Welcome to the South Mountain Partnership

The South Mountain Partnership has a new web site!! Please visit http://www.southmountainpartnership.org. The South Mountain blog will continue to be hosted at http://southmountaincli.blogspot.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014

The 2014 Funding Round of the South Mountain Mini-Grant Program is Open!

The South Mountain Mini-Grant Program, administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, has opened the application process for the 2014 grant round. New this year, the application process has been adjusted to include a pre-application form, which must be submitted by a June 30th, 2014 deadline. Following review of these pre-application forms, the Partnership will invite applicants to complete and submit the final application by July 31st, 2014. 
This packet contains instructions and guidelines, FAQs, the
pre-application form, and the final full application.
Note: applicants should only complete the pre-application
form (for a deadline of June 30th); applicants will be invited
to submit a full application after an initial review of the
pre-application form


Entering its sixth year, the Mini-Grant program has funded 36 projects throughout the South Mountain landscape in south-central Pennsylvania since its inception in 2009. The Partnership has awarded $220,000 in funding to support these projects, with this investment leveraging an additional $515,000 in matching funding.

“We see the South Mountain Partnership as a vehicle for creating an inclusive conversation about the future of where we live,” stated Jonathan Peterson, Environmental Planner with the Appalachian Conservancy and co-lead of the South Mountain Partnership. “The Mini-Grant Program continues to be a highly success tool for us to translate this conversation into action on the ground, and boost our partners’ efforts to sustain the quality of life and sense of place that we enjoy here in the South Mountain region.”

The Program is designed to stimulate on-the-ground projects that sustain South Mountain’s sense of place by protecting, promoting, or building upon our ecological and natural resources, heritage and cultural resources, agriculture and working lands, and recreation. In particular, the Program targets investments in projects that have significant ties to the assets of South Mountain, the working lands that surround the mountain, and the communities tied to both.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions. Those interested in submitting an application to be considered for funding in the 2014 grant round are highly encouraged to contact Jonathan Peterson at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (717 258 5771).

The South Mountain Partnership is jointly led by ATC and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and focused on the four-county region of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties. The Partnership is a unified coalition of citizens, businesses, not-for-profits, and local and state government officials and agencies. Together, we see the conserving of the region’s natural, cultural, agricultural, and recreational resources as critical to sustaining the quality of life and economic health of the region’s citizens and communities.

Funds for the Mini-Grant program originate from DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and the Community Conservation Partnership Program. These funds are derived from the Environmental Stewardship Fund.


Contact:
Jonathan Peterson                                                                                                
 Appalachian Trail Conservancy
 Tel. 717.258.5771 x205
 Fax. 717.258.1442
 Email: jpeterson@appalachiantrail.org
 Web: www.appalachiantrail.org

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Announcing the 2013 Grant Round of the South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Progam!


 
 
Download the 2013 Mini-Grant
Application Package
The South Mountain Mini-Grant program, administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, has announced the release of the application for the 2013 grant round. Grant applications will be accepted until a deadline of July 31st, 2013.

Entering its fifth year, the Mini-Grant program has funded 28 projects throughout the South Mountain landscape in south-central Pennsylvania since its inception in 2009. The Partnership has awarded $188,000 in funding to support these projects, with this investment leveraging an additional $450,000 in matching funding.

“The Partnership prides itself on creating an inclusive conversation about the future of where we live,” stated Jonathan Peterson, Environmental Planner with the Appalachian Conservancy and co-lead of the South Mountain Partnership. “The Mini-Grant program continues to be a highly success tool for us to translate this conversation into action on the ground, and boost our partners’ efforts to achieve the goals and objectives that sustain the quality of life and sense of place that we enjoy here in the South Mountain region.”

