The Lebanon Valley Conservancy

The Lebanon Valley Conservancy was first formed in 2000 by a group of dedicated individuals representing various conservation organizations and groups that actively protect natural habitats, historic resources and farmland in Lebanon County. Our common vision was to create an affiliation whose mission is to promote the conservation of natural resources, open spaces and agricultural lands through public awareness, education and scientific research. In cooperation with neighboring conservancies and trusts as well as local and state governments, the Lebanon Valley Conservancy seeks to preserve our area’s unique qualities for the benefit of all. The Lebanon Valley Conservancy has worked with local landowners to preserve more than 1,000 acres of land in Lebanon County.

The Middle Creek Initiative is comprised of the Lebanon Valley Conservancy, PA Game Commission Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, Lebanon County Conservation District, Lebanon County Planning Department, and PA Audubon. This group of dedicated organizations works toward public education regarding the importance of this area: The farmland/feeding grounds for migratory birds and waterfowl and the unique global importance of the Lebanon Valley in maintaining the Atlantic flyway feeding grounds and open areas for these migrating species and in particular, the Tundra Swan. The Middle Creek Wildlife Management area provides a secure resting and water-roosting area for a variety of migratory birds and waterfowl, including Tundra Swans. The Tundra Swans migrate through this area in the spring and fall of each year. The birds do not generally feed on the Middle Wildlife Management Area’s acreage. Instead, they are attracted to surrounding, privately-owned farmland that yields winter wheat. Fortunately, winter wheat is a hardy crop and the farmland can recover from the grazing.

Tree Plantings

Since 2019, The Lebanon Valley Conservancy has planted more than 1,000 trees in the Lebanon Valley each year, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Keystone Ten Million Trees partnership.

Partnering to Develop Community Parks

The John E. Wengert Memorial Park, located along Chestnut street in Lebanon, offers fitness stations, a link to the Rail-Trail, and a playground.

The Liberty Trail Park, the first urban greenspace park in the downtown business district, will provide residents with a quaint place to visit; filled with greenery, benches, lights and public art.

Heritage Trail Maps

The Lebanon County Heritage Trail was designed to create community-wide greenway networks and connect to county identified greenways and trails. The trail highlights historical architecture, structures and cultural areas that add to the heritage of our region.