Press release by Lancaster Conservancy posted 30 January 2026
Ulrich Easement (Photo by Anne Harnish)
Lancaster Conservancy recently worked with a property owner to protect 11.6 acres with a conservation easement in Conoy Township, Lancaster County, about a mile east of the Susquehanna River and the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail.
The easement includes woodlands, meadow, and a wetland, which seeps toward an intermittent tributary that flows into the Susquehanna. It is located along a forested ridge that provides critical wildlife habitat in the Highlands region, which is a federally designated greenway that spans the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains from Connecticut to Maryland, protecting water resources, forests, and meadows, and providing a migratory corridor for wildlife including large mammals such as black bears.
“This conservation easement provided a wonderful opportunity to protect part of an important landscape while confirming an expanded approach to conservation easements,” said Kate Gonick, Senior Vice President of Land Protection and General Counsel at Lancaster Conservancy.
The property included in the easement is surrounded by development on two sides and serves as a buffer to nearby forested lands. The property is referred to as “Honeysuckle Hollow” by its owner Joseph Ulrich and his wife Lynda.
“Municipal sewage service to the adjacent residential areas reopened the possibility of development of Honeysuckle Hollow. With the efforts we put into encouraging native species and habitat for wildlife, we desired to explore means to protect Honeysuckle Hollow regardless of future ownership,” said Joseph Ulrich. “Ultimately, we chose to proceed with the donation of the easement as it met our goals of keeping the conservation values of the property protected into the future. It is our hope that even our small Honeysuckle Hollow paradise will serve as an example of what is possible to help preserve the dwindling natural resources in our world.”
While the Conservancy’s nature preserves are owned and managed by the Conservancy and often open for public recreation, property owners may choose to maintain ownership and protect their land through a conservation easement. A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement tied to the property deed that ensures the land will never be developed and protects the natural, cultural, and scenic resources of the property. Easements can help connect habitat to create green corridors which are important for wildlife, and they can provide buffers to Conservancy preserves.
When considering an easement, the Conservancy works with landowners to identify resources on the property that are important to the Conservancy and the landowner and to establish a plan to protect what they value. Once finalized, the conservation easement is recorded and, like a deed when one sells their property, the conservation easement is tied to the land forever – meaning it can never be developed. The Conservancy monitors conservation easement areas on a yearly basis to ensure the landowner manages the property according to the conservation easement. Because a conservation easement has a value, the landowner may be able to realize a tax benefit from donating an easement.
“The Highlands region of Lancaster County is incredibly important to protect, and the Ulrichs’ commitment to restoring their land is admirable. This donated easement allows the Conservancy to work alongside the Ulrichs to ensure their conservation values are captured and acted on for generations to come. We are grateful for their leadership and contribution,” said Fritz Schroeder, President & CEO of the Lancaster Conservancy.
About Lancaster Conservancy
Lancaster Conservancy is an accredited nonprofit land trust that protects and restores natural lands for future generations. Since our founding in 1969 by local anglers, hunters and naturalists, the Conservancy has saved over 10,000 acres of land to protect the ecosystems and landscapes upon which we depend for food, clean water, clean air, economic and public health, and the restoration of the soul and spirit.
We manage the lands we own in 50 nature preserves and care for over 45 miles of hiking trails. Our preserves, located in Lancaster County as well as along the Susquehanna River in York County, are open to the public free of charge 365 days a year and provide opportunities for passive recreation like hiking, fishing, hunting, and swimming. We have protected some of the most beautiful and beloved natural places in the area – places like Climbers Run, Welsh Mountain, Tucquan Glen & Pyfer, and Shenks Ferry Wildflower preserves.
Our work cultivates a connection with nature and educates the community on the importance of clean water, native species, biodiversity, and proper land use. By partnering with other non-profit organizations and government entities, we work to protect the health of our lands, watersheds, and local wildlife – forever. As a member supported organization, we need your help to save nature.
