Conodoguinet Creek Critter Chronicle

Shutting Down URL and Activity for This Page

2010-10-28T08:39:00.003-04:00

It's been my pleasure to share my perspectives and enjoyment of our wonderful Creek. As my wife and I prepare to head to the southwest (where water is even more precious) I will be discontinuing activity on this site effective 11/1/10. The URL http://www.conodoguinetcreekcritter.com//) will cease to exist in the very near future. The content from this page will be available at http://creekcritterchronicle.blogspot.com/
for those who desire access for historical (or hysterical) purposes. Thanks for following...... /guy

Our Life Along the Creek is Drawing to a Close

2010-10-14T13:07:00.000-04:00

To the readers/followers of this blog/website - many may know - some may not - after nearly 26 years living along the Creek, my wife and I are preparing to move on. You may have noticed my postings to this site have come to a virtual standstill. Preparations are underway for our move to our next "great adventure" in Tucson, AZ - yes - virtually waterless Tucson. :)

Most of my attention has been focused on finding employment in Tucson and preparing our house on the Creek for sale. If you have any contacts in Tucson, please let me know (guybrunt@comcast.net) - I'm working hard at expanding my network of contacts in that area. Likewise - should you know of anyone interested in living in Pine Brook (Hampden Twp) on the Creek, tell them to be on the lookout for the "For Sale" signs which hopefully will be "popping up" sometime in November.

I have enjoyed sharing insights and photos of our Creek, it's "critters" and the surrounding area. We will miss the Creek, but also look forward to experiencing desert life in our future home.

Thanks to all who have contributed to our wonderful experience along the Creek. /guy

Cleaning Debris from the Orrs Bridge 9-16-10

2010-09-16T15:36:00.000-04:00

Postcard on ebay 8-1-10

2010-08-01T13:21:00.000-04:00

Carlisle Pennsylvania 1949

Conodoguinet Creek

Great 1949 view of Conodoguinet Creek seen looking West from the top of Cave Hill, just north of Carlisle Pennsylvania.

Civil War-era Shell Found in Conodoguinet

2010-07-28T14:56:00.000-04:00

Civil War-era shell causes lockdown at Army Heritage and Education Center

Published: Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 4:18 PM Updated: Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 8:46 PM

MONICA VON DOBENECK, The Patriot-News

A Civil War-era shell which a man tried to donate to the Army Heritage and Education Center caused a lockdown of the facility for about an hour Monday when employees thought the shell might be live. Jack Giblin, education director, said the man was trying to donate the shell, which he found in the Conodoguinet Creek, but a security guard recognized that it could still be dangerous.

Employees cordoned off the area and called the Carlisle Army Barracks, which notified Pennsylvania State Police. The shell was taken to a bomb disposal unit in Maryland. Giblin said he did not know if the shell was live, but it was treated as such as a safety precaution.

It's not unusual for munitions that old to still have the potential to explode, Giblin said. "Shells found in Europe and Asia dating from the 13th or 14th centuries have been found to be live," he said. "As long as they don't get wet."

The shell was plugged, which means the powder inside could still be dry, Giblin said.

Creek Clean-Up July 17

2010-07-05T09:20:00.000-04:00

Volunteers are needed for the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association and the Mechanicsburg Area Environmental Club’s creek cleanup from 8:45 a.m. to noon July 17.

Volunteers should assemble at the Willow Mill Park pavilion. A van will transport volunteers to the work site and back.

Sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a hat are recommended.

"Let Freedom Ring"

2010-07-02T14:27:00.000-04:00

wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.....

Just Can't Get My Fill of Sunsets Over the Creek

2010-07-01T21:46:00.000-04:00

Orrs Bridge

Searchin' for Smallies

2010-06-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

A great way to spend a late summer Sunday afternoon...

Gazing Ball Fascination

2010-06-27T18:08:00.001-04:00

Rode back past the Memorial Garden again today and became fascinated by the great reflection in the gazing ball. Messed with this a little in Photoshop, but couldn't take myself out of the picture without totally destroying the great image of the garden along the creek in the background. If anyone has any gazing ball picture techniques that can avoid having the photographer or their camera in the picture, please share. Enjoy!

Something Very Special Along Our Creek

2010-06-26T08:42:00.001-04:00

If you've never visited the Rotary Club Park in Hampden Townsip along Orrs Bridge Rd., stop in sometime. Nestled in along the creek, this shaded area is great for relaxing or taking a stroll along the beautiful creek.

And now there's another reason to visit. A Memorial Garden has been created to honor loved ones who played important roles in our lives. The Garden is found a short walk downstream from the Rotary Park. Its beautiful setting along the creek is a fitting tribute.

More information about the Memorial Garden and the organization behind its creation can be found at http://www.passionformothersflowers.com/.

The Fun Continues......

2010-06-21T19:55:00.000-04:00

5 minutes ago - 3 mink playing on my creekbank. Totally cool!

Father's Day Sojourn

2010-06-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

Sunset From Orrs Bridge

2010-06-17T20:55:00.000-04:00

He's (she?) Back - Bald Eagle 8:30 am 6/17/10

2010-06-17T09:12:00.000-04:00

Heard crazy bird noise out back this morning. Looked out to see two crows harrassing the bald eagle in flight. What can they be thinking? That bad boy is at least 3 to 4 times their size..........

Eagle's Dinner 6/16/10

2010-06-16T19:14:00.000-04:00

Early evening sighting of younger bald eagle (some dark markings still evident on its head). Caught 3 fish and dined across the creek from my backyard on Lamp Post Lane (Hampden Twp - off Orrs Bridge Rd). 2nd sighting in the last couple of weeks. Quality of pic is a bit lacking - need a higher powered telephoto.

Bald Eagle Sighting

2010-06-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday (June 10) - in Hampden Township about 3/4 mile downstream from the Orrs Bridge. Hung out in the trees across the creek from my house for about 1/2 hour. Wish I had a super-telephoto to get pics, but just had to enjoy the view through binoculars. A beautiful white head and cape complemented by that distinctive hooked yellow beak. A sight to behold sitting amongst the trees and then in flight as it moved on.....

Remembering.....

2010-05-31T10:52:00.002-04:00

Creek Clean-Up May 15

2010-05-13T08:42:00.000-04:00

On, Saturday, May 15th, from 8:45 until noonish, the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association and the Mechanicsburg Area Environmental Club will be hosting their first creek cleanup of 2010.

Please mark your calendar. We need all of the help that we can get. Consider inviting your friends.

We will start off in 2010 by cleaning the section of the Conodoguinet Creek between a log cabin 100 yards downstream from the Rich Valley Golf/ I81Bridge. We will exit on Beechcliff Drive.

Before 8:45, we will park our vehicles and assemble by the Willow Mill Park pavilion. Vans will then transport all volunteers to the “entry point”. Upon completion, the vans will drive us back to our vehicles in Willow Mill Park.

Directions to the Willow Mill Park Pavilion: Take Route 114 north from the Carlisle Pike. After the first traffic light, get in the left lane. At the 2nd traffic light turn left onto Willow Mill Park Road. Proceed to the stop sign at the old mill. Keep right. After passing the mill, stay to your right. Enter the park. Continue staying to the right.

If the pavilion is rented that day, we will ask you to park beyond the pavilion in the grass.

Consider wearing sturdy creek shoes, sun block, a hat with a visor, and appropriate gloves. The objects in the water and the creek's shale bed can be dangerously sharp.

Please ask others to help out! This is a very worthwhile/satisfying way to spend your best Saturday morning, ever.

See you on May 15th in the creek.

Paul Garrett, creek cleanup leader; (h) 737-2554, (c) 514-3546, e-mail paulgarrett40@comcast.net.

The Colors of the Creek

2010-05-12T08:26:00.000-04:00

An overcast "post-rain" spring morning makes the fresh colors "pop" along the creek. Other evidence that spring is well underway - the return and sighting of our first hummingbirds for 2010.

