Press Release: South Mountain Partnership Recognizes 9th Spirit of South Mountain Awardee

(February 8, 2020) – The Spirit of South Mountain award is an important award given to an individual, project, or organization that has made a big impact in advancing a positive and sustainable future for the South Mountain landscape. This year, the awardee was announced as Dr. Claire Jantz during the 10^th annual “Power of the Partnership” event. The event was held virtually this year and drew over 100 people on January 29.

The award celebrates those people and organizations investing in a sustainable, healthy future for communities and citizens in Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York counties. The 9^th award was presented to Dr. Jantz because of her work as a convener who is skilled in bringing together community groups and the next generation to protect and enhance the region’s agricultural, historical, natural, and recreational resources. Dr. Jantz’s commendable professional work is enhanced by her incredible public service record, demonstrating a deep personal commitment to the region and all that makes this place a great place to live, work, and play. She serves on multiple South Mountain Partnership committees, the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy board, is a supporter of the Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council, and as a member of the Rotary Club of Shippensburg, Borough of Shippensburg Zoning Hearing Board and Shade Tree Commission. She is a founding member and Chair of the Friends of Michaux State Forest, working with DCNR to protect 85,000 acres of Michaux State Forest that house natural, cultural, and recreational resources at the heart of the South Mountain region by coordinating outreach and education, trail building, clean-ups, seed collection, and development of a resource stewardship program.

As an example of her transformative partnership investments and leadership, Dr. Jantz recently protected one of the region’s remaining 19th century iron furnaces, Big Pond Furnace, from development and arranged transfer to The Archaeological Conservancy for permanent protection and future research. In her personal and professional life, Dr. Jantz works passionately to conserve and promote landscape resources to enrich the quality of life and sense of place for our citizens and communities. The past eight recipients were awarded the honor for their work in areas of conservation or promotion of agricultural, historical, natural, or recreational resources, and for creating community and collaboration across the landscape between local government, non-profits and community organizations, businesses, and citizens.

The award ceremony can be watched on the YouTube page and Facebook page of the South Mountain Partnership. More information about the Spirit of South Mountain award and can be found on the website of the South Mountain Partnership and the public is welcome to attend all of their regional meetings. To be notified of their meetings, sign up for their newsletter by visiting their website.