Early Nineteenth Century Property Protected
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
The mosaic of pasture, farm fields, old orchards, and closed-canopy hardwood forest that decorates the Bidlake property will be permanently protected. This property has been in Patricia Bidlake’s family since the early nineteenth century. Over time, the family has donated pieces of their land, creating the majestic 648-acre Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Preserve. For the past few years, Patricia has expressed an interest in protecting the land she loves. Countryside Conservancy offered to preserve the land and prevent further subdivision of the property.
“The fact that these 3 properties, totaling 62 acres, adjoin The Nature Conservancy’s Woodbourne Wildlife and Forest Preserve (648 acres) made it a key project for us. We are not a large land trust, so we believe in standing on the shoulders of giants wherever possible, and adding acreage to areas already protected,” says Mary Felley, executive director of the Countryside Conservancy.
Now, with the help of Countryside Conservancy and this new easement placed on the property, Patricia’s family will be able to continue their legacy of land conservation and enjoy the beloved land that has been in their family for centuries.
Top photo by Rylan Coker, Countryside Conservancy
Old apple tree in one of the abandoned orchards on the Bidlake property.
Middle photo by Rylan Coker, Countryside Conservancy
Spring flowers against a stone wall. Patricia has invested in rebuilding many of the old stone walls around the property, which are made of our native shale and are a characteristic feature of our old farms.
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