NPC partnered with the landowner, Allen Jones, to establish the conservation easement.
The property, aptly named Stillwater for its many ponds and wetlands, highlights how a forest, when cared for, benefits everyone.
A Lifelong Bond with the Land
Jones’ bond with the land runs deep. Growing up in Snyder County, he spent countless hours exploring the woods, learning nature’s rhythms and cultivating a love for wildlife.
While his classmates studied farming in their high school agricultural class, Allen focused on wildlife habitat.
These early experiences helped shape his passion for the woods and the animals that call them home.
Jones purchased the land for his homestead in 1988, and years later had the opportunity to acquire the surrounding acreage - including the forest where he harvested his first deer at age 12.
However, his vision went far beyond himself. He wanted to create “a paradise for man and beast,” where friends could hike and hunt, children could explore and learn, birds could rest during migration, and wildlife could roam freely throughout a healthy forest.
Caring for the Land
In order to bring his vision to life, Jones worked with a forester to develop a Forest Management Plan.
For more than a decade, he has restored the forest by addressing the history of heavy logging on the land and controlling invasive species like stilt grass.
He created spaces for new growth and planted native trees, including oak and maple.
Fallen logs and brush were left to provide wildlife cover and protect seedlings, while deer populations were monitored to ensure forest regeneration.
Jones established a nut orchard with almond, American chestnut, hazelnut, and pawpaw trees, providing additional food and habitat.
Stewardship required patience, persistence, and sometimes difficult choices, but his dedication created a thriving, resilient forest.
Stillwater is also alive with water and wetlands. Springs flow from neighboring Bald Eagle State Forest through the property leading to Jack’s Creek, a state-designated Cold Water Fishery, that connects to the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers.
Ponds and wetlands host wood frogs and other amphibians, while 40 bluebird houses and a scattering of wood duck nesting boxes provide homes for migratory and local birds.
Each spring, local youth groups explore the vernal pools, connecting the next generation to nature.
Conserving for the Future
For Jones, conserving Stillwater was the natural next step, stating “I felt like my work was done, and it was time to conserve it for the future."
After some careful research, he connected with NPC Land Steward, Sara Schlesinger.
Their shared interests of hunting and the outdoors quickly turned a conversation into collaboration.
“It’s been a joy. Sara at NPC has been great to work with right from the start,” Allen added.
This conservation easement reflects not only Jones’ dedication, but also the support of NPC members.
Through the generosity and commitment of members and donors, NPC can partner with people to conserve the landscapes, waters, and wildlife that define Northcentral Pennsylvania.
For landowners considering a conservation easement, Jones offered the following advice: “If you want to conserve your land and life’s work, do it now. A conservation easement with NPC is a means to pass on something you love for future generations. And consult with a forester to get a plan together - it makes all the difference.”
Learn More
If you are inspired by Jones’s journey and want to learn more about NPC’s conservation projects and programs, we invite you to contact the staff directly at 570-323-6222.
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy is a regional land trust conserving and enhancing the lands and waters in a 12-county area.
(Photo: NPC Land Steward Sara Schlesinger and Allen Jones.)
Related Articles This Week:
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-- Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy Partners With Landowner Allen Jones To Conserve 230 Acres In Snyder, Mifflin Counties [PaEN]
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[Posted: January 5, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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