Began invasive species removal in the growing season of 2024

Installed a publicly accessible walking trail, open dawn until dusk, in May 2024

Hosted seasonal, monthly guided walks throughout the summers of 2024 and 2025

Awarded a habitat restoration grant from Pennsylvania and the Pheasant and Quail Forever Society covering up to four years of invasive species removal (both woody shrubs and perennials) and installation of a native meadow catering to the 14 most endangered Pennsylvania song birds in December 2024

Intensive invasive species removal began in March 2025 with woody shrub and tree removal

Intensive invasive species removal continued throughout the summer of 2025 with eradication of invasive perennials

Qualified for certification as a Level One Arboretum in July 2026

Meadow sown in December 2025

March 2026: Placement of acoustic recording units throughout the meadow, which estimate bird diversity and populations to assess the success of habitat restoration as the meadow germinates and grows over the next several years; funded through a partnership with Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA

Invasive species removal continues 

Install informative signs throughout the walking trail

Place tree identification labels on the trees bordering the walking trail

Invasive species removal continues

As funds allow, enhance the walking trail with benches, swings, and boardwalk bridges over the muddy areas

Plant larger areas of forest garden to enhance the tree canopy and provide food to native wildlife and visitors to the Gardens

Plant small pockets of forest gardens in healthy areas

Continue with monthly walks throughout the growing season

Spring 2029: The first full growing season of the mature Pennsylvania native meadow, initially sown in December 2025

Begin installing and planting perennial gardens in wetland and forest areas; continue forest garden plantings

Plant regenerative orchard gardens on the outskirts of the meadow

Host community picking days where visitors come to freely pick and take home the fruit, nuts, and seeds 

Host workshops on topics such as native PA meadows, woods, and orchards; regenerative orchards and forest gardens; homesteading, lawn alternatives, etc. 

Host weekly guided walks, as well as more community work days per season