The program is designed to stimulate on-the-ground projects that sustain South Mountain’s sense of place by protecting, promoting, or building upon our ecological and natural resources, heritage and cultural resources, agriculture and working lands, and recreation. In particular, the Program targets investments in projects that have significant ties to the assets of South Mountain, the working lands that surround the mountain, and the communities tied to both.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipalities, counties, and educational institutions. Those interested in submitting an application to be considered for funding in the 2013 grant round are highly encouraged to contact Jonathan Peterson at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (717 258 5771). More information and downloadable copies of the grant application process are available at the South Mountain Partnership webpage at www.southmountainpartnership.org.

The South Mountain Partnership is jointly led by ATC and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and focused on the four-county region of Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties. The Partnership is a unified alliance of citizens, businesses, not-for-profits, and local and state government officials and agencies. Together, we see the stewarding of the region’s natural, cultural and recreational resources as critical to sustaining the quality of life and economic health of the region’s citizens and communities. The Partnership’s key role is as regional facilitator in this conversation, and ATC’s local roots and extensive conservation work in central Pennsylvania has made it a logical fit to lead the initiative.

Funds for the Mini-Grant program originate from DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation and the Community Conservation Partnership Program. These funds are derived from the Environmental Stewardship Fund.


Contact:
Jonathan Peterson                                                                                                  
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel. 717.258.5771 x205
Fax.
717.258.1442
Email:
jpeterson@appalachiantrail.org
Web:
www.appalachiantrail.org


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Coming Soon....

Stay Tuned: the 2013 Funding Round of the South Mountain Partnership's Mini-Grant program will be launched in the coming weeks. The application materials and process is receiving a final review and will soon be finalized and opened to applicants. Application deadline will be Wednesday July 31, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

All questions should be directed to Jon Peterson at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy: jpeterson@appalachiantrail.org or 717 258 5771.




Monday, March 4, 2013

2012 Mini-Grant Recipients Recognized at the Partnership's 2nd Annual "Power of the Partnership" Celebration

On January 25, 2013 the South Mountain Partnership hosted its second annual "Power of the Partnership" celebration. Partners and friends had a chance to reflect back on the many successes of the 2012 year, and also look ahead to the exciting projects upcoming for the 2013 year.

As part of this celebration, the Partnership highlighted the wonderful projects that were awarded Mini-Grants in the fall of 2012. These projects are on-going and are scheduled to be completed in 2013. Projects that were awarded Mini-Grants were:




 
Developing Equity in the Food System, Capital RC&D

Developing Equity in the Food System: Techniques and Strategies to Serve All Residents Program will provide an opportunity for partners, supporting organizations and businesses within the South Mountain region to address the issues surrounding equity and inclusion in their services and programming with specific emphasis on our regions food system.

The primary purpose for the training is to provide the necessary information and guidance to ensure that underrepresented communities (socio-economic, racial, cultural, gender, etc.) are included in both voice and representation in the efforts of participating groups including South Mountain Partners (SMP) focused on agriculture, agritourism, and those whose recreational activities rely on the regions agriculture. Additional participants will include organizations, businesses and individuals in the region that have begun meeting as the South Central PA Food System Alliance (SCPA-FSA).

The program will be held at Wilson College in February 2013 and will provide one-day training with a facilitator focused on increasing participant capacity to review and improve their programs, services and businesses to welcome input and participation by underrepresented communities.

 

Goddard Leadership Institute, Central Pennsylvania Conservancy

The Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute is a week-long summer residential program designed to engage 25 promising early level high school students in natural resources stewardship learning and training in leadership and civic engagement. In addition to being led by environmental educators, the program incorporates professional leaders in a variety of fields and challenges teamwork and problem solving throughout the week through an ongoing team project and individual action projects. The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy is launching the Institute in July 2013.


Lessons in ecology will be coupled with an understanding of threats to sustainability and how effective leadership and citizen engagement can resolve them. The post-program experience will be enhanced by offering volunteer service projects, online interaction of teachers and students, and recruitment into the Conservation District’s Envirothon program.


The Goddard Institute takes inspiration from Maurice K. Goddard’s legacy which includes a commitment to professionalism and civil service; leadership on environmental and watershed scale approach to water management; and dedicated funding for natural resource conservation. A brochure for the Institute is currently available from the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy.

