The Lebanon Valley Conservancy is pleased to announce the conservation of a 12-acre property in South Londonderry Township. The property, owned by Dr. Rugh and Sylvia Henderson, is nestled in the rolling hills of the western area of Lebanon County.

The farm sits at the top of a hill and on a clear day, the views extend to the Blue Mountain and Indiantown Gap area.

The property is notable as it was once used as a garrison or military outpost for early settlers. The main door to the farmhouse is original and features a unique panel that slides and bolts over the glass top, which was used for protection.

Dr. Henderson extensively researched this property and shared that the older part of the house dates back to the early 1800’s.

It has historical features, including the original door, white oak log support beams, as well as butcher hooks and recessed butter coolers in the basement. The home has been thoughtfully restored throughout the years, with additions maintaining the historical integrity of the home.

The land has been farmed for over 200 years and is an important part of the rural landscape. State Game Lands 145 and two large farms, preserved by the Lebanon County Conservation District, can also be found in this area.

Adding to these conserved properties provides important corridors for local wildlife. The property provides a safe place to roam for white tail deer, red fox, eastern box turtles, great horned owl and turkey vultures, as well as habitat for monarchs and swallowtails.

Other highlights include a mixed forest of tulip poplar, birch, catalpa, and oak trees. Conserving this land also helps to control runoff to a tributary of the Swatara Creek, Spring Creek, which runs directly north of the property.

The Conservancy will close out 2022 having conserved three properties (in Cornwall, Union, and South Londonderry Townships) and we’re hoping to continue this trend into 2023.

For more information on TLVC's preserved properties or how to establish a conservation easement, visit the Lebanon Valley Conservancy website.

Related Articles:

-- Dept. Of Agriculture Protects 2,478 Acres On 30 Farms In 18 Counties  [PaEN]

-- Natural Lands Preserves 278 Acres Of Former Pocono Drag Lodge In Luzerne County  [PaEN]

-- French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Preserves 4.45 More Acres And Connects Trails In Chester County  [PaEN]

-- York Daily Record: Farm & Natural Lands Trust Helps Preserve Acreage And York County’s Quality Of Life

-- West Penn Power Green Team Joins Ohiopyle State Park To Create Wildlife Habitat In Somerset County  [PaEN]

-- Latrobe Bulletin: Audubon Society Of Western PA Works With PennDOT To Create Roadside Meadows

[Posted: December 16, 2022]

12/19/2022