Floating the Creek

2010-04-27T08:07:00.001-04:00

Looking to organize a flotilla down the mighty Conodoguinet this summer. One of my neighbors identified a source for innertubes - last year Highlands Tire in Carlisle was selling them for $20 each, perfectly good innertubes for either floating or snow, and they'll last a heck of a lot longer than anything available through Toys-R-Us or elsewhere. Might be worth giving them a call. Link is: http://www.highlandstire.com/locations.htm

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes......

2010-04-26T15:42:00.002-04:00

Smallmouth in Conodoguinet

2010-04-22T14:25:00.001-04:00

Work around our homes to benefit the environment

2010-04-22T13:52:00.000-04:00

By Letters to the Editor, The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, PA

April 18, 2010, 1:49AM

For generations, the common wisdom was to slope yards and streets to move precipitation away from properties and into nearby streams as fast as possible.

Unfortunately, the salts, other de-icing chemicals, stuff we put on our lawns and miscellaneous street drippings and droppings also are flushed into these small water bodies that can poison aquatic life.

Recent memory includes the winter flood of 1996 when a torrent of ice coming down the Susquehanna River took out part of the Walnut Street Bridge. Hundreds of small tributaries draining water quickly from neighborhoods and farms throughout the Susquehanna basin contributed to a raging river whose damage is still visible today.

Altering the effects of large storm events or ice jams breaking loose might be beyond the control of us mere mortals. However, we can have a measurable impact on smaller, more regular flooding episodes. In the last few years, a new approach to rainwater and snowmelt has started to emerge --- slow down the runoff and hold on to precipitation as long as possible.

The Yellow Breeches, Conodoguinet, Paxton and Swatara creeks don't need to be muddy, roaring rages every time it rains. If each of us tried to imitate nature around our homes and worked to help neighbors and government properties to do the same, more fish would swim, more birds would sing and our watersheds would be much healthier.

PAUL ZEPH
President
Appalachian Audubon Society

From PAanglers.com - The Conodoguinet

2010-04-22T13:41:00.000-04:00

The Conodoguinet creek is a magnificent, and diverse fishery, which flows from it's origins in Horse Valley until it meets the Susquehanna river in West Fairview. Weaving a path through gorgeous countryside in Franklin and Cumberland counties, the Conodoguinet is a canoeist and kayakers paradise during spring and summer, as well as being one of the best smallmouth bass streams in the state. Spanning nearly 90 miles of the midstate, running through rural and suburban locations, this creek has something for everyone.

To read the complete comment, please click on the link that follows:

http://www.paanglers.com/index.php?option=com_community&view=groups&task=viewdiscussion&groupid=8&topicid=12&Itemid=9

Pennsylvania DEP to Begin Black Fly Spray Program

2010-04-22T13:32:00.000-04:00

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 15 –

More than 1,500 Miles of Waterways to be Monitored, Treated

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recent mild weather has prompted an early start to the Department of Environmental Protection's black fly spray program, an annual effort to limit the number of gnats that pose a nuisance during outdoor activities.

"It is an annual rite of spring in Pennsylvania," said DEP Secretary John Hanger. "The warm weather is an invitation for everyone to venture outdoors and enjoy our state's natural beauty. Unfortunately, the pesky black flies, also known as gnats, are starting to emerge, too. Because of the unseasonably warm temperatures we experienced in recent weeks, eggs have hatched and larvae are developing rapidly. This has prompted DEP to begin the spraying program a bit earlier than usual."

Hanger said spraying will begin on Friday, April 16. This year, 46 rivers and streams spanning more than 1,500 miles in 32 counties will be monitored and treated as needed.

To read the complete story, please click on the link below to take you to the source document:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20100415/pl_usnw/DC87287

Creek Cleanup May 15

2010-04-09T05:12:00.000-04:00

On, Saturday, May 15th, from 8:45 until noonish, the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association and the Mechanicsburg Area Environmental Club will be hosting their first creek cleanup of 2010.

Please mark your calendar. We need all of the help that we can get. Consider inviting your friends.

We will start off in 2010 by cleaning the section of the Conodoguinet Creek between a log cabin 100 yards downstream from the Rich Valley Golf/ I81Bridge. We will exit on Beechcliff Drive.

Before 8:45, we will park our vehicles and assemble by the Willow Mill Park pavilion. Vans will then transport all volunteers to the “entry point”. Upon completion, the vans will drive us back to our vehicles in Willow Mill Park.

Directions to the Willow Mill Park Pavilion: Take Route 114 north from the Carlisle Pike. After the first traffic light, get in the left lane. At the 2nd traffic light turn left onto Willow Mill Park Road. Proceed to the stop sign at the old mill. Keep right. After passing the mill, stay to your right. Enter the park. Continue staying to the right.
If the pavilion is rented that day, we will ask you to park beyond the pavilion in the grass.
Consider wearing sturdy creek shoes, sun block, a hat with a visor, and appropriate gloves. The objects in the water and the creek's shale bed can be dangerously sharp.

Please ask others to help out! This is a very worthwhile/satisfying way to spend your best Saturday morning, ever.

See you on May 15th in the creek.
Paul Garrett, creek cleanup leader; (h) 737-2554, (c) 514-3546, e-mail paulgarrett40@comcast.net.

P.S. Reminder that Paul Garrett will be out of town for the June cleanup. Someone else can head it up or we skip to July. Please keep me in the loop, as you make that decision.

Your Help is Requested

2010-04-07T21:38:00.000-04:00

Connected By the Creek

2010-03-30T12:25:00.000-04:00

Hydrologic Information

2010-03-26T15:16:00.000-04:00

If you've never visited it before you might want to check out:

http://newweb.erh.noaa.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=ctp&gage=hgsp1&rssDate=1269552600

where you can learn all kinds of interesting things about the Creek.

Let The Floats Begin!

2010-03-21T21:20:00.000-04:00

What a weekend - always brings the early season kayakers out......

Creek Postcard Available

2010-03-19T13:59:00.002-04:00

Appalachian Trail Museum Opening on June 5

2010-03-18T10:19:00.000-04:00

My friends at the Cumberland County Visitors Bureau just alerted me to this interesting opportunity for those who appreciate the outdoors. The Trail crosses and runs along the Creek at at least one point (Bernheisel Bridge area).
CARLISLE, PA (March 18, 2010) - Midway along the 2,147-mile long Appalachian Trail between Maine and Georgia is a beautiful stone grist mill that is being restored. Once restoration is completed, it will be opened as the trail's official museum -- a tribute to the more than 9,000 hikers who have hiked the AT from start to finish and thousands of others who have enjoyed hiking portions of it. The museum opening will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2010, in Gardners, Pennsylvania, roughly 15 miles west of historic Gettysburg and eight miles from Interstate 81. Pine Grove State Park is the museum's neighbor. Both are on Pennsylvania Route 233, off U.S. 30 (Lincoln Highway).

The possibilities for stories are extensive -- history, travel, backpacking, conservation, families, fitness, outdoors, photography and even fashion. The museum website is www.atmuseum.org. You also may be interested in talking with Larry Luxenberg, author of Walking the Appalachian Trail and president of the Appalachian Trail Museum Society.

"Possum Watch

2010-03-09T12:38:00.000-05:00

Friends of the Conodoguinet might be interested to know about this special group/effort. Click on the link below to access a recent newsletter.

http://www.opossumlakefriends.org/Fall-Winter2010Newsletter.pdf

What would you like in your water?

2010-03-05T15:31:00.000-05:00

What would you like in your water?

Lemon? Perhaps. But you are likely to get much more. Sewage from overtaxed and outdated sewer systems. Runoff from city streets. Excess fertilizer from suburban lawns. Manure from farm animals. All of this runs into our rivers and streams and, for much of the state, eventually winds up in the Chesapeake Bay.

It's actually pretty amazing that our sewage treatment plants are able to clean up our water so that it's drinkable. But we haven't been able to protect our rivers and streams for swimming and boating, and fish are getting scarce. And the further downstream you go, the worse the problems are.

Getting the Chesapeake Bay healthy again means we have to restore the health of the Juniata, Conodoguinet, Octoraro, Loyalsock and Susquehanna rivers and their tributaries, which flow into the Bay. It's going to take work and targeted investments, but the payoff will be felt throughout the Pennsylvania, and all the way down to the Bay.

