August 5, 2020August 8, 2020

Climbers Run Nature Preserve Conservation & Management Plan

Challenge

The Lancaster County Conservancy wishes to enhance nature awareness and build stronger environmental connection through outreach activities at Climbers Run Nature Preserve.

The site has become the center of volunteer stewardship activities and public use for recreation, education, research, and community engagement in the heart of the Susquehanna Riverlands.

A conservation master plan was needed to guide the vision for the future.

Solution

LandStudies collaborated with YSM Landscape Architects, Recreation and Park Solutions, and Cornerstone Design on this project. With the assistance of DCNR funding, the team developed a program that blends recreational uses with conservation training and demonstration.

LandStudies gathered background data and conducted interviews with key stakeholders to gain insight into specific issues and opportunities. A site assessment and analysis was performed alongside Conservancy staff to lay the foundation for a viable management plan. Preliminary sketches were developed based on the compiled information to provide potential alternative recommendations for general use areas, programming elements, circulation and land management strategies.

The proposed program improvements were designed with a focus on land management and natural resources. Architectural services for the Nature Center included renovations to existing buildings and an improved maintenance facility for the proposed land management strategies.