Reflections on 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible year the Land Conservancy of Adams County has had. It’s truly an honor to serve as the secretary of the board of such an amazing organization, and I’m thankful to be part of a community that cares deeply about preserving the beauty of Adams County.
This year was filled with exciting milestones and successful events. We invite you to join us at our Annual Dinner on Thursday, March 13, 2025 to learn more about the properties we’ve protected in 2024 and the work still to be done. It’s an opportunity to connect and celebrate our shared passion for preserving this special place.
April saw the return of our popular Art Auction, led by Bob Prosperi, which continues to grow each year, showcasing local talent while supporting our preservation efforts. We also celebrated the grand opening of a one-mile hiking trail at Boyer Nurseries on April 27, a fitting way to spend national Celebrate Trails Day. If you haven’t walked the trail yet, I encourage you to visit and enjoy the stunning preserved orchard lands.
In May, we hosted a charity night at Four Score Beer Company, where our board members and volunteers served drinks in support of our mission. The evening was filled with fun and laughter, and we are grateful to all who participated.
If you haven't seen them yet, be sure to check out our social media pages. We’ve held several photo contests showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Adams County, and the photos are a personal peek into the landscapes we work so hard to protect.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for our annual Summer Picnic at Hanover Shoe Farms. It was a wonderful chance to enjoy great food, amazing company, and the beauty of a newly preserved farm.
This year also marked an important milestone—our reaccreditation with the Land Trust Alliance Commission! We celebrated this achievement at the Upper Crust and are proud to be one of the few organizations accredited by LTA in Pennsylvania.
The 26th Annual Road Rally, Made in Adams County, was another success, drawing more participants each year. We hope you’ll join us in 2025 to explore the scenic backroads of our county while supporting our mission to preserve the rural lands and character of Adams County.
We are deeply grateful for the incredible $129,120 raised during the Adams County Community Foundation’s Giving Spree, which helped support over 100 local nonprofits. This, along with the dedication of our small but mighty team—Sarah Kipp and Kathy Johnson—helps make our preservation work possible. We also couldn’t do it without the hard work of our board and committees who plan events and support our team year-round.
Finally, I want to thank YOU for your continued support—whether through donations, sponsorships, or your shared love for the rural lands of Adams County. Together, we’re ensuring these landscapes are protected for generations to come.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved, please visit our website at preserveadams.org. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season!
Erica Duffy is secretary of the Land Conservancy board of directors and chair of the Communications Committee.
photo by Harry Evans