This problem isn't new. In fact, our entire region has been promising to fix it for more than 25 years. Unfortunately, those promises have mostly just been promises, without much action. And the Chesapeake Bay and all the waters leading into it have gotten dirtier and dirtier.

For too many years, different groups and different regions played the blame game rather than taking responsibility for the harm they caused to the Bay. Those finger pointing days are now over, and there are three new strategies and new funding so that everyone can take this issue on. And rather than rely on promises, the new strategies provide incentives to do the right thing, and penalties for those who don't.

First off, the federal courts have stepped in. There is now a court ordered plan - everyone must go on a pollution diet. All of the states must develop a plan (called a Total Maximum Daily Load, or TMDL) by the end of this year, showing how and where they will cut pollution to avoid going over their pollution cap.

Second, the Obama Administration has issued an Executive Order requiring all the departments of the federal government to develop a far-reaching strategy to protect and improve the Chesapeake Bay. This includes increasing public access, protecting natural resources, improving water quality, adapting to climate change.

Finally, there is comprehensive legislation in Congress that will give everyone involved in fixing the problem much of the funding needed to actually clean up our waters. The Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act, introduced by Sen. Ben Cardin and Rep. Elijah Cummings to expand the Chesapeake Bay cleanup program, will help us stay on our the court-ordered TMDL pollution diet. The bill makes everyone involved accountable for cleanup, and provides federal oversight for restoring clean water in our region. It also uses a market- based approach, rewarding those who meet the pollution reduction goals, and provides $1.5 billion in funding and technical assistance to our farmers and municipalities in order to meet the cleanup goals mandated under the court-ordered TMDL. Unfortunately, no member of the Pennsylvania delegation has agreed to cosponsor this legislation - yet.

The fact is, the TMDL pollution diet is coming, whether this legislation is passed or not. Signing on to the bill will mean we get the funding we desperately need to comply with the courts' order. With it, we'll get technical assistance, but without it, we're on our own. Supporting the bill seems like a no-brainer to us.

After all, wouldn't it be nice to know that the only thing in your water is lemon?

http://www.pennfuture.org/media_pff_detail.aspx?MediaID=1120&Home=Y

Anxious to Get On The Water

2010-03-05T15:23:00.000-05:00

Stumbled upon this post in another water lover's blog (link at bottom of page). Reading it makes me want to do the same.......

Test Float On The Conodoguinet

March 4, 2010

By Perry

This summer I’m hoping to paddle the length of The Susquehanna River starting just north of PA’s New York border and finishing more than 300 miles later where the river feeds into The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. I hope to do it in about a week. That will require me being in my kayak for 12ish hours covering about 50 miles a day. While backpacking I hike for 12 hours a day, but this is different, I have no clue if I can sit on my butt and paddle for that length of time so I’ve planned some test/training floats to see how it goes. The weatherman is promising 50° this weekend so my test float planned for the 27th has been moved up(my spring fever helped with the date change too).

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 49. North wind around 10 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 50.

The Conodoguinet Creek bends through Cumberland County eventually dumping into The Susquehanna River at West Fairview, PA.

I see the creek every day on my work commute and it looks to be running fast and high, which is cool. I’ll put in near Carlisle, PA, cutting the trip short slightly but avoiding a dam that would require a difficult portage. The trip will be just shy of 37 miles adding a little more if I continue down the Susquehanna to City Island. I’ll make that decision as I get closer to West Fairview, based on daylight and fatigue.

It’ll be cold in the morning and the water will be cold all day. I don’t own a wet suit, but I’ve amassed some water proof gear to keep me dry and warm. Today the UPS man brought a sprayskirt, the last tool I needed to facilitate the trip. It fits my Wilderness Systems Pungo 140 like a glove (in fact it was damned hard to get on the boat – tight as a drum), keeping the water out of the boat and keeping me dryer and warmer.

I hope to be Tweeting, Facebooking and blogging along the way – we’ll see how well my fingers work on my phone while wearing neoprene gloves – stay tuned.

Perry

http://perryzipcrew.com/zip-blog/?p=47

Stream Discharge Proposed

2010-03-04T12:33:00.000-05:00

http://www.mypublicnotices.com/Link.asp?Id=AD01782125

A small bridge over the Conodoguinet Creek, north of Carlisle, has become a symbol here in Pennsylvania.

2010-03-03T14:51:00.000-05:00

Stimulus Plan Marks One-Year Anniversary; Governor Unveils Completed Bridge

Michael Gorsegner Staff reporter
6:32 AM EST, February 17, 2010

NORTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP, CUMBERLAND COUNTY - Governor Ed Rendell will make a stop at a Cumberland County bridge today, highlighting the work being done with the federal stimulus plan. The plan, pumping billions of dollars in to the nation's economy in hopes of turning things around.

A small bridge over the Conodoguinet Creek, north of Carlisle, has become a symbol here in Pennsylvania. It's a symbol of the money being pumped in to the state from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Now, that symbol will get its full blessing today from Governor Rendell. A sign, he hopes, the economy is getting better.

This was the Route 34 bridge just 8 months ago, under construction and getting a much needed facelift. Today, the bridge is open to traffic and officials say, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is the reason why.

"The recovery act is working. The recovery act is working. It's laying foundation for long term growth for tomorrow," said Vice-President Joe Biden during a stop in Michigan yesterday.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the $787 billion plan. It takes federal money, infusing it into state projects, like the Route 34 bridge. The idea, invest money in to America's infrastructure while creating new jobs.

"Because of the recovery funding, we are able to replace this bridge right now," said Governor Ed Rendell back in June, when Vice-President Joe Biden made his second stop to the Route 34 bridge.

The two touted the construction project as a perfect example of the stimulus money at work. The project price tag was $1.7 million. The money, being used to not only replace the bridge but employ 30 people.

"It's going to put our people back to work. It's going to create jobs, it's going to create wealth in the economy," Rendell said.

To this day, Pennsylvania has been awarded nearly $7 billion in stimulus money, putting an estimated 12,000 people to work. It's work that the Vice-President says may save our economy in the long run.

"it's going take a while to get out of this ditch. But it's working. It's working. The act has succeeded in helping pull us back from the brink," he said.

The Governor is set to make his appearance here today at 1:30 p.m. This event will just be a ceremonial reopening. The bridge has reopened to traffic. That reopening, taking place in November, several months ahead of schedule.

Copyright © 2010, WPMT-TV

Spousal Harrassment

2010-01-13T08:28:00.000-05:00

My wife sometimes "just doesn't get it". I can't tell you how many times I hear "how many pictures of the same thing are your gonna take". Well, if you enjoy our creek I'm sure you'll appreciate and understand that the picture is never the same. Mother nature assures that. This morning there was another red sunrise over the creek behind the house. Below is the actual pic and a photoshopped version - just for fun.

The Ice Man Cometh........

2010-01-10T12:17:00.002-05:00

2009-12-31T12:10:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I Just Have to Stop and Take a Pic

2009-12-24T12:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve 2009 - in a festive mood.

This picture just added to my enjoyment of the day. Hope you enjoy as well.

Shot along the Conodoguinet on Good Hope Road.

Season's Greetings

2009-12-22T13:40:00.000-05:00

Creek Lovers - A Local Organization That Shares Our Love

2009-12-18T16:17:00.000-05:00

Dickinson College's Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring. Click on the link below to learn more.

http://www2.dickinson.edu/storg/allarm/AboutALLARM/MissionHistory/MissionHistory.html

Happy Holidays

2009-12-09T14:21:00.000-05:00

It won’t be long before your postal and e-mail boxes will hopefully be filled with holiday greetings. This is a magical time of year. I hope you have the opportunity to fully enjoy that magic. /guy

The Fascination with Bridges

2009-12-09T08:05:00.000-05:00

"Red sky in the morning......."

2009-12-04T08:34:00.003-05:00

....so the saying goes. Could this December 4th sunrise be the harbinger of our first snow of the season? There's nothing much more stunning to me than sunrises or sunsets over a body of water. "My" piece of the Conodoguinet is an everchanging canvas for the creator of magnificent displays.

