Berks Nature Places Conservation Easement on 71.97 acres in Rockland Township, Protects Oak Forest and the Pine Creek

Press release by Berks Nature on 6 May 2025

credit Berks Nature

Berks Nature successfully placed a conservation easement on 71.97-acres of undeveloped, forested land with headwaters to the Pine Creek watershed. The property’s owners, Richard and Lynda Levengood, donated the easement to Berks Nature in May of 2025, ensuring the protection of this verdant ecosystem in perpetuity without requiring personal compensation. The Levengoods are no strangers to land conservation; their recently eased property joins the expansive cluster of conservation easements monitored by Berks Nature in the Oley Hills Conservation Landscape which includes another Levengood property, protected nearly 8 years earlier.

The Rockland Township property lies just inside the municipal boundary shared by Pike and Rockland Townships, in Berks County. Rockland, Pike, and District townships are characterized by their many forested ridge lines, wetlands, and rural landscapes. The Levengood property is a microcosm of the signature features of the region. Bubbling groundwater springs, rocky outcrops, scenic vistas, and – most importantly – more than 90% of the property is undeveloped native oak forest. Pristine hardwood forests like this one are massively beneficial for wildlife, providing ample food and forage materials for a diverse variety of animal species.

It was for the forest that Richard and Lynda Levengood sought to conserve. The five parcels which comprise their nearly 72-acre property is almost entirely native forest. To the Levengoods, nothing mattered more than placing their woodlands under permanent conservation. Having already preserved a 91-acre property less than 1 mile away from the Rockland property, Richard and Lynda leave a lasting legacy behind them: the Oley Hills are to remain green, rolling, and full of life.

Berks Nature is thankful to have worked with Richard and Lynda Levengood on adding yet more crucial habitat to the conserved lands in Berks County. Crucial financial support for this project was provided by the Pike-Oley-District Preservation Coalition (PODPC) in pursuit of a grant of conservation easement upon the property.

About Berks Nature

Berks Nature is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization that has been serving the Berks County community since 1974. We believe that nature is essential to our quality of life. Our work centers around this value, from land preservation and trail management, to community gardens and environmental education, to our State of the Environment report and summer Eco-Camp; protecting, stewarding, and connecting people to nature and Berks County’s unique mosaic of natural resources.

We welcome your involvement in many ways! Become a Champion of Nature, Volunteer, make a Donation, or attend an upcoming program at The Nature Place. Get involved today…your local action can have a global impact. Visit berksnature.org for more info!