmers includes the restoration of a stream that flows across a portion of its Acopian Preserve, a 108-acre pocket of protected lands nestled within rural Lancaster County. Over the years, TNC has implemented prescribed burns to naturally control vegetation growth and return nutrients to the soils, as well as return grazing to the Acopian landscape with cattle and goats.

In the Acopian Preserve, spring-fed mountain streams trickle down into the sandstone valley below. In scattered areas across the valley, the water collects to form soft, muddy wet meadows that contain clumps of grassy tussock sedges and other low-lying vegetation. This combination of natural elements, creates ideal habitat for one of the state’s most important populations of federally endangered bog turtle.