Swan Update

2009-12-03T08:13:00.000-05:00

Thanks

2009-11-24T08:48:00.003-05:00

Condition of the Orrs Bridge

2009-11-19T09:28:00.003-05:00

About a month ago I had queried Hampden Township on the degradation of the walking surface and safety railings on the Orrs Bridge. Thanks to Mike Gossert, Hampden Township Manager for passing these concerns along to Cumberland County (it's a County bridge) and getting a response regarding the status of the bridge as a whole. Please follow this link to see a copy of the engineer's letter)

http://everythingpinebrook.blogspot.com/2009/11/update-on-condition-of-orrs-bridge.html

Diller/Heishman Mill - A Brief History

2009-11-19T08:45:00.004-05:00

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Bureau of Historic Preservation

89C

Survey Code: 35-253

Tax Parcel/Other No.: 46-07--477-008

County: Cumberland

Municipality: West Pennsboro Township

Address: 1207 Creek Road, Carlisle, PA 17013

Historic/Other Name: Diller's Mill, Milldam, and Millpond Site/Heishman's Mill

HISTORICAL NARRATIVE:

Background information, physical clues, oral and local histories, deeds, scriveners records, surveys, and tax records indicate that Diller's Mill and dam were probably under construction by the end of the 18th century, and were positively on the tax rolls in 1808. The mill was operational in 1806-07.

The original land was granted to Robert Buchanon by a Blunston License in 1734.

Passing through several owners, this now divided grant was mortgaged to Frantz Dieller (now Diller) in 1793. By 1807, Diller, now up in age, had his mill in operating condition. He presumably build the mill for his son, also Francis, when he became of age. In Early 1807, Diller leased the new mill to the miller Henry Snyder. The leases still exist and describe the contents of the grist, plaster, and sawmill in detail. (2) It also describes the duties of the miller. Since the mill project by Diller, the Elder, was launched when he was in his middle 60's and on the point of retiring, it is reasonable to conclude that it was an investment of surplus cash. The mill was also taxed in 1805 on the operation of two sills, one of 120 gallons capacity and another of 70 gallons capacity, and a sawmill.

The last few years of Francis Diller's life can be reconstructed to some extent from the arrangements that he made in 1807 for the operation of his two properties, the mill and the farm. Henry Snyder, the miller, received a third of the toll grain and cash revenue from the operations of the mill; Francis Diller received two-thirds. Francis Diller kept the mill in repair and furnished the miller and his "hand or hands" with food and lodging and a stable. From the farm, which was leased to his son with all necessary equipment, Francis Diller took half the products, including grain, flax, and cider, and he paid the taxes. He was apparently still active for the lease provided that whenever the father wanted to use the horses and a wagon he might do so but must feed the horses.

The migration of the Diller family and brothers into the creek side area in Frankfort and West Pennsboro Townships, in the late 18th century, was the beginning of the initial movement of Swiss Mennonites from Lancaster County into the Cumberland Valley, and, in quick order, into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. To this day, the stock is strongly populated throughout this "Great Valley." Francis Diller also established the Diller Mennonite Church about three miles westward from his mill. This church (PHRS Survey Code 35-02) is still very active today.

With the death of Diller Sr., in 1814, the operation of the mill passed to his son who was known locally as Diller the Miller. Francis Jr. operated "my merchant and sawmill" until his death in 1845 (as stated in Diller's Will/Contract).

With the passing of Francis, Jr., the native of the mill's production underwent a significant change. Original road views describe the opening of a road directly from the mill south to the Hanover Road in Mount Holly Springs. From this point (Routes 34 and 94), now as then, the road ran directly south to Hanover and Baltimore. This route, until the coming of the railroad, was a major wagon road to Baltimore markets and harbor. This was a principal transportation axis from the south central valley "flour shed" through the Baltimore commercial center. Portions of the feeder road from the mill to the Mount Holly Springs and Hanover routes have long been legally abandoned. However, with the building of the nearby Cumberland Valley Railroad, the wagon haulage to Baltimore stopped. The depot at Keersville (Alterton), about three miles to the south, changed the nature and range of the sales of the mill's merchant products. At that time, the mill passed to the businesslike ownership of John Greider, Sr., and Samuel Diller. John Greider, Sr., after farming for three years, kept store for three years at nearby West Hill. In 1844, he located on the Conodoquinet Creek where he eventually acquired a fine estate of approximately 400 acres, most of which he would later divide among his children. His son, John, Jr. acquired the land containing the gristmill in 1868. In fact, he was assessed for two merchant mills, a brick house, a stable, and a tenant house.

In 1874, John Greider had only one grist. Newspaper and courthouse records show an interesting exchange of mill owners and millers as mills along the creek changed ownership and management throughout mixed economic times.

It was at the time of the Greider's ownership that Wihelm Schimmel, the folk wood carver, became a "guest" in the mill and about the Greider homestead. Local lore, newspaper notes of the time, and current researches, have Schimmel about the mill where he favored the site for his wood carving and the return point for his "tramps." Locals still associate the mill with the latter life of the carver. Collectors stop by and occasionally make "inquires."

By the end of the 19th century, the property was purchased by the Keiter Family, and changed hands several times within that family.

About 1913, the mill dam was breached out in its center by ice or flood. The mill was by then obsolete and generally worn out. The Keiters were trying to sell out by public and private sale but without a buyer. Appreantly to attact a buyer for the mill, the Keiters began to modernize the mill by adding the roller system replacing the old millstones.

Around 1920, Benjamin F. Heishman, a miller from Baker, West Virginia, then bought the property and commenced a revitalization and expansion of the old mill.

The two sets of millstones were removed and the mill converted to the roller process, with four Wolf rollers installed. The two wooden tub wheels (1) were removed and replaced by older, but technically comparatively advanced S. Morgan Smith turbines. The engine room and office structures were added at this time.

The milldam was repaired (circa 1920-22), and its vertical downstream face greatly improved as a structure by the addition of a modern concrete bulkhead designed by a local civil engineer. The upstream planked slanted apron of the dam was also made more effective by the addition of a concrete skin.

One revitalized, the mill now continued to operate very well as a merchant mill service with its own truck and wide central market area. It was best known for its "Ladies Choice" flour.

Several members of the Heishman family, at this time, were inventors and producers of milling machinery. Three U.S. Patents were issued to the Heishman. The Heishmans Garlic Extractor was manufactured in Fredericksburg, Virginia and nationally advertised.

By the end of World War II, and the death of B. F. Heishman in 1947, the ownership and operation of the mill passed to Jesse B. Neuhauser and Morgan C. Wright. This mill was run until about 1958 when it was closed down. The competition from large central milling, distribution, and marketing sources spelled the end of the small capacity country mill.

The mill stopped, was untouched, and was purchased intact in 1969 by William F. Foshag. From that time to this, the site has been preserved, maintained, and stabilized, and remains unaltered from its original and 1920 condition.

The Diller/Heishman Mill is significant for agriculture as a processing facility for general cash agriculture. In particular, the mill products were flour, cornmeal, animal feed, sawn timber, whiskey, and plaster-lime.

Milling played an instrumental part in the development of rural agrarian communities such as Greider. As was typical, once the mill prospered, it was surrounded by a small community. These communities were usually made up of people who were tied to the mill either through employment or suppliers of raw materials.

Up until the 1860's, the Diller families owned many farms along the creek, thus creating a bond to the mill and its success.

The mill also served as a focal point for the original migration of Mennonites from Lancaster heading down the valley into Maryland and Virginia. Diller Mennonites still remain within the valley area and have their services at their active "Diller-Mennoite" Church.

The mill is also significant as the "home" base for the folk wood-carver Wilhelm Schimmel. Much fact, folklore, and "fakelore" surrounds this gentleman's tenure at the mill.

FOOTNOTES (not found in the original application)

(1) Previous to these "modern" turbines (manufactured in 1908), there existed tub wheels (?) in there place. One or both were of a yet unidentified type: (known or patented as a) "Johnson Wheel." In Keiter's ad for the sale of the mill in 1913, the water wheel is described as being a "Johnson Wheel."