 
 
Simply Moving, Cumberland County Planning Department


The Cumberland County Planning Department (CCPD) in partnership with the Carlisle Area Health & Wellness Foundation (CAHWF) is in the process of updating its popular park and trail guide, Simply Moving.


Simply Moving is a comprehensive guide to public outdoor recreation in Cumberland and Perry counties. The guide serves a dual purpose: first, to generate awareness about the parks and trails within both Counties as a means of promoting nature-based tourism; and second, to encourage health and wellness by promoting these recreational facilities as great places for free, close-to-home physical activity. A printed version will be widely distributed, and will be supplemented by a web-based electronic version as well.

 

Gettysburg Inner Loop Greenway Mater Plan, Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc (HABPI)

Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc.(HABPI) is a non-profit group of volunteers who are working to develop walking and bicycling trails or paths in Adams County for recreation and transportation. This project will create an essential Greenway Master Plan for the section of the Gettysburg Inner Loop (GIL) from the Gettysburg Post Office on Buford Avenue to the new Bus Hub on Carlisle Street. The most critical question that will be answered is the precise alignment/trail type/greenway description on West Railroad Street. Creating a master plan of this segment now will enable timely construction as it will answer critical questions in our approach to shovel ready status.

 

South Mountain Birding Guide, Audubon PA

The Audubon PA looked to develop a web-based and printed guide for watching birds within and around the periphery of the entire South Mountain in Pennsylvania. The guide will include general information about the value of South Mountain to nesting and migrating birds. It will also identify (via map and text) specific birding sites, directions, and interesting or unique species found at each site by season.

A web version of the trail will be featured as a regional focal area within the existing state-wide Pennsylvania Birding Trail website. A printed version will also be produced as a two-sided map that folds down to an an easy-to-carry brochure size.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Mini-Grant 2012-2013 Deadline Fast Approaching!


It's almost time!

South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Round 2012-2013 deadline is just around the corner! Tuesday, July 31st is the deadline. If you click on the calendar above, you can download the application along with checklist, and submit your application, today!


Interseted in learning about the Mini-Grant?

The South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant program, administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), has been awarded grant funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and will be accepting grant applications until the program deadline of July 31, 2012. This program provides grants that communities and organizations can use to preserve and promote their natural and cultural assets.

The South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Program has been developed and overseen by the ATC since 2009 to encourage economic development among local communities by funding projects to build trails and regional trail feasibility studies, conduct outdoor festivals, develop promotional guides for local agriculture and forest products, and much more. Since the mini-grants inception, $161,000 have been awarded with over $390,000 in grantee’s match.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s grant program emphasizes multi-partner regional collaborations and in result we have seen incredible long term relationships develop. It is a major goal of the South Mountain Partnership to foster these strong partnerships that steward and promote our assets,” stated Kim Williams, Environmental Planner of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
The ATC and DCNR lead the South Mountain Partnership, an alliance of the private and public sectors, non-profits, universities, and local citizens in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and Northern York Counties. The Partnership identifies its key role as being a regional facilitator and leader in projects that preserve and promote the natural and cultural assets of the region. ATC was chosen to be the lead of the Partnership because of its local roots and extensive conservation work across Pennsylvania and especially in Central Pennsylvania.
Funds come from DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership’s Program and come from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener 1) and the Growing Greener Bond Fund (growing Greener 2), and several federal funding sources.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The 2012-2013 Mini-Grant Round Has Opened!


The South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant program, administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), has been awarded grant funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and will be accepting grant applications until the program deadline of July 31, 2012. This program provides grants that communities and organizations can use to preserve and promote their natural and cultural assets.

