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The Manada Conservancy is a land trust--a local, non-profit organization--dedicated to the preservation of the natural, historic, agricultural and scenic resources of Dauphin County and to the promotion of environmental education.
In keeping with our dual mission of land preservation and environmental education, our active work on both fronts has resulted in the preservation of nearly 800 acres of land in Dauphin County. To read about our exceptional preservation projects, click here. We have presented numerous free educational programs, outdoor activities, and created many publications, free of charge. Our ongoing student volunteer and internship programs and student outreach has provided information about the value of the land we live on and its relationship to the ecosystems which sustain us. In addition, we have a strong initiative to promote the use of native plants in the landscape, and have provided programs, data and resources, as well as hosting our annual signature Native Plant Sale, which includes speakers and activities. Please check our calendar of events often for upcoming programs.
The watersheds and mountain ridges in Dauphin County contain precious natural, historic, agricultural and scenic resources that have helped to define the character of this region. Their continued existence holds the hope of a sustainable balance between the short term needs of the people who live here, long term needs of the generations to come, and the health of the ecosystem. These resources are being fragmented, destroyed and utilized in an unplanned fashion, with little or no vision of future consequences. There are numerous organization that have made heartening inroads toward the solutions to these problems elsewhere. The Manada Conservancy focuses on our local area and its members are familiar with the specific needs and pressures on land in our region.
Our primary focus is on Dauphin County; much of our land preservation work has occurred in the lower two-thrids of the County. We have prioritized the Kittatinny Ridge Corridor and the Swatara Greenway--both of these are large landscapes which cross our County and extend far beyond, affecting residents in other areas of the state. The Kittatinny Ridge Corridor is recognized as a "globally important flyway", and supports continental bird migration; the Swatara Creek is a major tributary to the Susquehanna River, which is a primary source to the Chesapeake Bay. Our work in these two areas, therefore, have far-reaching affects. Our education programming benefits those from Dauphin and surrounding counties.
It is difficult for government to move quickly enough to protect important resources. A Land Trust is an organizaiton with preservation as its central purpose. Land Trusts can work with landowners to voluntarily protect their land through acquisition of easements, acceptance of land donations or by outright purchase. The Conservancy can also cooperate with government agencies and private organizations to protect land.
Local conservation organizations can serve as a source for easily accessible information and programs geared to local preservation projects.
There are approximately 1723 active land trusts in the U.S and they have protected more than 47 million acres, as of the 2010 Land Trust Alliance census. This includes farms, wetlands, wildlife habitat, urban gardens and partks, forests, coastlines, river corridors and trails. More land is being protected every day. Each land trust contributes to the overall total of these lands preserved. Manada Conservancy is contributing our local expertise to protect important lands in our region, which, combined with lands protected elsewhere and by other means, is making an impact on the landscape and hope for a sustainable future for all.
The Conservancy relies on memberships and donations for its operating budget and on time donated by members and friends for its day to day operations. We apply for grants from government and private foundations for both land protection and educational projects. Grants that we have received to date have provided valuable resources to advance a number of our programs. However, the level of local financial support is the main determinant of how much can be accomplished.
There are so many ways to become part of our mission to preserve land and provide environmental education.
Fund our Mission: Click here to see the many ways that you can help to fund our mission. You may be surprised at the many options; one may be a perfect fit for you.
Become a Member: Our loyal members are our primary and most important support. Click here to become a member.
Donate a Conservation Easement: Protecting the conservation value of your land is a gift to the future, leaving a legacy rather than just a memory. The value of the easement is often tax deductible. Please click here for Information for Landowners, call (717) 566-4122 or email office@manada.org.
Donate Land: Land with conservation value will be protected according to your wishes. You may also donate non-conservation land, which we can use as an asset to protect land elsewhere. In either case, the market value of the land is often tax deductible. Click here for more information, or contact us.
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