The turbines currently in the mill are:1. S. Morgan Smith, standard vertical "New Success" R.H., 36 inch. this turbines at full gate optimum water flow and fall at this site, develops about 28 horsepower.2. S. Morgan Smith, standard vertical L.H., 33 inches. this turbine, as above, develops about 35 horsepower. (2) Frantz Dieller's Leases, 1807, on 3 February 1807 Frantz Dieller made arrangements for the leasing and operation by one Henry Snyder of the mill that he had just built a short distance east of his house and across the road on the south bank of the Conodoquient Creek. A copy of the original agreement was made by John Bear, the scriveners, and preserved among his papers; it now belongs (1944) to his great-great-granddaughter, Miss Fannie C. Diller, of Diller, Nebraska, who is also a great-great-granddaughter of Frantz Dieller. The following transcription retains the spelling of the old copy but punctuations and capitalizes according to modern English:

Articles of an agreement made and agreed upon the third day of February, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and seven, between Francis Diller, of Westpennsboro' township, Cumberland County, and State of Pennsylvania, yeoman, of the one part, and Henry Snyder, of the same township, miller, of the other part.

Witnesseth that the said Francis Diller both hereby let unto the said Henry Snyder a certain grist and sawmill, gears, implements, and every thing there unto belonging, situate in the aforesaid township of Westpennsboro', during the term of three years from the first day of April next, on such shares as here in after mentioned. He, the said Henry Snyder, shall attend such mills and shall have one third of all toll grain and other income of said gristmill, and the said Francis Diller two thirds, the grain to be divided every month and the income of money every six months. From the saw mill the said Henry Snyder shall have one third, and the said Diller two thirds, the money to be divided in manner aforesaid.

The said Francis Diller to keep the said grist and saw mill and every thing thereto belonging in sufficient repair, except the thriving of wedges and rings, and shall get every thing that breaks immediately, as soon as possible, made anew and amended. The said Francis Diller shall get all and every thing that's yet to be made in said mill made and finished before the first day of April next; that is to say, garners, a screw for grinding plaster, rolling screen, wind mill (Dutch fan or smutter) , one large boulting cloth and chest for flour, and to get the middlings boulting cloth larger and in better repair and and (word repeated at beginning of new page) to get a hopper chest that holds about fifty bushels to fill the small hoppers. The said Francis Diller (paper torn at this point) all the grease for said mills, and the said, Snyder (paper torn at this point) lights. The said Diller to find a ten plate stove to put in the water house before next winter and to find all the fire wood and haul it to the mill. The said Francis Diller to find and provide for the said Henry Snyder during the said time sufficient meat, crink, lodging, washing, and mending, as also for the hand or hands the said Henry Snyder shall keep (except the mending).

The said Francis Diller shall get the tail race made about eight inches deeper as soon as can be done, as also to clear off the yard about the mill and do the filling about the mill and the digging at the lower door, so as necessity and convenience may require, as soon as possible, and keep the said mills free from taxes. The said Henry Snyder to have one half of the screenings and all of the sweepings. The said Henry Snyder to have the small board stable to his use. The said Henry Snyder to be at liberty to give up his bargain every year but must give three months notice to said Diller before the first day of April of his intention. and for the true performance of all and every the contents and bargained premises above and a fore mentioned the said parties bind themselves, each unto the other, for the penalty of one thousand dollars. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents have here unto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Sealed and delivered in the presence of us:

Francis (his X mark) Diller (Seal)

Samuel Bear

John Bear

Henry Snyder (Seal)

A true copy of the original, taken the 5th day of February, A. D 1807, pr. John Bear

On 3 March 1807 Frantz Dieller entered into a lease of his farm to his son Francis Diller (the miller). The original document was preserved among the papers of John Bear and is now owned (1955) by Miss Fannie C. Diller, of Diller, Nebraska. It was written for the parties in German by John Bear.

Source of posting materials - http://www.angelfire.com/folk/molinologist/heishman.html

The "Biden Bridge" - In the News 11/14/09

2009-11-14T08:14:00.001-05:00

More Bridges

2009-11-13T08:25:00.003-05:00

Mills, Bridges and Indians

2009-11-12T07:55:00.002-05:00

Excerpts from the: HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA.

MILLS, BRIDGES, ETC.

Along the winding courses of the Conodoguinet Creek there are a number of flour and grist mills in the township. The first is Bryson's, situated in the extreme western portion of the township. It is on the south side of the creek and is supplied with water by the Silver Spring, which here empties into the Conodoguinet. It occupies the site of what was formerly known as "Briggs' mill." Further down, almost in the center of the township, on the north side and at the beginning of the great bend of the creek, is the Good Hope mill, now owned by J. B. Lindeman. It was built by Jonas Rupp about 1820. Across the creek from this mill John Whisler built a woolen factory, which is still standing, and which was once connected with an oil-mill. At an early date it seems to have been the habit of every householder living in the country to raise a patch of flax, and oil seems to have been one of the early products of this section.

Three bridges across the Conodoguinet Creek in this township; one at Eberly's (build about 1842), one at Lindeman's (built 1823), and one in the southern section of the second bend, built, principally, by James Orr in 1834 and 1835. This latter is known as Orr's Bridge.

THE INDIANS.

The Indians had a number of villages in this lower portion of the county. They had a number of wigwams on the banks of the Conodoguinet Creek, north of the turnpike three miles from the Susquehanna, on lands now owned, or lately owned by Albright, Rupp, Merkel, John Shoop and others. There were also several cabins half a mile north of Frieden's Kirche, in Hampden Township. "An aged aunt" says Rupp (History, page 352) "late of Hampden Township, informed me that she remembered well the evacuated Indian huts north of Frieden's Kirch, and those at Ruby's" The Indians had a path, crossing the Conodoguinet, near those wigwams toward Yellow Breeches.

HISTORY: Warner Beers, 1886, Part 2, Chapter 24, Cumberland County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htmhttp://www.usgwarchives.org/pa/cumberland/

History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania.Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.

Illustrated. Chicago: Warner, Beers & Co., 1886.http://www.usgwarchives.org/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm

The Things You Find When You "Google"

2009-11-10T08:12:00.002-05:00

My best guess is that this bridge was located in West Fairview where the Creek empties into the Susquehanna.

Early Autumn Along the Creek

2009-10-15T10:13:00.001-04:00

Along Sears Run Drive

A "Creek Critter's Rant"

2009-10-11T11:03:00.004-04:00

I really don't like to get up on my soap box very often - at least on-line, but I find it difficult to "hold my tongue" when there are those in our communities that have so little regard for our natural resources and their neighbors. Having just returned from a brief sojourn to the southwest (where a creek such as the Conoduguinet would be revered and pampered) I found the creek in my backyard littered with debris. Not debris caused by natural processes, but rather "human-created" inexcusable debris.

I live almost a mile downstream from the nearest bridge. It's possible someone discarded this tire over the bridge and it worked its way downstream over time. It's also possible one of my upstream neighbors disposed of it - I hope that's not the case. Regardless - that person's litter is now my problem. Over my 24 years living on the creek I can't begin to count the number of tires I've removed. Trust me - the tire has been removed and will be disposed of properly.

Litter of a slightly different nature also lodged itself out back. This time there is no question - this was deposited by a creekside dweller. Notice the clean chainsaw cut. Clearly someone was cleaning up their backyard and it was easier to discard the waste in the creek. Now it's in my backyard and despite my best efforts I can not extract this "trash" on my own. As a result it is collecting everything else (grass clippings, other limbs, etc. - yes, grass clippings - probably deposited by the same inconsiderate upstream neighbor).

What don't these people get? They're probably the same folks that dispose of their trash roadside as they drive along our beautiful highways. Perhaps they've always had someone clean up after them. Shame on us for "enabling" their nasty practice by continuing to pick up their trash, but we do it out of respect for our environment. Creek lovers like the members of the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association regularly conduct creek clean-ups. "Creek-loving creek-dwellers" do the same. And the time it takes to clean up after others detracts from the time we have to enjoy this amazing natural resource that we are priveleged to experience.

I apologize again for my "rant". I just hope that someday, somewhere the light will come on for those who lack respect for not only their fellow human beings, but also for our amazing and threatened natural resources.