An in-person and online grant workshop will be available to those interested.  An RSVP is required to attend either of these workshops and can be done by clicking on the button to the right or calling Kim Williams at the ATC office at 717.258.5771.  The workshop will lay out details of the program and application and allow participants to ask questions.  The two grant workshop details are as follows:

  • March 29th, 2012 Workshop: The first workshop will be in-person at the South Mountain Partnership’s quarterly meeting on March 29th at 3:30 p.m. at the Shippensburg University Conference Center and will last under an hour.
  • May 23rd, 2012 Workshop: This online webinar will be similar to the March 29th workshop but will allow participants to access the workshop from a computer.  The workshop will begin at 4 p.m. and will last under an hour.

The South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Program has been developed and overseen by the ATC since 2009 to encourage economic development among local communities by funding projects to build trails and regional trail feasibility studies, conduct outdoor festivals, develop promotional guides for local agriculture and forest products, and much more. Since the mini-grants inception, $161,000 have been awarded with over $390,000 in grantee’s match.

Mini-Grant applications
are due July 31st, 2012
In 2012, $100,000 in grants will be available with a required 1:1 match.  The application is available for download and is due July 31, 2012. The ATC and DCNR encourage any municipality, registered Pennsylvania non-profits, or learning institution to begin considering projects that may fit the grant criteria. Projects must be located in Cumberland, Franklin, Adams, or York counties.  Go to www.southmountainpartnership.org  for an application and many other grant resources .

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s grant program emphasizes multi-partner regional collaborations and in result we have seen incredible long term relationships develop.  It is a major goal of the South Mountain Partnership to foster these strong partnerships that steward and promote our assets,” stated Kim Williams, Environmental Planner of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

The ATC and DCNR lead the South Mountain Partnership, an alliance of the private and public sectors, non-profits, universities, and local citizens in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and Northern York Counties. The Partnership identifies its key role as being a regional facilitator and leader in projects that preserve and promote the natural and cultural assets of the region. ATC was chosen to be the lead of the Partnership because of its local roots and extensive conservation work across Pennsylvania and especially in Central Pennsylvania. 

Funds come from DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership’s Program and come from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener 1) and the Growing Greener Bond Fund (growing Greener 2), and several federal funding sources.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Iron Works in Boiling Springs Mini-Grant

The establishment of the Carlisle Iron Works in Boiling Springs around 1760 marks the beginning of industrail development in the Cumberland Valley.
These signs are part of a joint historic signage project of the Boiling Springs Civic Association and South Middleton Township. This project was finances in part by the South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Cumberland County Historical Society Mini-Grant Completion!



These panels were the efforts of the Cumberland County Historical Society as part of a South Mountain Mini-Grant Project. You can view these panels in person at the Iron master's Mansion at Pine Grove State Park.

As the first portion of the three-part project, the Cumberland County Historical Society (CCHS) featured a major exhibition entitled Pine Grove: A Lasting Legacy in March 2012. The exhibition focused on the history of four distinct activities in the Pine Grove area:  the iron industrial complex at Pine Grove Furnace; Pine Grove Furnace Civilian Conservation Corps Camp #51; Pine Grove Furnace Prisoner of War Interrogation Center, and finally Camp Michaux Church Camp. 
The second part of the project entailed CCHS developing and installing a permanent historical exhibit for the Ironmaster’s Mansion, to be used onsite. 
The third part of the project will include a celebration opening of the mansion exhibit at the Pine Grove State Park including an opening picnic and educational opportunities.  Additionally, all parts of the project will be supported by the creation of a map-style “Guide to Historical Resources” of the Pine Grove area.  








This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

South Mountain Outdoors

South Mountain Outdoors



History of South Mountain Outdoors [SMO]:

SMO was founded and is the brainchild of memberes of the South Mountain Partnership. Businesses and non-profits [Penn Trails LLC, Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, local state parks, and Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve as well as others] envisioned a weekend long celebration of the outdoors. This unique private / public partnership is a chance to educate locals and tourists on all the region has to offer - which covers Adams, Cumberland, Franklin and York counties. SMO offers unique experiences and recreational opportunities for the entire family to enjoy. 

