ClearWater Conserves 258 Acres of Vital Forest Habitat in Joel’s Woods

April 28, 2025 — This year, with the generous support of our community, ClearWater Conservancy achieved a major conservation milestone: the permanent protection of 258 acres in Joel’s Woods through a ClearWater conservation easement. ClearWater Conservancy is delighted to partner with Jamie and Sonia Felker to protect 258 acres bridging creek to ridgetop near Spring Mills in Penns Valley known as Joel’s Woods. This project was made possible through grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, and the Community Conservation Partnership Program, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. It is a prime example of how private-public partnerships can ensure the sustainable future of our forests through collaborative learning, proactive forest management, and permanent conservation to address the numerous threats forests face today. 

Nestled along the banks of Sinking Creek, this protected forest is more than beautiful—it’s vital. This easement protects a stretch of Sinking Creek and an identified Natural Heritage Area known as the Sinking Creek Prairie Biological Diversity Area— a series of relict prairie openings supporting one of the few remaining side-oats gramma grassland communities in Pennsylvania, as well as two rare butterflies—the columbine duskywing and silvery blue. The Central Appalachian Oak-Pine forests have been actively managed since the 1970s, creating a mix of forest age classes to support a range of declining species, including Ruffed Grouse, Cerulean Warbler and Wood Thrush. 

The easement also includes a large portion of Egg Hill, a highly visible wooded ridge and local landmark that serves as a natural corridor for wildlife to move in a fragmented and shifting landscape. This area was identified by The Nature Conservancy as an area of resilient land containing multiple habitats with high connectivity allowing species to migrate in response to changing climate patterns.    

In addition to the land’s importance for biodiversity value and resilience, the easement guarantees public access to Sinking Creek for fishing, offering recreational opportunities while preserving the health of the watershed regardless of future property ownership. The project also protects the rural character of the area as nearby farmlands face increasing pressure from suburban development. 

"ClearWater proudly partnered with the owners of Joel's Woods to conserve an important local landmark and ensure the public always has access for fishing on Sinking Creek, just outside Spring Mills," said Ryan Hamilton, Land Conservation Manager. 

This effort supports ClearWater’s strategic goals in the Penns and Fishing Creek Valleys by connecting people to nature, protecting critical ecosystems, restoring environmental health, and stewarding the land in partnership with the landowner and community.  ClearWater will work with the landowner to promote long-term forest and stream health and encourage educational opportunities.  

Given the significant conservation value of this property—including rare grassland habitats, critical stream protection, and regionally important bird and pollinator species—ensuring the permanent protection of this land is essential. 

This conservation success reflects ClearWater’s ongoing commitment to protecting places where nature and people thrive together. With each acre preserved, we move closer to a future where central Pennsylvania’s natural environment remains healthy and sustained for generations to come. 

This project is made possible through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with support from The Foundation of PA Watersheds and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. 

PA DCNR: Community Conservation Partnership Program, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation 

The Foundation for PA Watersheds: The mission of Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is to foster stewardship for the protection, preservation and restoration of Pennsylvania's unique water resources and watersheds, while leveraging local, state and federal agency funds. Our primary service area extends from the Ohio border to the mainstem of the Susquehanna River. 

Photo Credits: Danny Brumbaugh, Ryan Hamilton, Sandy Miller, Suzy Yetter