Creek Life

2009-09-08T09:06:00.001-04:00

Creek People - if you're one of them you understand.....

Sad Swan News from Some Very Caring People

2009-08-24T14:03:00.003-04:00

The following update on the swans along the creek was just received this morning. Than you to the "caring folks" who have devoted so much for these beautiful birds........

"We want to let you know we have Little "Meadow." You will see "Handsome"and "Harmony" without their precious Cygnet for the foreseeable future.

"Meadow" has been bitten by a Snapping Turtle... It is a nasty injury to the right foot.

We got a call from one of the Swans' Friends that one foot was injured. This information helped us, we knew to bring our big net, which we do not always have in the Van. With just the right help and some "luck" and Rob's quick reflexes... "Meadow" was in the net on the first try...

"Harmony" and "Handsome" were very upset... They looked for the Cygnet for a while and finally returned to the Creek.. This will be a sad time for them.

We have washed the wound, soak it in a dilute betadine and will be in touch with our Veterinarian early Monday morning.. Hopefully, she will be able to evaluate and start treatment Monday. "Meadow" is resting safely with us, eating, drinking and pooping OK.. so that is all good.

I will let you know as soon as we have some idea what we will need to do.."

Summer Creek

2009-08-16T10:45:00.002-04:00

BayFest 2009

2009-08-12T20:46:00.001-04:00

Mark your calendar for Sunday, September 13, and join us on the CBF beach in Annapolis for an afternoon of tasty food, cool drinks and fun music! Our annual BayFest event is our way of saying thank you for your valuable support – without you, we could not run our Bay-saving programs.

What: BayFest 2009...This Party's For You!

When: Sunday, September 1312:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Rain or Shine

Where: Chesapeake Bay Foundation's beautiful bayside beach in Annapolis, MD. Need directions?

What to Bring: A beach chair and a smile!

BayFest is a family-friendly event featuring plenty of cool drinks, great food, musical entertainment and children's activities. We will offer tours of our award winning “green” building as well as a boat trip out to an oyster reef. You can sign up for either of these on-site. Space will be limited. This year’s Member of the Year and Volunteer of the Year will also be recognized at BayFest.

RSVP Today! The event is free but registration is required.

Questions? Send us an e-mail at bayfest@cbf.org

We look forward to seeing you.

Heather Tuckfield Volunteer Program Manager& Amelia KochDirector of MembershipChesapeake Bay Foundation

Too Cute!!

2009-08-11T17:43:00.002-04:00

Thanks to my neighbor Norm Nicklas for capturing this amazing picture of our neweste addition to creek life in the neighborhood. Enjoy!

Sunrise Respite Along the Creek

2009-08-11T17:03:00.003-04:00

Captured during my morning walk. My schedule didn't permit it, but I was totally tempted to plant my fanny on that bench, watch the sun come up and the creek come to life. As it was, this picture will help me enjoy that scene over and over.

Celebration of Life on the Creek

2009-08-09T20:29:00.004-04:00

Creek Lovers - this is pretty special. One of my neighbors in Pine Brook, Linda Sweger, has beautifully documented a very special experience on the Conodoguinet in a whole series of photographs. Below are just a few of the 100+ pictures she is sharing on FLICKR. To see the whole series just click on the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swanlovers/sets/72157621829756311/

In Linda's words:

"As the last week of waiting for Handsome and Harmony's Eggs to hatch finally passed... I was hopeful on July 13th to observe Harmony was finally HUNGRY. A little after Noon on July 14th we could hear the sound of a Cygnet cheeping.. Within 24 hours all three of the remaining Eggs hatched! Our joy was soon saddened by the loss of two tiny Cygnets. With only one downy Cygnet in the Nest... we spent as much time as possible with the Swans. After a few days the Cygnet was named Meadow."

My thanks to Linda for sharing her special experience with us. Without her bringing this to our attention I would have never had the opportunity to see these majestic birds and their baby on our creek. It's quite a sight.

Creek Clean-up Report

2009-07-27T07:14:00.004-04:00

There are many people in our community dedicated to the health of the Conodoguinet. Here's just one example of the efforts of the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association:

Here's an excerpt from the report on the clean-up on July 15. The area cleaned is to the west of Bent Creek Blvd. that flows north, downstream from the PA 114 bridge.

The morning went extremely well…EVERYONE WORKED TOGETHER SUPER WELL AS A TEAM! …except there was so much trash in that stretch that we had both boats filled to unbelievable heights before we got two-thirds of the way finished. The canoe sank once and had to be reloaded. We got out of the creek exhausted at 2:00ish and then had to carry the trash and the boats up that hill. By the time we got the first load on the trailer it was 3:00ish. Twenty-one tires, 2 large, open drums, one 4x8 sheet of 5/8 “ plywood with roofing materials still on it, one 12 foot wooden ladder, lots of old glass bottles and the normal debris!

I want to suggest that in August, we get in at yesterday’s exit point, float down to a little below where we stopped picking up and then work our way back up. We had to leave about 15 tires behind…one washing machine…one tv…one microwave… one wet cell battery…at least three 55 gallon drums with some liquid in them…vinyl siding… lots of old bottles, +, +, +. That stretch had more trash in it than any other stretch that we have cleaned since 1998!!!!!!!!!!

We all can help. As we're paddling, fishing and tubing (or whatever), please make a concerted effort to bring back and dispose of at least one piece of trash you encountered that day. Every little bit helps. Thanks for the consideration.

Kayak Raffle Tickets Available

2009-07-24T08:56:00.002-04:00

Kayak Raffle - $1.00/ticket

You can never have enough kayaks if you live on or near a creek.

The Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg (CCGH) is conducting its annual fundraising raffle to support the volunteer canoe and kayak safety and skills instructional programs they offer.

This year they are raffling a Perception Sound recreational kayak, a paddle and a life vest (all donated by Wildware Backcountry of Harrisburg).

The drawing will be held on September 7, 2009 at the Kipona Festival on the Riverfront in Harrisburg.

If you are interested in supporting the CCGH's efforts, you can purchase a ticket by contacting me (Guy Brunt) via telephone at 579-1613.

Thanks for your consideration.

Please Think of Me..........

2009-07-15T15:23:00.002-04:00

Dear Friends - Question for you – Would you feel comfortable introducing me to people who you care about who could use my help?

If so, the next time you’re in a conversation with a family member, friend or neighbor and they mention that they’re considering buying or selling a home (here or elsewhere), would you feel comfortable introducing them to me?

I hope you would. When that happens, please take out your cell phone, look up my number (by the way my cell # is 717-579-1613 if you don’t already have it stored in your phone) and call me immediately. I’d love to help that person.

And yes – thanks for keeping me in mind.

Bald Eagle Sighting

2009-04-18T17:19:00.001-04:00

It took a few seconds to accept the fact that what I was seeing was not one of the osprey that I have enjoyed over the creek from time to time - but several other neighbors witnessed it as well - yes - a mature, majestic bald eagle (along the creek in Pine Brook off of Orrs Bridge Road).

Only one word to describe it - AWESOME!!!!!

Hope my neighbor Norm sees this post and shares the pic he took of it. If so, I'll post it at some future date.....please Norm????

Let the Duck "Fun" Begin

2009-03-11T14:42:00.003-04:00

I don't know if any of the other "guys" reading this blog suffer the same consequence, but I usually end up with a bruised arm this time of year. "Why?", you ask. Because my wife watches the male ducks chase the females all over the yard - their natural instincts at work. You'd think I'd learn, but I annually remind my wife that, "See, it's totally natural. It's just a guy thing.", at which point she administers a well-placed knuckle to my bicep. She just "doesn't get it". But then she always enjoys the "cute little ducklings" as they follow their Mom in single file on the creek. How quickly she forgets the role the male played.

Important Information - First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-02-18T20:11:00.002-05:00

I prefer not to mix my business (real estate) with this blog, but I think it's important to alert all - particularly my neighbors and friends to an important component of the recently passed economic stimulation package.

