47.11 acres preserved in Mt. Joy Township

The Land Conservancy of Adams County has announced the preservation by Daniel and Melissa Utz of 47.11 acres of property in southern Adams County in Mt. Joy Township.

Accidentally stumbling upon this property in 2011, the Utzes contacted the owners and learned the history of the original farmhouse and land. They loved the property’s private location that still allowed for quick access to town. After purchasing the property and moving there, the Utzes forged a personal connection with, and appreciation for, the land. When their tenant mentioned the Land Conservancy preservation program three years ago, they were intrigued. A preservation easement is a legal agreement between a private landowner and a land trust such as the Land Conservancy. It permanently protects the unique resources and conservation values such as the property’s ecological, scenic, wildlife, or agricultural resources.

The Utzes watched the abundant wildlife – persistent groundhogs the first few years, momma racoons and babies trailing through the fields, a pair of quail staying for a season, and families of foxes tumbling in the fields. The sound of peepers calling to each other signaled the start of spring while birds ranging from the tiniest hummingbirds to the grand bald eagle made the property home for a time. Seeing their grandchildren befriend a fawn near their play area convinced the Utzes of the value in preserving this property for future generations.

Equally important is the quality of the soil, the reliable well water source, and native habitat supporting pollinators that all combine to produce excellent crops. The Utzes have shown good stewardship by implementing sustainable farming practices such as cover crops to reduce erosion during the off season and reduced-till and no-till techniques to lessen soil disturbance and promote water retention.

With this preservation, about 13 wooded acres and 32 acres of cropland will remain unchanged, providing agricultural opportunities and scenic value for generations to come.  To those considering preservation, the Utzes say, “Each preservation is a personal decision. Don’t be afraid of the process. The Conservancy is with you every step of the way helping you and your heirs obtain a full understanding of preservation.”

The Utz’s preservation easement was finalized in June 2026 with funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (an agency of the US Department of Agriculture) through its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, the Adams County Parks, Recreation and Green Space Grant Program, and the Land Conservancy of Adams County’s conservation fund.