Landis Homes Group Supports Woods And Wetlands
Following the development of the South Campus of Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, about a decade ago, a group of residents became involved in the preservation of 10 acres of land - four acres called Leaman Woods and another approximately six acres of floodplain.
"The Friends of the Woods and Wetlands look for ways to help maintain and use the woods and wetlands," said Linford Good, community design specialist with Landis Communities. The 50-member group works in several areas of environmental concern.
The woods were originally farmland, and the flood plain was meadow used for grazing cattle. Sediment was removed from the flood plain in exchange for storm water management credits that were used in developing land outside the flood plain. "We were able to build more homes on land that would otherwise have been used for storm water retention," explained Good.
The Friends of the Woods and Wetlands formed a few years after the hybrid homes on the campus were built. Seeking to appreciate the blessings of the Landis Homes environment, the group set out to support the balance of the environment so that residents and visitors could enjoy the natural beauty.
Good noted that one of the first jobs of the group members was to remove invasive plants, hand-pulling garlic mustard, burning bush, and privet hedge, and planting native plants and trees, especially pawpaws. "In the flood plain it is a continuous (job) to keep invasives out," explained Good, who noted that the Friends work with Land Studies, a professional organization in Lititz.
Within the group are subgroups that engage in activities to support or encourage flora and fauna in the area. "One group is interested in planting milkweed to attract butterflies," noted Good, who said he has seen monarchs in the clover field near the wood. "Another group is interested in bees," he said pointing out the bee boxes meant to help increase the mason bee population on the campus. "There's a group of birders that put out boxes for bluebirds, and they monitor them throughout the season," he added. A segment is also working to track frogs, turtles, snakes, and other wetland creatures as they move into the area.
Water quality is also important to the Friends. Kurtz Run, a spring-fed brook, runs through the campus and into the Conestoga Creek. Friends volunteer to work with the Lancaster County Conservation District to monitor water quality. "They are trying to start a Kurtz Run Watershed Association to help with projects," said Good.
Good noted that the organization gives residents with the knowledge and passion the chance to preserve the area for the future. "By restoring these areas, it provided an opportunity for residents to volunteer in things they're interested in, like natural habitats," said Good.
Landis Homes, an affiliate of Landis Communities, is home to 850 residents living in cottage, apartment, and hybrid homes, as well as in personal care and health care. More information may be found at http://www.landishomes.org.
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