In 2020, nature preserves, hiking trails and state parks across the United States saw a massive increase in visitors as Americans sought activities that were unaffected by COVID-19 safety restrictions. Outdoor escapes offered an alternative to social gatherings and indoor events that were temporarily placed on hold, and many people found refuge in nature. Lancaster County is rife with lush parks and scenic hiking trails, but Kelly's Run Nature Preserve in Holtwood became one of the most popular destinations for stir-crazy local residents to escape to. Four years later, Lancaster Conservancy has announced an expansion project that will increase the size of the park by 43 acres.

After the expansion, Kelly's Run Nature Preserve will encompass more than 500 acres. The acquisition includes an additional quarter mile of Kelly's Run Stream and a portion of forested land. The additional acreage will serve as a buffer between adjacent farmland and the waterway, as well as a sanctuary for human recreation and a vital habitat for local wildlife. The nature preserve currently includes a pollinator meadow, verdant woodlands and a glen populated with native rhododendrons.

"We're always looking at what's adjacent to our nature preserves when starting a new project. We want to make sure we can connect them to the landscape and other preserves, protecting as many water resources as we can," said Kathie Gonick, Lancaster Conservancy's senior vice president of land protection and general counsel. "Kelly's Run is a beautiful stream. This buffer of forest will keep it clean and clear, as well as a better habitat for creatures."

During the surge of visitors during the pandemic, Gonick said she and other Lancaster Conservancy staff members would frequently volunteer to spend their weekends at Kelly's Run Nature Preserve, offering information to hikers and answering questions. Gonick added that the preserve's proximity to Pinnacle Scenic Overlook Nature Preserve, in addition to its scenic vistas and conveniently accessible parking lot, contribute to the popularity of Kelly's Run. Pinnacle Scenic Overlook became part of the Susquehannock State Park two years ago, after Lancaster Conservancy transferred stewardship of the property to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Now that the expansion project at Kelly's Run Nature Preserve is officially underway, Lancaster Conservancy will proceed with its next phase, which will entail thorough documentation of the property and research on its natural resources prior to the acquisition. Once the property is acquired, the conservancy's stewardship department will start developing a plan to ensure that the addition can seamlessly integrate with the existing land. Lancaster Conservancy estimates that the project will take a few years to complete.

Kelly's Run Nature Preserve is open to visitors daily from dawn until dusk, and parking is available at the intersection of Street Road and Crystal Drive.

For more information, visit http://www.lancasterconservancy.org.