On Sept 30, 2022 the South Mountain Partnership announced its 2022 Grant Recipients at its Annual “Power of the Partnership” Celebration Event held in Biglerville, PA. Download photos from the event here. 

The South Mountain Partnership’s Mini-Grant Program is intended to catalyze on-the-ground projects that further the goals of the Partnership, and to advance the capacity of partners to complete projects throughout the region. The Program provides funding, on a competitive basis, to projects that sustain the South Mountain landscape’s sense of place by protecting and promoting the region’s Landscape Resources like farms and farmland; historic places; wildlife, habitat and water; and trails and parks.

The South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Program was developed in 2009 and is administered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Financial support is provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Environmental Stewardship Fund. This year’s grantees received $50,000 in grant funds and in the last 13 years, over 90 projects have been completed through the Program – just over $660,000 in grants have been awarded; leveraged over $1,300,000 in matching funds.  

New this year, SMP announced a small-scale funding opportunity supported directly by donors to the Friends of the South Mountain Partnership called the “Flex Grants”.  In addition to supporting the SMP mission and goals, this program prioritizes projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our region. This grant is developed by The Friends of the South Mountain Partnership and the South Mountain Partnership and is administered with help from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. 

Mini-Grant Awards

Adams County Trout Unlimited received a grant of $13,200 for the Zeigler Mill Road Access Site Recreational and Restoration Development project.

Located just south of Biglerville, the project includes: installing stream restoration devices in Conewago Creek; constructing an educational nature trail and three teaching stations, removing invasive plant species, and planting 200 to 250 trees on retired agricultural areas on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission property.

Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited received a grant of $12,000 for the Barnitz Church Creek Stabilization and Habitat project.

Located near Mount Holly Springs, the project will stabilize and rehabilitate 645’ of eroding creek bank on the Yellow Breeches Creek. Work will include: installation of water structures and boulders to provide additional habitat for trout and macroinvertebrates, enhanced public access signage, native plant installation, and a tree planting plan.

FRIENDS OF TOMS CREEK received a grant of $6,300 for the Toms Creek Greenway Committee Community Outreach project.

Located in the greater Fairfield area, this collaborative project will advance the work plan of the Toms Creek Greenway Committee — as set forth in its March 2022 Interim report developed with assistance from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program — to engage local communities and municipalities in long-term planning of a hybrid greenway that connects communities, recreation areas, and historic sites; protects critical trout habitat; encourages sustainable resource stewardship; and promotes place-based economic development.

Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian, Inc. (HABPI) received a grant of $2,500 for a the Master Plan for Trail to New Adams County Historical Society Facilities project.

Located in Gettysburg, the project will create a Trail Master Plan for a safe bicycle and pedestrian trail from the Borough of Gettysburg to the new Adams County Historical Society facilities by evaluating costs and public acceptance for a variety of trail alignments.

The Institute, formerly known as The Institute at Renfrew, received a grant of $16,000 for the Conserving Wild Wonders: The Institute’s Pond Restoration Design Study project.

Located in near Waynesboro, this project will create a comprehensive design study to lead the restoration of a one-acre pond on The Institute’s new property; in support of future educational, conservation, and recreational programs and initiatives.

Flex Grant Awards

The ButterBee Foundation received a grant of $600 for the Interactive Pollinator Experiences

This project will reach 2,000 Girl Scouts and additional community members through events and activities and cultivate partnerships between the Girl Scounts, ButterBee Foundation, and local craftsman, plant specialists, and community members. It includes four (4) interactive education nodes on the site that encourage scouts and other visitors to utilize teamwork, math, science, and problem solving skills to solve real world problems that emphasize balancing ecosystems and agriculture. The experiences with reach young children and young adults, empowering generations yet to come.

Franklintown Borough received a grant of $600 for the Establishment of Friends of Archie Hess Memorial Park Organization project.

This project will establish the Friends of Archie Hess Memorial Park 501©(3) group to involve and engage diverse patrons and community members in the preservation and responsible development of the park, securing funding and fundraising for projects and match monies required for grants, ecologically responsible stewardship to revise the current park plan, integrate newly acquired woodlands into the park, and enhance the outdoor experience for the Patrons of the Park. 

York County Conservation District received a grant of $600 for their project York County Envirothon Expansion Effort

This project aims to expand the reach of the York County Envirothon by increasing written, verbal, and digital communications to local schools, organizations, and businesses. The goal of the York County Envirothon is to introduce students to environmental education and resource conservation while preparing them to be future leaders in the stewardship of our county. Support for this project will expand the program to schools that have never before participated in the York County Envirothon.