Press release by NPC on 6 Jan 2025
Written by Renee’ Carey

The 60-acre McMorris conservation easement supports the health of the West Branch Susquehanna River and groundwater recharge, while its proximity to other conserved lands provides critical habitat for wildlife.

“If you want to conserve the land for the future, this is the best way to do it.”

– Marc McMorris, conservation easement landowner

In the heart of Lycoming County, the McMorris family has nurtured a 60-acre farm that tells a story of stewardship, family, and a love for the land. Recently, Marc McMorris and his siblings partnered with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) to establish a conservation easement, ensuring the conservation of their cherished family property for generations to come.

A Life on the Land

Marc’s father, a local physician at the time, originally purchased the farm to give his family a sense of rootedness after moving frequently during his own childhood. Growing up, Marc and his siblings worked alongside their parents to care for horses, cattle, and crops. From early spring to the cool days of fall, they tended gardens and orchards, following the seasonal rhythms that defined their lives. While their childhood was filled with lots of hard work, it also instilled a deep appreciation for the land’s unique character and lasting value.

Now, each autumn, as the air fills with the sweet scent of ripe apples, Marc fondly recalls time spent harvesting from their orchards. Together, they would pick the fruit by hand, transporting it to the nearby Nippenose Cider Mill, where their wooden kegs would be filled with freshly pressed apple cider. Back at the farm, the home would transform into a bustling hub of activity as Marc’s parents, grandparents, cousins, and neighbors gathered to create their homemade apple butter. As they would stir giant copper kettles in the backyard, laughter and stories flowed as freely as the delicious concoction within. The aroma of cooking apple butter filled the air, turning their hard work into treasured gifts for friends and co-workers at Christmas. In those moments, with faces smeared in apple butter and loaves of warm Stroehmann’s bread shared among loved ones, the farm stood as a testament to the deep connection between family and land.

A Legacy Worth Conserving

Eventually, the McMorris children grew up and pursued their own paths, but the farm remained a gathering place for family and friends. Owning land with that much heart and soul prompted Marc’s father to reach out to NPC for an initial meeting many years ago. Then, after their parents passed away, Marc and his siblings took on the responsibility of ensuring the land’s long-term care. Living in Michigan, Marc witnessed the farmland in his community being transformed into subdivisions, which fueled his desire to conserve their unique property back in Pennsylvania. Together, the siblings decided to pick up where their dad left off, embarking on a journey with NPC to place a conservation easement on their property.

While the process was long and challenging, the NPC staff was there to guide the family through the whole process.

Community Benefit

The conservation easement on the McMorris family farm offers numerous environmental benefits for the community. The headwaters, wetlands, and tributaries of Jacks Hollow, a Pennsylvania Historic Stream located on the property, support the health of the West Branch Susquehanna River and help recharge groundwater in the area. The farm is adjacent to State Game Lands and other protected areas, which conserves critical habitats for native species such as ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, and wood thrush. Additionally, the fertile soils designated as prime farmland support agriculture, while the dense forests and rocky slopes reduce stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion, protecting downstream communities. The land is also visible from a heavily traveled public road, conserving scenic views for everyone to enjoy.

Looking to the Future

Today, the family takes pride in knowing that their land is conserved. They’ve found peace in the knowledge that it will remain a space for future generations to experience the joy, hard work, and connection to nature that they once cherished.

For those considering a similar path, the family encourages patience and research. Marc expanded by encouraging others to “Take full advantage of the help the conservancy [NPC] provides through the process. It can take a long time, but it’s well worth it when it’s done. If you want to conserve the land for the future, this is the best way to do it.”

“I had done my own research, but I just didn’t realize all the steps that it took and the amount of time it took with each step. So, the help we got from Sara and Renee [NPC staff] was invaluable.”

– Marc McMorris, conservation easement landowner

Learn More

If you’re inspired by the McMorris family’s journey and want to learn more about how a conservation easement can conserve your land, we invite you to visit the NPC website. There, you’ll find resources and information to help guide you through the process. You can also contact NPC’s Land Steward, Sara Schlesinger, directly, at [email protected] or 570-323-6222.

Support Conservation

The NPC membership makes the conservation easement program possible. By contributing to NPC, you help conserve lands and waters across the region, ensuring that these vital resources remain healthy for our communities. Your support also funds outdoor educational and recreational programs and improves the health of our waterways. To help continue this work, please consider donating today and make a difference in our region’s conservation efforts.