This legislation contains an important provision for potential buyers and sellers of homes. For homes that are purchased by “first time home buyers” and “settled” on between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009, the federal government will provide up to an $8,000 tax credit to the buyer. The implication to the first time home buyer is obvious – an $8,000 incentive to buy – stimulating qualified buyers who had been hesitant to pursue a home purchase to now do so. And for those who had been holding off putting their house on the market because of the high level of inventory of homes for sale, now may be the time to “list” that property and attract those “new buyers”.

Please share this “good news” with your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers – anyone who might be considering a home purchase or sale - particularly one on or near our beautiful creek.

Want to learn more about this provision? Feel free to call me at your convenience.

Quite the Contrast

2009-02-13T17:56:00.002-05:00

Sorry - I've been lax in keeping up with my posts. Took a slight break and headed southwest to Tucson, AZ. What a contrast! Yes - it was warmer. And the desert is amazing. And the people would call the Conodoguinet a major river. Makes one appreciate this special natural resource we have right here in south central PA.

Our Creek - A Refresher

2009-01-29T11:15:00.002-05:00

I posted this before but it's always fun to refresh our memories - especially on cold snowy/icy days............

The Conodoguinet Creek originates in Horse Valley, Franklin County, next to Kittatinny Mountain at an elevation of 1,680 feet. From there, the Conodoguinet flows through the fertile Cumberland Valley and joins the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg.

The Conodoguinet Creek is approximately 90 miles long and drains 540 square miles of diverse lands. Forested areas cover the upland basin, giving way to intense agriculture throughout the valley. Much of the Conodoguinet Creek watershed still has a strong agricultural flavor, including numerous cozy villages and small towns. While farming remains a prominent land use in the western part of the valley, dramatic growth in the Carlisle to Camp Hill area has converted much agricultural land to residential and commercial uses. The Conodoguinet meanders toward the suburban west shore of Harrisburg through a series of elaborate bends and loops. “Conodoguinet” comes from an Indian word meaning “a long way with many bends.

Early pioneers envisioned the waters of the Conodoguinet as an avenue of commerce linking the Susquehanna and Potomac rivers. Plans for a canal joining the headwaters of the Conodoguinet with the headwaters of the Conococheague Creek never materialized. However, the Conodoguinet was far from abandoned.

The Conodoguinet Creek powered many mills. The mills of Cumberland County were the small industrial centers of their time. Besides grain, cider, nails and wood, these mills refined diverse products such as sumac leaves, which were made into tanning and dyeing materials. Distilleries were also located at a number of these sites. In 1840, the Conodoguinet Creek provided the power for more than 140 mills throughout the county. But by 1909, only 13 mills
remained, and today the industry is largely forgotten.

Today, the Conodoguinet Creek is most valued for its water resources and recreational opportunities. Communities in the eastern part of the Cumberland Valley pump millions of gallons per day from the creek to meet residential, commercial and industrial water demand. Much of the water returns to the stream, but not before passing through one of several treatment plants in the basin.

On a typical summer day, one can also find avid canoeists and anglers enjoying the creek’s ribbon of greenery, alive with herons, kingfishers and other streamside creatures. Osprey and eagles may also be seen over the stream. In winter, after prolonged periods of cold, the creek’s waters freeze and give the Conodoguinet an idyllic Currier-and-Ives picture-postcard beauty.

source - www.fish.state.pa.us/watertrails/conodoguinet/

Ice Free Channel Above Orrs Bridge

2009-01-20T16:12:00.002-05:00

It forever fascinates me to see the main flows of the creek as ice forms on it.

Ever wonder???????

2009-01-19T17:19:00.004-05:00

From the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay BAY JOURNAL.......

It's family first for this flock

On the Wing / By Michael Burke

From the northwest, the formation is dropping out of the sapphire sky. They are almost overhead, seeking the refuge of the placid lake behind me.

I close my eyes. The silence yields as air rushes over wings. The winter sky sighs. A moment later, I hear the slap of big webbed feet on the surface and the rush of parting waters as the geese skid to a stop.

The Canada geese (Branta canadensis) have been rolling in on small waves of 10-15 birds. More than 100 now rest on the ebony waters. The ripples slide across the surface, leaving behind a mirror that doubles the number of geese, along with rafts of winter ducks and isolated grebes.

Even the most confirmed urbanite knows the ubiquitous Canada goose. The big bird with the black head and long neck sports a white chin strap. The wing span can reach 5 feet. A single bird can weigh nearly 10 pounds. The chest is pale, but the body and wings are brown. A white rump sets off a black tail with a broad white stripe. The Canada goose's honk is one bird call everyone knows.

It seems impossible today, but less than a century ago these geese were in trouble. The draining of wetlands, unregulated hunting and the killer droughts of the 1930s decimated the big birds. One subspecies was thought to be extinct.

In an effort to revive the species, some U.S. wildlife managers clipped the flight feathers of a few birds to establish resident populations on reservoirs and parks. The geese quickly established breeding populations.

The practice was widely replicated across the country, from major lakes to suburban ponds and even the water hazards on golf courses. A life of abundant food and easy living has sent resident geese populations skyrocketing.

In the East, non-migratory Canada geese are approaching 1 million birds. The number in the Mississippi basin is even higher. Western populations are also booming.

The recovery of migratory geese, on the other hand, has been uneven. Everywhere their numbers are dwarfed by resident flocks, which have become a nuisance in some locales. Today, wildlife managers are faced with a quandary: How do they encourage the continued revival of migratory Canada geese without making the population explosion of resident birds worse?

For centuries, humans have been awed by the migration of birds. How do these creatures find their way across vast expanses on their annual treks, often arriving at breeding locations or favorite feeding spots with clockwork precision? Modern biologists recognize that birds migrate by a combination of celestial and electromagnetic navigation skills. But Canada geese also prove that at least some birds learn these ancient routes from their parents. Birds born in a suburban office park never learn the location of ancestral breeding grounds.

Migratory Canada geese are born in the Arctic to parents that have mated for life. Their mothers incubate 4-10 eggs in the single annual brood. Goslings hatch after four weeks. Within a day, the babies leave the nest to start grazing on Arctic sedges and grasses. In six to seven weeks, the young birds fledge.

Their parents bond with the young through physical contact and soft vocalizations. Ornithologists report that young geese have been heard returning calls from within eggs prior to breaking out of their shells at birth.

Families stick together when winter weather finally forces the birds to go south. Unlike many species, Canada geese migrate in mixed flocks of juveniles and adult birds. They fly at altitudes that can exceed 1,000 feet, with some flying as high as a mile above the Earth.

The youngsters are learning the way to winter feeding grounds, which range from the Chesapeake across the width of North America south to Mexico.

The powerful wings that I just heard slicing through the still winter sky have carried these Canada geese from the Arctic. The birds will rest here. Nearby farm fields and lawns supply them with the grains and grasses that constitute the bulk of their vegetarian diet.

Some may stay here for the winter. Others may continue south. But all of the migratory birds will join their families for the trip north in the spring. With that migration, the education of the young geese will be complete.

In the whistle of wings, I hear a different yet equally timeless lesson. Seven years ago this week, my beloved brother, Patrick, passed away. Then, as now, I came to the shores of this little lake on a clear, cold morning to watch the waterfowl on the waters. Today, I repeat the ritual, watching, listening and remembering.

Basic truths risk being lost in my too comfortable existence. Here at the lake, the natural order is clearer. Family bonds run deep; memories linger; a new generation carries on.

Mike Burke is an amateur naturalist who lives in Cheverly, MD.

The Bay Journal is published by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay for the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Creek Critter Tools in Hibernation

2009-01-14T16:12:00.001-05:00

The Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail

2009-01-08T15:50:00.002-05:00

Just a teaser for now. Look for more info on the "water trail" in upcoming entries.

Bald Eagle Survey

2009-01-06T14:11:00.002-05:00

This e-mail was sent out by Jane Earle, a member of the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association. If you are interested in helping, please contact Jane at her e-mail address below.

To watershed association members and friends:

I have been asked to participate in a winter Bald Eagle survey along the Conodoguinet Creek. It should be done on afternoon of Sunday January 10- or through Jan 14 if snow or weather interferes on Sunday. It would consist of driving to road crossings & along the Creek from Middlesex Twp to the mouth.

