The 18-acre Soldiers Field in Mount Gretna, Lebanon County was the annual encampment and training ground for the Pennsylvania National Guard between 1885 and 1935, before the Guard moved to Fort Indiantown Gap.

Troops trained on Soldiers Field for duty in the Spanish-American War and World War I.

Now, however, the historic tract finds itself under development pressure in the growing Mount Gretna community.

Pennsylvania Chautauqua has launched a campaign to raise $975,000 to permanently preserve Soldiers Field.

Chautauqua wants to not only preserve this historic site, but help protect and enhance water quality in Conewago Creek, a high quality watershed.

They are also looking at compatible recreation opportunities, including a rails-to-trails link, bird watching, picnic areas and other nature experiences.

Click Here for details on this project and how you can become a part of saving Pennsylvania’s military history and the watershed.

Outdoor Art Show

To see the site for yourself, take advantage of the upcoming Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show on August 18-19 to make a visit.

For more on the Mount Gretna community, visit the Pennsylvania Chautauqua website.

NewsClips:

PA Chautauqua In Mount Gretna Agrees To Buy, Preserve Soldiers Field

Crable: A Push To Keep Overdevelopment At Bay Comes To A Head In Mount Gretna

Fundraising Effort Launched To Preserve Mount Gretna’s Historic Soldiers Field

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Crable: Logging Begins On Girl Scout Camp Furnace Hills, Groups Trying To Buy Property

New Cumberland Arboretum Dedicated To 2 Pioneering Women

Natural Lands, West Vincent Twp Plan To Open Bryn Coed Farm To Public In Chester County

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PA Wilderness Activist Howard Zahniser And The Atomic Bomb

[Posted: August 10, 2018]

8/13/2018