On July 26, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the designation of a new Wild Plant Sanctuary on private property in York County.

Magnolia Groves Wild Plant Sanctuary becomes the nineteenth private tract to be accepted into the Department’s Wild Plant Sanctuary Program.

The distinction recognizes Terra Nova Capital, LLC, whose design of a proposed residential community will avoid impacts to umbrella magnolia (Magnolia tripetala), a Pennsylvania Threatened species.

The real estate development firm envisions that the sanctuary will provide refuge not only for the magnolia, but for future residents, too.

“Since its inception in 2009, the Wild Plant Sanctuary Program has promoted conservation of natural areas and native plants, while recognizing private landowners who serve as models of good conservation and stewardship of these special resources,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “These properties serve as models for other landowners, offering strategies to conserve rare plants as part of their management plans and enhancing the ecology and natural beauty for those who live and work near the sanctuaries.”

The sanctuary encompasses most of the residual land adjacent to the residential development, including a steep forested ravine carved by a tributary winding its way to Ebaughs Creek, as well as wooded slopes along the creek.

A grove of umbrella magnolia towers overhead, filtering the light with parasol-like clusters of large oblong leaves.

Massive cream-colored flowers bloom from branch tips in the spring, developing into rosy-red fruit in the fall.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of umbrella magnolia is how the leaves glow in the sun, transforming them into stained glass and giving one the impression of walking through a cathedral or tropical conservatory.

A nature trail linking future residents with Magnolia Groves Wild Plant Sanctuary is planned for the future.

The sanctuary will provide benefits to the community, such as connecting residents to nature and increasing their wellbeing.

In return, it is hoped that the community will provide stewardship to the Sanctuary, including the removal of non-native invasive plants.

Nikolay Ratajczak, and his daughter Sofia Ratajczak, of Terra Nova Capital, are preparing a narrative to guide the future homeowners association in this endeavor.

The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program was established through the Wild Resource Conservation Act of 1982 to create a voluntary statewide network of native plant sanctuaries.

Landowners agree to protect the sanctuary and educate others about the importance of native wild plants and their habitats.

In return, they receive access to technical assistance and ecological checkups.

Visit DCNR’s Conservation Education Opportunities webpage for more on programs and opportunities for people of all ages in all regions.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Photo: Umbrella magnolia leaf, Terra Nova Capital, LLC.)

Related Articles:

-- DCNR Designates New Umbrella Magnolia Groves Wild Plant Sanctuary In York County  [PaEN]

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-- Penn State Extension Begins 10-Part Pennsylvania Forests Online Seminar Series Sept. 10  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension - Woods & Wildlife News: Integrated Forest Management; Invasion Ecology; Preventing Feral Hog Invasions; Woodland Steward Series; Forest Farming - Ginseng

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[Posted: July 26, 2024]

7/29/2024