Press release and photos provided by The Lebanon Valley Conservancy on 8 March 25
Brehm property with pond
Yezdimir property Bank Barn
The Lebanon Valley Conservancy (TLVC) preserved two farms along Fort Swatara Road in Union Township, near Swatara State Park, Fort Indiantown Gap, and within the Kittatinny Ridge Sentinel Landscape. The land in and around the Kittatinny Ridge is a strategic area of focus for TLVC, serving as a crucial corridor for songbird migration and vital habitat for rare wildlife.
Mark and Stephanie Brehm’s 78-acre farm has been in Stephanie’s family since the 1960s. “This land has been actively farmed by third and fourth generations,” shared Courtney Reimann, land protection director for TLVC. “The property features two streams, a large pond, and both crop and livestock operations.” The second preserved farm, owned by Mildred “Millie” Yezdimir, was established by her family in the 1930s and remains a working farm with open fields, a small stream, and significant historical and personal value. “At 101 years old, Millie celebrated the conservation of her family’s 42-acre farm as a meaningful milestone,” noted Reimann.
These two easements were funded through a partnership with the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Fort Indiantown Gap Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program. The ACUB program supports military readiness while preserving agricultural, recreational, and natural habitats. Two other farms in this area, conserved by TLVC in 2019, bring the total protected acreage along Fort Swatara Road to almost 300 acres.
TLVC preserved three properties, totaling 154 acres, through conservations easements at the turn of the year as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with and support these local families who share our commitment to our community and protecting our region’s natural and agricultural resources,” stated Abigail Harvey, executive director for TLVC. “Our board of directors and staff are honored to continue this important work. These conservation easements mark a monumental achievement as we prepare for a year of celebration and renewed commitment to our mission.” To date, the Conservancy has preserved more than 1,200 acres of land in the Lebanon Valley. A list of preserved land and additional information on easements can be found at: Preserved Properties – The Lebanon Valley Conservancy.
Brehm Closing From left: Ron Birch, treasurer, TLVC; Abigail Harvey, executive director, TLVC; Charles “Chuck” Wertz, TLVC emeritus board; Stephanie & Mark Brehm, landowners; Nichole Eisenhart, Barley Snyder; and Bret Wiest, Buzgon Davis
Yezdimir closing From left: Ron Birch, treasurer, TLVC; Abigail Harvey, executive director, TLVC; Charles “Chuck” Wertz, TLVC emeritus board; Elizabeth Yezdimir on behalf of Mildred Yezdimir, landowner; and Bret Wiest, Buzgon Davis
About the Lebanon Valley Conservancy
Formed in 2000, TLVC’s mission is to promote the conservation of cultural, historical and natural resources through public awareness, education and land preservation. TLVC works in cooperation with neighboring conservancies and trusts, as well as local and state governments, to protect and ensure equitable access to these valuable resources in the Lebanon Valley. To date, more than 1,200 acres of land have been preserved. Visit our website to donate, volunteer or become a member.
