On March 19, Natural Lands announced the preservation of two wooded properties that were transferred to state agencies. They provide critical habitat for migratory songbirds and other wildlife.

The acreage will now be open to the public for visitation and recreation… and will never be developed.

The first property is a nearly 139-acre forested tract in both Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, and Elizabeth Township, Lancaster County.

Natural Lands purchased the property from the Byler family and transferred it to the Game Commission as an addition to the 6,254-acre Game Lands No. 46.

The second is a 12-acre property in Union Township, Berks County, comprised entirely of deciduous forest.

Natural Lands purchased it from the Stauffer family and transferred it to the adjacent French Creek State Park.

To date, Natural Lands has added 398 acres to the park.

These forested properties provide essential habitat to wildlife, particularly migratory songbirds such as Scarlet Tanager and Wood Thrush.

In fact, these birds—along with 89 other bird species and hundreds of mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates—depend on Pennsylvania’s natural areas for their survival.

These creatures are considered “Pennsylvania Responsibility Species.”

The Commonwealth plays a key role in sustaining their global security by hosting at least 10 percent of their North American population or encompassing at least 25 percent of their North American range.

“More than half of Pennsylvania’s breeding birds are dependent on large, intact forests,” said Jack Stefferud, senior advisor of land protection for Natural Lands. “Anytime we can add acreage to existing forests like those held by the state it’s a victory for conservation.”

It is also a win for the thousands of visitors to these lands, as both properties will be available to the public for recreation, including hiking, bird watching, and hunting.

“Natural Lands played a vital role in bringing this important tract to the Game Commission,” said Tim Haydt, Pennsylvania Game Commission’s bureau director for habitat management. “Protecting this property from development will add to the biological, recreational, and scenic values associated with the network of lands comprising State Game Land No. 46. Natural Lands has proven to be an invaluable partner, and we look forward to future collaborations.”

A portion of the Byler property and the entirety of the Staffer property are located within the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape, an area designated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a priority for land and water conservation, outdoor recreation, and compatible economic development.

Funding to support the Stauffer project came from the Highlands Conservation Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“I bought this land nearly 25 years ago as a real estate investment property,” said former owner Daniel Stauffer. “I enjoyed going for walks on the property and became attached to the beautiful ferns, mountain laurel, and large mature oak trees. It is special.”

He added, “Over the years, I was contacted by developers who were interested in building houses or developing a camping facility on the property. When Jack Stefferud contacted me about the state wanting to purchase my property to add to French Creek State Park, I immediately knew this is what I wanted to do. Now the property is forever protected from development, and I and everyone else can still enjoy it.”

Funding to support the Byler project came from the Byler family; the Highlands Conservation Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund – LT; and the Game Commission.

“This addition to French Creek State Park is a major win for conservation and the wonderful community that supports the park,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Thank you to Natural Lands for the continued commitment to protecting beautiful natural spaces like these in the region.”

“We are thrilled that Natural Lands has acquired this beautiful property, ensuring its protection and enjoyment for generations to come,” said Jonathan Byler. The Byler family generously accepted a bargain sale price for their property.

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. 

As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 136,600 acres, including 40+ nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,600 acres.

About five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection.

Related Articles:

-- With Some Federal Recreation Facilities Closed Due To Staff, Funding Cuts, DCNR Encourages Pennsylvanians To Explore Options At State Parks, Forests  [PaEN]

-- DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council To Hear Update On State Budget, Chesapeake Bay Program March 26  [PaEN]

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-- Lancaster Conservancy Now Accepting Applications For Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape Mini-Grants  [PaEN]

-- Natural Lands Preserves 2 Forested Properties Totaling 151 Acres In Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon Counties  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

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-- Lehigh Valley’s Wildlands Conservancy Highlights April Educational Programs; Tree Planting; Hikes; Summer Camps

-- PittsburghUnionProgress.com: It’s Spring!  Enjoy The Outdoors And Learn Too With Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Activities, Events

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-- Wilkes-Barre Times: Thursday Public Meeting Will Outline Oliver Mills To Mountain Top D&L Trail Segment Project

-- Inquirer: 425+ Campsites Across PA Are Closed Indefinitely Due To Federal Cuts At Raystown Lake, Seven Points, Susquehannock, Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds, Tompkins Campground on Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes

-- LancasterOnline: Raystown Lake Federal Recreation Area Campgrounds To Close Due To Federal Hiring Freeze In Huntingdon County 

-- Altoona Mirror: Part Of Raystown Lake Federal Recreation Area Camps To Close Due To Staff Cuts 

-- Post-Gazette Guest Essay: Our National Parks Are National Treasurers DOGE Must Not Cut - By John Plonski

[Posted: March 19, 2025]

3/24/2025