Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
Milton Hershey School Agricultural and Environmental Education
• Meadows provide excellent habitat elements for a variety of wildlife species. In particular, ground nesting birds-the group of birds which contains the greatest number of species of special concern in the state of Pennsylvania. Uncommon birds which may be sighted in campus meadows are Meadowlarks, Grasshopper sparrows, and Boblinks during their migration.
• Meadows control rainwater runoff. The vertical growth and extensive root systems of the meadows help absorb rain. By keeping runoff in the landscape, rather than shuttling it directly into campus streams, meadows reduce downstream flood potential. At the same time, root systems direct runoff water to underground aquifers. Aquifers store the water and slowly release it into the streams. This lessens drought severity by keeping streams flowing.
• Meadows provide a low-cost alternative to mowing grass. Annual maintenance budgets are reduced to a sum 30 times less per acre by converting from turf to meadows. Generally, established meadow maintenance consists of an annual mowing or controlled burn.
• Most important to the Milton Hershey School’s mission, the meadows provide excellent teaching tools for academic staff to assist students
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Erected by Milton Hershey School Enviornmental Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Horticulture & Forestry.
Location. 40° 17.002′ N, 76° 38.321′ W. Marker is near Hershey, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. It is in Derry Township. Marker is at the intersection of Old Meadow Lane and Para Avenue on Old Meadow Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 302 Meadow Ln, Hershey PA 17033, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Derry Churchyard (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hershey (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pennsylvania State Police (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Hershey (approx. half a mile away); Chocolate Workers' Sit-Down Strike (approx. 0.6 miles away); Milton S. Hershey (approx. 0.6 miles away); Derry Church School (1844-1904) (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Homestead (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hershey.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
