TLVC in Your Community: An update from Courtney
January often brings a time of reflection and consideration. A time to think back over the events and changes of the past year and a time to consider what 2022 will bring for each individual, family, and for the greater community. At TLVC, we remain focused on conserving the landscape of the Lebanon Valley and planning ways for our organization to make an environmentally positive impact within all Lebanon communities. In this issue of our newsletter, see how organizations working together can bring new recreational opportunities to the community and learn about our most recent conservation easement on a historic property in Cornwall, Pa.
TLVC is grateful for the overwhelming financial support at the end of 2021. Thank you to all of the new and returning members and for the numerous end-of-year gifts.
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Schaeffer Family & TLVC Fulfill Dream; Preserving Historic Cornwall Property by: Charles “Chuck” Wertz & Courtney Reimann
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Driving along the gently curving Boyd Street takes you past an architecturally striking home (pictured right), that hints of an interesting story just behind the scenes. This unique red sandstone structure is nestled in a wooded area of Cornwall, PA and is an important part of Lebanon County's history.
The town of Cornwall is picturesque, rich in history, and a great spot for outdoor recreation. Preserving the landscape of this small town, located in the foothills of the nationally-recognized Highlands region, is a priority for The Lebanon Valley Conservancy.
The Grubb and Coleman families, and their business legacies, are a large part of Lebanon County’s history. Peter Grubb discovered iron ore in the area in 1732, the year of George Washington's birth in Virginia. The land was mined for iron ore, and trees were cut down to fire the iron ore furnace. In the late 1800’s, the operation passed to the Coleman family and the building, originally designed by the Coleman Ore Bank Company as a manager’s office, was built on a treeless ore waste area in 1865. (more history of Cornwall here)
Over the years, the structure and property were owned by similar businesses, eventually became a residence. “The property represents an interesting testimonial to the healing of the land after a heavy industrial past,” explained Charles “Chuck” Wertz, TLVC Board Member Emeritus. The process of extracting iron ore and other minerals from the ground left scars on the land, but also provides examples of nature’s ability to recover and renew.
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This 1916 picture of the building (left), when owned by the Bethlehem Mines Corporation, shows clear cut land in the background. One hundred years later, the property contains established wooded areas with native trees such as Black Cherry, Linden, Green Ash, Black Walnut, Red and White Oak, Quaking Aspen, Slippery Elm, and Sassafras; providing important wildlife habitat. It also includes a stretch of Anthracite Run, an upper order tributary of the Snitz Creek, which is a trout-stocked fishery. The property is located within walking distance of the Quentin trailhead of the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail (known for the Root Beer Barrel), historic Cornwall Iron Furnace, historic Cornwall Estate at Cornwall Manor, and preserved farmland.
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Dr. William Schaeffer and Mrs. Kathleen “Kitty” Schaeffer moved onto the 7.5 acre, Boyd Street property in 1962. Over the years, they lovingly and thoughtfully restored, updated, and tended the home and property. The quaint location provided the perfect backdrop for raising their six children and welcoming many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in May 2021.
Preserving this property was the dream of Kitty Schaeffer (pictured left). The Conservancy staff and board members diligently worked toward this goal over the last few years. Although Kitty’s health declined, and she passed away in August of 2021, Dr. Schaeffer and TLVC continued the steps to fulfill her dream. A conservation easement was placed on the property in January 2022.
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As Lebanon County land continues to be developed at an accelerating pace, protecting this property is one more step toward conserving the unique landscape, history and heritage of the Cornwall area. |
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Conservancy Connections
Meet Bob Arnold | Board Member
Bob joined TLVC to help preserve natural areas through conservation easements and is on the Land & Resources Committee. He’s also a board member for the Lebanon County Conservation District’s farmland preservation program. Bob assists with the collaboration between the groups for improved communication. Bob holds degrees in biology and environmental pollution control from Penn State and did environmental work for The Hershey Company for 30 years.
Who inspired your interest in nature? Growing up a teenager in Annville, my friend’s dad (Mark ‘Cocky’ Longenecker) took me along with them on many local hunting and fishing outings. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, the area of the Quittapahilla Creek (now the Nature Park) was our playground, full of nature and adventure.
Where is your favorite outdoor spot in the Lebanon Valley? Hit the foot trail just south of the Siegrist Dam spillway. Hike due west, up between the two ridges. Just solitude and nature; NO traffic noise
What is your favorite recreation in Lebanon County? Biking the rail-trail in Swatara State Park on the railroad bed and then pedal back on the other side of the creek.
What can community members do to help protect our local land? Support land preservation efforts and the local organizations that foster them: the Lebanon County Conservation District (LCCD) and TLVC. Also, attend your township meetings and voice your support only for smart, responsible development.
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DCNR Funding Supports Various Projects in Lebanon County
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Partnerships program recently announced funding awards for 2022 (view complete list of grants by county here). In addition to increasing state game lands, this funding will support various recreation projects in Lebanon County, including:
• Jonestown Borough’s George H. Kaufman Park
• Park improvements in Heidelberg Township
• North Lebanon Township’s Lions Lake
• Lebanon City and Lebanon County’s John E. Wengert Memorial Park
The John E. Wengert Park is planned and developed through the partnership of Lebanon County, Lebanon City, Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, and The Lebanon Valley Conservancy. The recent grant funding from DCNR and Department of Community and Economic Development will allow for the design completion in spring 2022 and the potential for construction to begin later in 2022. The park will function as a Lebanon Valley Rail Trail trailhead, extend the trail into Lebanon City, and will extend to Gloninger Woods Park in North Cornwall Township. Read more about the John E. Wengert Park here.
TLVC would also like to express our thanks for the recent private donation of $10,000 toward the development of the John E. Wengert Park!
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Thanks to Our Newest Members and Renewing Members
for Caring about Our Local Environment!
Mr. & Mrs. Robert W. Arnold | Dr. Marianne T. Bartley | Johan Berger | June Blouch Mr. & Mrs. Larry Bowman | Sue Bowman | Patrick Brewer
Mr. & Mrs. David Brightbill | Bill & Laurie Clement | George & Betty Conner
Laurie Crawford | Mr. & Mrs. James Dibert | Horace Ehrgood | Catherine Farr Andrew Geronimo | Frederick T. Heilman | Larry Herr | Anthony Lozar
Ted & Ann Pinca | Judy A. Schweingruber | George Shaak
Rosemary & Edward Spreha | Lawrence & Janice Taylor | Sheila Wartluft
Dr. Stephen Williams & Dr. Susan Verhoek
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Not a member? Consider joining us and helping with our mission in the Lebanon Valley. Individual memberships are $100, business memberships start at $1,000, and student memberships are FREE! Click here to view our membership brochure.
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News Links
Activities & Resources
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The Lebanon Valley Conservancy works to protect the cultural, historical and environmental resources
of our region. We are committed to collaborating with our community to ensure equitable access
to all of these resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
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