Near Suedberg in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Grassland Restoration Project

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 14, 2025

1. Grassland Restoration Project Marker

Inscription.
Through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Game Commission and DCNR State Parks, this area will be undergoing a series of wildlife habitat restoration projects between 2024 and 2029. Approximately 210 acres of formerly agricultural land in Swatara State Park will be rehabilitated into native grassland. Native grasslands (also known as prairies) are a rare and highly beneficial habitat type that have steadily declined in acreage and quality in Southeastern Pennsylvania since the 1700's. These ecosystems create exceptional biodiversity and support hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile and insect species while also providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

As part of this habitat restoration project, tree rows within this field complex will be removed from the site to create a more contiguous and connected grassland ecosystem. This open structure is critical for sensitive and declining grassland nesting bird species such as Eastern Meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Henslow's Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, and more. This habitat type is also largely beneficial as brooding cover for Wild Turkeys, fawning cover for White-tailed Deer, and foraging grounds for Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, Barn Owls, and various other birds of prey.

The tree removal phase of this habitat restoration will create a temporary

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disturbance and may appear unsightly for a short period of time. However, these newly opened areas will quickly transition into highly beneficial plant communities for wildlife and park visitors to enjoy!

Erected by Pennsylvania Game Commission and Dept of Natural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2024.

Location. 40° 31.077′ N, 76° 30.339′ W. Marker is near Suedberg, Pennsylvania, in Lebanon County. It is on Suedberg Road (Pennsylvania Route 443), on the left when traveling west. Marker is at a roadside parking area in Suedberg State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1373 Suedberg Road, Pine Grove PA 17963, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in Greater Harrisburg.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Sattazahn Lutheran Church (approx. 2.2 miles away); Unlocking the Power of Water (approx. 2.9 miles away); Union Canal (approx. 3 miles away); Inwood Iron Bridge (approx. 3 miles away); Swatara Gap (approx. 3 miles away); Fort Swatara (approx. 3.7 miles away); Lickdale (approx. 4.1 miles away); Union Forge (approx. 4.6 miles away).

Grassland Restoration Project Area and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 14, 2025

2. Grassland Restoration Project Area and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.