Land trust preserves historical farmstead in south central Pennsylvania

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Land Trust Alliance, its staff, its board of directors or any other individuals associated with the organization.

Natural Lands has officially conserved the 14.4-acre Shillelagh Farm in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County. The property offers essential habitat for wildlife, helps protect the quality of Hogestown Run and helps mitigate the effects of a warming climate.

[Ed. Note: Hogestown Run is a 10.4-mile-long tributary of Conodoguinet Creek that flows east toward New Kingston and through Silver Spring Township before feeding into the Conodoguinet, which then drains into the Susquehanna River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.]

Shillelagh Farm consists of both woodland, agricultural fields and floodplain. About 1,050 feet of Hogestown Run meanders through the eastern edge of the property. The land adjacent to the stream — which the landowner, Starr Offenger, has committed to leaving as a vegetated buffer — helps absorb and filter floodwaters during storms.

The property is now protected by a conservation easement held by Natural Lands, the region’s oldest and largest land conservation nonprofit. This perpetual, legally binding agreement ensures the farm will remain undeveloped forever.

“Starr and Howard Offenger’s efforts to conserve Shillelagh Farm will forever keep this remnant of Silver Spring Township’s agrarian heritage open for farming and wildlife,” said Robyn Jeny, Natural Lands' land protection project manager. “The landowners’ willingness to ensure the permanence of a naturally vegetated buffer along Hogestown Run will help to preserve and protect water quality as well as secure a meaningful corridor for wildlife habitat. It’s truly rewarding to see their conservation vision realized.”

In the early 2000s, after nearly three centuries of agricultural use, the area around the Offenger property began to be developed for residential, commercial and industrial uses. To the east, the property is bordered by the expanding residential and commercial development in the village of Hogestown, and to the west, by warehouses and numerous car dealerships. As a result, Shillelagh Farm is one of few remaining historical farmsteads in this part of Silver Spring Township.

“I could never in good conscience let this sacred land become another car lot or warehouse, which now surround our boundaries,” said Offenger. “It is a little piece of paradise for the wildlife to enjoy. It is indeed very calming to look out over the meadow and enjoy the beauty. I am glad for the opportunity to preserve!”

Silver Spring Township funded this conservation project.

"When the current owner's father, Bud Gaskin purchased the farm in 1965, he planted more than 5,000 trees on the property," said Silver Spring Township Supervisor Laura Brown. "The foresight of Starr's father allowed this land to stay protected and helped ensure it as an oasis for people and wildlife in the midst of rampant development. Silver Spring Township is proud to fully fund the preservation of Shillelagh Farm. With the completion of this project, the Township has now preserved more than 792 acres of farmland and woodland through our municipal Land Preservation Program.”

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Land Trust Alliance, its staff, its board of directors or any other individuals associated with the organization.