Join us on a virtual tour of the Clawson-VanDeHei Preserve! Simply CLICK HERE for a map of preserve features and fun facts to learn along the way.
The first official piece of The Swatara Greenway
One of our very first projects, this 6.5+ acre property lies in South Hanover Township along the Swatara Creek. It is preserved as a natural area and is open to the public for passive recreation. Subsequent to the acquisition of this parcel, South Hanover Township acquired Little Meadow Park, an adjacent 3-acre property that offers an excellent jumping-off point for visitors who wish to enjoy our Preserve. The Preserve is owned and maintained by Manada Conservancy and was acquired through a PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant and the generosity of the landowners for whom it is named. The historic Union Canal and Towpath runs along the back side of the property, and an Eagle Scout project resulted in the creation and maintenance of a short trail section which follows the towpath overlooking the canal. A variety of wildlife has been observed there, and bird-watchers have reported wild turkeys, many warblers during migration, orioles, waterfowl, and even a Bald Eagle flying over. Wetland plants and wildflowers are present.
In 2009, the Dauphin County Conservation District planted a demonstration riparian buffer on the property, which enhanced the existing vegetative buffer and offers an educational opportunity for others who wish to see what an appropriate buffer looks like. Manada Conservancy has continued to maintain and improve this buffer.