At the conclusion of its first year in 2011 [due to the awarded Min-Grant], over 750 passports were distributed from 35 participating sites.
South Mountain Outdoors is headed into it's second year running!
For more information, follow this link to the South Mountain Outdoors website.


Monday, September 13, 2010

Arendtsville Borough Receives Signs Marking Fruit Belt


Arendtsville Welcome New Interpretive Signs!



Arendtsville Borough has marked a park with an interpretive signs project welcoming people to Arendtsville and describing the cultural history of the South Mountain area.


 This project was made possible in part due to the South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant program.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

The Appalachian Trail Museum


In 2010 The Appalachian Trail Museum was opened by an ALL volunteer effort, including hundreds of hours of volunteer labor and donated professional service.

The South Mountain Mini-grant helped fund critical projects that would get the museum open, including making the museum handicap accessible and funding some interpretive panels. The Museum is located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and has become an amazing addition to the area.

To learn more about it, check out the Appalachian Trail Museum webpage.



 

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

The Cumberland Valley Local Food, Farm and Outdoor Guide

Cumberland County is pleased to announce the publication of a Local Food, Farm and Outdoor Attractions Guide for the Cumberland Valley. The project is a collaborative effort involving Cumberland County Planning Department, Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation and the Capital Resource Conservation & Development Area Council. The project was funded in part by the South Mountain Partnership through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The goal of the project is to promote local agricultural operations and outdoor recreation locations and to educate the public on the importance of agriculture and our abundant natural resources to the quality of life of the County. The guide includes a directory of farmers markets, roadside stands, pick your own operations, farmstays and other agritourism locations. In addition, the guide includes information on outdoor recreation opportunities available in Cumberland County.

You can pick this guide up at the Cumberland County Visitors Bureau, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and several other locations.

The South Mountain Geo-Trail

Travel across the South Mountain region and you will find an abundance of cultural and natural treasures from farms and farm markets, wineries, historic sites, forestlands, unique water features, and bustling recreation assets. During the spring and summer of 2010, Capital Resource Conservation and Development (Capital RC&D) will inventory and connect these sites through a “Geo-Cache Trail” project.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT The Geo-Cache Website or The Geo-Cache Blog


Capital RC&D will work with South Mountain partners to designate the sites, develop South Mountain branding elements, recruit site stewards and promote the program. We will collaborate to develop guidelines and materials as well as to provide input on the final product. We will also involve students and volunteers who are interested in becoming “stewards” of the selected sites. Suggested sites will be farms and farm markets, wineries, community facilities, cultural features, and outdoor areas including parks, water features, etc. Geo-caching provides many benefits to the caching sites, including increased visitor use, increase revenue, the use of the program as an education tool, and developing awareness of the region’s assets. The South Mountain GeoTrail Project will enhance a sense of place for residents and visitors alike, by getting folks outdoors

What is Geo-Caching? This adventure sport/hobby is a great family activity and getting started is easy! All you need is a handheld GPS receiver (new ones are available for as little as $80) and internet access. With the tools outlined, the participant visits designated sites in a “treasure-hunt” style experience. A typical cache consists of a waterproof container, a log book, and trinkets. Signing the log book proves you found it, and the trinkets provide trade items; the idea is to take an item, then replace it with an item of equal value. Once the log book is signed and trinkets exchanged, the container is put back in exactly the same place it was found, to await the next finder.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Community Supported Forests Booklet: An All Local Wood Product Guide

Our region has a wealth and diversity of local agricultural products, AND it is also blessed by an abundance of forest products which provides us local goods that have a lower carbon footprint, feed right back into our local economy, and help maintain our woodlands. Our mini-grant program has funded the creation of a Community Supported Forest Booklet- a local guide to all things wood related, including where to by local furniture, wood pellets, timber frames, and much, much more. Central Pennsylvania Conservancy leads this project with contributions from Penn State University and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.Click here to download the South Mountain Community Supported Forest guide.

Community Supported Forests reflect a community shared land ethic. We know we want to protect the character and quality of life that Central Pennsylvania’s scenic woodlands and ridges provide us. Abundant, clean water, un-fragmented habit for wildlife and diverse recreational opportunities are all enjoyed in our forested landscape. Additionally, when we connect our healthy forests and the marketplace, by harvesting and converting wood into quality products, more value is sent back to the forest and forest stewards, keeping local forests healthy, beautiful, and productive.

Like small farms, small forest product operations serve a vital role in our communities. When you buy locally, your money stays within the community, bolstering the local economy.

Download the attached Community Supported Forests Booklet. Contact these local vendors to help keep our local forests sustainable. We have made every effort to include as many businesses as possible. If you have an update or correction to the publication please contact Debbie Bowman at 717-241-4360 or dbowman@CentralPaConservancy.org. Hard copies of this booklet will be available shortly.

Mount Holly Marsh Preserve

The Mount Holly Marsh Preserve is a 900-acre natural area along the rocky slopes of the South Mountain near Mount Holly Springs, PA. The preserve consists of a 700-acre upland forest and a 200-acre marsh and was acquired in 1992 by The Nature Conservancy and donated to Cumberland County with the assistance of the Holly Gap Committee, a group of local community members who raised funds to acquire the land.

In addition to providing ample recreation opportunities through hiking and nature exploration, the area also has a long and interesting history spanning the Revolutionary and Civil Wars as well as more recently playing host to Mount Holly Park, a summer resort attracting vacationers from many miles away.

A short drive from the state capital, this mini-wilderness serves both as a sanctuary and living laboratory for many communities in central Pennsylvania. Download the Mount Holly Marsh Preserve brochure and trail map from the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau web site.

Camp Michaux Recognition and Development

For 10 years, the Cumberland County Historical Society has supported the development of increased understanding of the history of a site in Cooke Township known as Camp Michaux. The site had been used as a farm associated with the iron industry from 1787-1912, and then as a farm leased by the state from 1913-1919. In 1933 the site became the first Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in Pennsylvania and continued to function until 1942. In 1943, the U.S. Army converted the CCC facility for use as a secret interrogation camp for enemy German and Japanese prisoners of war, one of only three such sites in the country. After WWII, the facility was renovated and operated by Camp Michaux, Inc., a joint effort of the United Church of Christ and the United Presbyterian Church, as a youth summer camp.

With the aid of a South Mountain Partnership mini-grant and under leadership of historian David Smith, the project has secured an official State Historical Marker for the site. Trails have been opened at the camp and individual sites cleared to make them more visible to the public. A self-guided walking tour guidebook has been produced and keyed to numbered posts that have been erected throughout the former camp. The project also seeks to list the property on the National Register of Historic Places and the nomination process for this phase of the project is still in progress.

Download a PDF of the Self-Guided Camp Michaux walking tour from the Cumberland County Historical Society's web site here.             

Vernal Pool Workshops, Adams County Conservation District

There are many vernal pools along South Mountain, but a lack of awareness about their ecological importance in surrounding communities. There is also strong development pressure in the South Mountain area which could have a detrimental effect on vernal pools if left misunderstood. To increase understanding of vernal pools and promote the protection of vulnerable species, Adams County Conservation District in conjunction with Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve hosted hands-on public workshops targeted to the general public, local schools and municipal officials in surrounding communities.

Road to Freedom: The Underground Railroad

In the heart of the South Mountain region and located on the grounds of Caledonia State Park is Thaddeus Stevens Ironworks. Thaddeus Stevens Ironworks represents both the story of the nineteenth century iron ore industry and the Underground Railroad in the South Mountain area. Just as the landscape is key to the efforts of the South Mountain Partnership, the landscape was essential in the journeys of freedom seekers.

The powerful story of the Underground Railroad through the South Mountain region is revealed in this historical documentary produced by the Franklin County Visitors Bureau in conjunction with Blue Hawk Productions and Historical Entertainment, LLC.