Nestled between Muncy Heritage Park and the West Branch Susquehanna River, sits NPC’s Logue-McMahon conservation easement. On this Field Journal Friday we’re exploring some of the conservation values that this 20-acre easement upholds.
Observation #1: History
The historic Pennsylvania canal, which operated from 1827 to 1839 is part of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail, which bisects the conservation easement. Interpretive signs can be found throughout the park, highlighting the historical and environmental significance of the area. While the easement itself is not open to the public, visitors can still enjoy the farm, wetland, and forested views of the easement from the Park’s trail.
The Logue-McMahon easement also conserves a historic farmhouse, built around 1795, which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Additionally, farming continues to thrive on the property, with row crops like corn being grown on the fertile soils.
Learn about canal history at Muncy Heritage Park.
Observation #2: Wildlife Habitat
On the section of the easement east of the canal lays a large wetland that provides food and habitat for ducks, geese, fish, frogs, turtles and other wildlife.
Chokecherry can also be found throughout the easement. This native, understory tree is an important food source for wildlife in the summer, and the fragrant white flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.
Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of species.Chokecherry
Observation #3: Susquehanna River
The forested riparian buffer helps prevent riverbank erosion and keeps nutrients from entering the West Branch Susquehanna River, contributing to the health of the river and everywhere else downstream.
Views on the West Branch Susquehanna River from the banks of the Logue-McMahon conservation easement.
Raise your hand if you’re a fan of fens?! How about a sucker for swamps?! Or go bonkers for bogs?! Marvel at marshes?! Fens, swamps, bogs, and marshes are all types of wetlands you can find here in PA…and they really are worth going wild about!
Wetlands are places where the soil holds water either permanently or seasonally. Wetland water may be visible, or it may be below the surface of the ground.
Wetlands support a wide variety of animals and insects, including migratory and resident birds, turtles, fish, snakes, frogs – making them crucial hotspots for biodiversity. In fact, 40% of all species live or breed in wetlands!
Wetlands are not only a great place to view wildlife, but they can also offer many opportunities for recreation like boating, fishing, hunting, and canoeing.
Wildlife habitat. Clean Water. Climate Control. Economic Benefits. Recreational Opportunities. Basically, wetlands are like ecological and societal powerhouses.
Dragonflies can be found patrolling above the water and broods of ducks raise their young at the PPL Wetlands.
NPC members have played an active role in helping to conserve these delicate ecosystems across the region. Here’s a look at some of those conserved land:
Pennsyl & Homer Webster These two sisters properties located just north of Wellsboro cover a large area of wetland, locally known at the “The Muck.” The area was once used to raise lettuce and celery, but today hosts as a breeding ground for a variety of birds, including Marsh Wrens, American Bitterns, Common Snipe, Virginia Rail and Sora Rail. It’s been designated as one of Pennsylvania’s Important Bird Areas and offers a boardwalk and wildlife viewing blind for the public to enjoy.
Cavanaugh Access Many people know the Cavanaugh Access Area because it provides quick access to the Pine Creek Trail. However, this 132-acre parcel of land also helps conserve important wetlands along Marsh Creek. The wetlands are extensive, fed by Canada Run, and close to wooded areas. This allows wildlife to use the wetlands and Creek by moving from the forest to the stream and wetlands and back. Marsh Creek is a major tributary to Pine Creek. Marsh Creek meanders and bends through this property for nearly one mile. This Creek and its associated wetlands are a huge sponge that provide water year round that helps keep Pine Creek’s water cooler in the summer.
Brid watching at the Pennsyl propertyKnob Mountain conservation easement
Clinton County Solid Waste Authority (CCSWA) Wetland mitigation is the restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands for the purpose of compensating for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location. During the 1990’s, the CCSWA worked closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to construct a mitigation wetland to replace an area that was impacted during their expansion. Today, NPC holds a 49-acre easement on the land, protecting the wetlands’ water, soil, fish and wildlife conservation values.
PPL Wetlands This property was the first conservation easement of any type in Montour County back in 2008. The entire conserved property consists of nearly 109 acres and includes a 5-acre mitigation wetland constructed by PPL, 59 acres of wooded wetland, cropland, and creek frontage. Today, dragonflies can be found patrolling above the water and broods of ducks raise their young here.
Fossil Farm The 150-acre easement holds a variety of unique environmental values, including a beaver pond and several other large wetland areas. Catlin Hollow Creek flows through the property before entering Crooked Creek before winding its way to the Chesapeake Bay. This property helps to conserve the water quality of not only this region, but plays a vital role on a much larger scale as well!
