In October 2024, Berks Nature established a new conservation easement with Ruth E. Fetterman to protect 102 acres of woodland proximal to the Trout Run reservoir.

The conveyance of this easement symbolizes a victory for Earl Township residents who deeply value the rural quality of the landscape – a sentiment echoed by residents across the Oley Hills landscape.

Recognized as a conservation focal area in the Pennsylvania Highlands region, the Oley Hills are a hub of recreational, cultural, and natural resources, which includes six Exceptional Value waterways.

Since 1989, Berks Nature has helped place nearly 3,400 acres of the Oley Hills under conservation easements, forever protecting the intrinsic natural value of this land.

Thus, efforts to protect these vital resources for the enjoyment of future generations as well as for wildlife which depend upon them remain one of Berks Nature’s top priorities.

Much of the forests within the Oley Hills are home to wetlands, vernal pools, and ephemeral streams.

Together, this nexus of fresh water systems catch and purify stormwater; it also serves as vital breeding grounds and nesting habitat for many amphibians, songbirds, and waterfowl.

Ruth’s property not only contains these vital features, but also drains directly into the Trout Run, a tributary to the Manatawny Creek watershed.

Furthermore, the Fetterman property rests upon the north-facing slope of Fancy Hill; consequently, the conveyance of this conservation easement protects in perpetuity the viewshed proximal to Trout Run reservoir, Trout Run and a substantial portion of Fancy Hill.

Funds to assist in the conveyance and perpetual stewardship of the Ruth Fetterman Woodland easement were generously provided by Earl Township.

Visit the Berks Nature website to learn more about land conservation.

(Reprinted from the WeConservePA website.)

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[Posted: January 21, 2025]

1/27/2025