Central PA Conservancy Logo
An accredited land trust.

7/3 Important Update: The Weekly Walk with a Naturalist on Wednesdays from 8-9:30 at the Letort Spring Garden Preserve is on hiatus until further notice! We hope to see you again in a few weeks and will update here when walks have resumed.

Central Pennsylvania Conservancy is a member-supported land trust that has protected land and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for the public since 1982.

Join Us

Central Pennsylvania Conservancy owns three public nature preserves and has added 3,800 acres to Pennsylvania’s parks, forests, and game lands. We partner with private landowners to protect their properties. The Conservancy engages the public through volunteering and programs. We hope that you’ll join us in our mission “to acquire, preserve, and protect local land natural resources in south central Pennsylvania.

Explore Interactive Map

Conservation Stories

Tyler Easement

Walter and Jessie Tyler left suburban Philadelphia in the early 1960’s when the much-opposed construction of the “Blue Route” expressway condemned a portion of their property. In search of an untouched, natural area to relocate, they found their slice of paradise along McCabe Run in Perry County.

Read More »

Strickler Easement

The Strickler Easement is positioned against the West-Branch Conococheague Creek and is crossed by Johnston Run, a coldwater tributary. The farm is just one mile from Mercersburg, a historic town of 1500 and home to Mercersburg Academy. Route 16 connects the community with Interstate 81, just 15 minutes away.

Read More »

Fort Halifax Park

Beginning in 2004, Central PA Conservancy and community members rallied to save what was, most recently, the historic Yeager Farm. Together, more than half a million dollars was raised to complete the acquisition.

Read More »
Read More Stories

Are you a PA state employee or know someone who is? Read on!

PA state employees can contribute a portion of their pay to a non-profit organization of their choice through the SECA (State Employee Combined Appeal) program. We are proud to announce […]

Read More »

Featured Preserve

Letort Spring Garden Preserve

Image of the Letort Spring Garden Preserve

As a former watercress farm located at the headwaters of a famous trout stream south of Carlisle in Cumberland County, the Letort Spring Garden Preserve features natural wetlands, limestone springs, historic legacies, a popular rail trail and side trails through the preserve, and unique wildlife habitat. Since acquiring the property in 2018, CPC has worked to manage invasive vegetation, provide better access, and reach out and educate the general public, our partners, and students about the property’s special heritage and ecological value.

Read More »

Featured Video

Letort Spring Garden Preserve: An Oasis of Wetlands, Trails, History, and Wildlife

This video offers an overview of a unique natural area, protected by CPC in 2018.

We are a nationally accredited land trust.

In August 2018, the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission Awarded CPC accreditation status for meeting national standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. A rigorous process, accreditation means that CPC demonstrates sound financial management, ethical organizational conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.

“We want our partner landowners, supporting donors, peer organizations, and the general public to know that lands that we protect and steward, will be so according to national best practices in the land conservation field. Our board has made a long-term commitment to maintaining CPC’s accreditation status.”
Kenneth R. Waidelich, CPC President, 2015-2020

CPC Maintains Memberships in the Following Associations: