Countryside Conservancy Acquires 82-Acre Gardner Spencer Preserve, Lackawanna County

Countryside Conservancy recently announced the acquisition of its single largest property to date: the Gardner Spencer Preserve in Lackawanna County.

After years of discussions, negotiations, grant-writing, and fundraising, the Conservancy was finally able to purchase the 82-acre property in December. Grant funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources helped with the purchase.

The preserve adjoins the Conservancy’s Ziegler Preserve, as well as Lackawanna State Park. The area features bucolic fields, mature hemlock groves, and a babbling brook.

To access the preserve, park at the Ziegler Preserve trailhead on Route 438, one mile east of the Route 407 intersection. Trails are currently under development, so the Conservancy recommends waiting for their completion before exploring.

Click Here for a property map (but please note that the 8-acre parcel on the map is still private property; do not trespass.)

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Countryside Conservancy website.