The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, in partnership with the Fish and Boat Commission, will hold a public event on May 18 at 1 p.m. to recognize the permanent protection of  27 acres and nearly a mile of riparian buffer along Clark’s Creek in Dauphin County accessible to the public for fishing and hiking.

Representatives from CPC, PFBC, and Appalachian Land & Conservation Services LLC will provide remarks and present a plaque to the Blum family, the land donor.

Bailey's Grove was acquired in 1912 by the Bailey and Cameron family, and conveyed by their heirs to the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Commonwealth in 2011 through a bargain sale, funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program and a matching donation by the landowner.

Now owned by the Fish and Boat Commission, the property permanently preserves an area of unique natural beauty, comprises a portion of the Clarks Creek Greenway connecting the Dehart Reservoir to the Susquehanna River, and provides recreation and fishing access along 5,000 linear feet of Clarks Creek.

Bailey's Grove was an out-parcel of an existing estate known as Flemish Down, which at one time totaled over 2,000 acres and stretched unbroken from the Victoria Furnace all the way to the Susquehanna River.

Flemish Down provided its Scottish Highlands founders with unmatched hiking, shooting, and fishing reminiscent of the home country. An idyllic mix of mature hemlock and open meadow beside one of Central PA’s best known trout streams, the 27-acre grove has long served as a family retreat and picnic area, Boy Scout camping area, and mile-long scenic stretch along Clark’s Creek.

Light refreshments will be provided, followed by an opportunity to hike or fish along Clark’s Creek.  The event will be held rain or shine.

Please enter the property via the old driveway and park in the meadow at 715 Clarks Valley Rd., Dauphin, PA.  Look for the balloons and orange cones.

Online registration is available for this free event.

For more information, visit the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy website.

5/12/2014