The first official piece of The Swatara Greenway.
One of our very first projects, this 6.5+ acre property lies in South Hanover Township along the Swatara Creek. It is preserved as a natural area, and is open to the public for passive recreation. Subsequent to the acquisition of this parcel, South Hanover Township acquired Little Meadow Park, an adjacent 3-acre property which offers an excellent jumping-off point for visitors who wish to enjoy our Preserve. The property is owned and maintained by The Manada Conservancy, and was acquired through a Pa. Dept of Natural Resources grant and the generosity of the landowner, who donated the 50% match of the purchase price. The historic Union Canal and Towpath runs along the back side of the property, and an Eagle Scout project resulted in the creation and maintenance of a short trail section which follows the towpath overlooking the canal. A variety of wildlife has been observed there, and bird-watchers have reported Wild Turkeys, many warblers during migration, and even a Bald Eagle flying over.
In 2008, the Dauphin County Conservation District received approval for a grant to plant a demonstration riparian buffer on the property, which will enhance the existing vegetative buffer and offer an educational opportunity for others who wish to see what an appropriate buffer looks like. Planting will take place in the Spring of 2009.
Numerous Catalpa trees on the property produce showy blossoms.
The stream bank is lined with mature trees.
The property provides habitat for butterflies, birds and other wildlife.
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