Please let me know if you are interested in participating.

Also, please let me know if any of you have seen any Bald eagles along the creek this winter. I saw one flying over the creek and I-81 on Saturday around 2:30 pm while I was heading north on the highway.

Thanks for your help.

Jane Earle

Jane's E-Mail Address is: janeearle7@msn.com

Holiday Whimsy

2008-12-24T07:40:00.001-05:00

George Rodrigue's whimsical Blue Dog art

Holiday Wishes

2008-12-23T18:01:00.002-05:00

Wishing you peace, joy, health and happiness
this holiday season and throughout the coming year.

Why Would Today's Weather Make Me Think of Ducks???

2008-12-19T15:09:00.003-05:00

Mergansers on a snowy morning - wish the liquid we've been getting all day was snow..........

(photo by my neighbor, Norm Nicklas)

Front Row - Reserved Seats

2008-12-18T11:02:00.001-05:00

12/17/08 Snow

Snowed Out

2008-12-17T19:05:00.001-05:00

This mornings snow - just dust it off and you're ready to go.......

Periodic Reminder from Mother Nature.......

2008-12-12T16:22:00.002-05:00

......that she can wield unusual powers. Here's the creek at 4:15 today. I suspect it will come even higher as the waters find their way from the west.

What Can We As Homeowners Do?

2008-12-12T09:13:00.002-05:00

A couple days ago I included the "As I See It" piece on the proposed "Buffer 100" bill that was published in the Patriot News. If you appreciate our "Creek" as I do I’m sure you’re concerned about its health and the health of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.

There have been a couple of follow-up pieces to that column from the other day and it concerns me that as is typical human nature, everyone is pointing the finger elsewhere trying to affix the "major contributor" label to someone else. My take – "Get over it guys. I don’t care who the "major" contributor is. We’re all contributors and we each need to take responsibility to fix our own problems. The sum of each of our contributions (regardless of how big or small) will result in a whole lot of positive benefit to the health of our waters".

That said, what can you and I do on our own properties to reduce the impact our "little pieces of heaven on earth" have on our Creek and its associated bodies of water? I’m guilty of not doing enough and I suspect many of you may be too. Perhaps sharing in this blog what we have done or what we can do will help stimulate new opportunities and action that will help us to individually contribute to the solution.

I invite readers to share their thoughts or ideas with the others reading this blog. For now, please forward those comments to me at via e-mail at guy.brunt@century21.com and I’ll include them in future updates to this site. Thanks. I look forward to your input.

On Days Like This......

2008-12-11T10:02:00.003-05:00

....we can all use a "flashback" to prettier times along the creek. Here's another pic contributed by Tom Derr from Indian Creek....

As the Fog Rolls In The Creek Takes on that "Foggy Hollow" Look

2008-12-10T10:45:00.004-05:00

10:05 am today........

"Buffers 100" Legislative Proposal

2008-12-10T08:22:00.003-05:00

Many of you may have seen the "As I See It" piece in the Patriot News editorial page (or on Pennlive.com) last Wednesday addressing the concerns of the building industry on a proposal to require setbacks from streams, creeks and rivers in new developments. I've included that commentary below and will share some of my thoughts in future blogs. If you have thoughts you'd like to include here, please e-mail them to me at guy.brunt@century21.com and I'll add them to the blog. Thanks.

AS I SEE IT - JOSEPH MACKEY

Environmental buffer plan would raise cost of housing

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

For more than a year, report after report has confirmed the United States' economy is weathering an extremely difficult period, as a wave of bank failures, near-failures and ever-more urgent calls for additional federal intervention have made clear that Americans may be facing the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression.

In this uncertain climate, it should be obvious that this is the worst possible time in many areas of Pennsylvania for policymakers to add yet another barrier to desperately needed economic growth. Yet that's exactly what would happen if a coalition of environmental advocates, municipal governments and other groups get their way in Harrisburg. These organizations favor a statewide requirement for 100-foot riparian forest buffers along both sides of rivers, creeks and streams in new developments.

In some cases, even greater buffer widths would be required. Supporters of the "Buffers 100" proposal say their plan is needed to protect the quality of Pennsylvania's waterways, reduce damage caused by flooding, increase wildlife habitat, and improve the health of our communities.

While most Pennsylvanians would agree these are important objectives, the "Buffers 100" proposal would be bad policy because it doesn't balance environmental protection with the need for economic growth. Although some Pennsylvania municipalities have passed ordinances requiring buffers for new development (despite the lack of a state law specifically authorizing such measures), imposing any type of mandatory buffer requirement constitutes a regulatory taking of private property. It deprives landowners of the use of their property without compensation.

Since Pennsylvania has 83,000 miles of rivers and streams -- a figure second only to Alaska among the 50 states -- a 100-foot buffer requirement could result in the uncompensated taking of hundreds of thousands of acres of Pennsylvanians' private property. Although some government programs are available to compensate landowners for installing buffers on their land, it's highly questionable as to whether the level of compensation would even come close to mitigating the losses those owners will suffer if they aren't able to develop their land.
The proposal also would reduce the amount of developable land available. This would, in turn, raise the price of land and make housing less affordable to hardworking Pennsylvanians. One size doesn't fit all.

Although the "Buffers 100" campaign argues that its buffer requirements for all new development in Pennsylvania are scientifically justified, they are, in fact, arbitrary figures that fail to fully take into account a number of relevant issues. Mandatory buffer width requirements -- even those intended to address variables such as water quality and slope -- don't allow for the flexibility needed to address the specific conditions that may exist at an individual site.
They also don't sufficiently factor in whether or not the presence of other best management practices designed to protect rivers and streams from such pollution runoff -- a number of which are strongly promoted by the state for new development and therefore heavily influence local decision-making -- can achieve the same water quality goals.

Many environmental advocates have noted that reducing pollution from agricultural runoff is the cheapest, most effective method of keeping rivers and streams healthy. This is one of the central premises underlying the state's strategy for cleaning up waterways feeding the Chesapeake Bay, since agriculture is the largest single source of nutrient and sediment pollution flowing into the bay from Pennsylvania.

Pollution from agricultural sources far exceeds the percentages attributed to developed lands. Knowing this, it's puzzling why the "Buffers 100" proposal specifically omits farming activities from its mandatory buffer requirement.

The Pennsylvania Builders Association, as a founding member of the "Pennsylvania Fair Share for Clean Water Coalition," supports increasing state funding to help farmers use best management practices to meet their existing obligations to reduce pollution to the state's waterways. Pennsylvania needs flexible, common-sense environmental policies that produce the maximum benefit at the lowest possible cost to the state's families and businesses. A mandatory buffer requirement will fail to achieve either goal, and in the current business climate, could deliver a death blow to economic growth in much of Pennsylvania.

For those reasons, it's critical state policymakers reject the "Buffers 100" proposal.

JOSEPH MACKEY is secretary of the Pennsylvania Builders Association.

More Ice at Orrs Bridge

2008-12-09T23:28:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Ice - Tomorrow 50 Degrees

2008-12-09T23:19:00.002-05:00

Ice at Orrs Bridge on Monday afternoon

Somebody Upstream Turned On the Ice Cube Maker

2008-12-08T08:21:00.002-05:00

7:00 am this morning. Overnite the "ice man cometh".

12/7/08 - Geese Congregating Just Above Orrs Bridge

2008-12-07T09:49:00.002-05:00

A cold day on the creek.....................

The Canvas Remains the Same. The Artwork Changes Daily.

2008-12-05T09:13:00.001-05:00

Sunrise over the Conodoguinet. 12-5-08

Even a 25 Degree Chill and Frost Won't Keep Some From the Creek

2008-12-03T11:34:00.002-05:00

12/3/08 (COLD!!!!!)

Frosty Morning By the Creek

2008-12-03T07:38:00.002-05:00

6:45 AM in Pine Brook

Creek at Indian Creek

2008-12-02T09:28:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Tom Derr of Indian Creek for sharing this great pic from his backyard.

A Reader of This Blog Shares Their Thoughts

2008-12-01T07:36:00.002-05:00

Tom Derr of Indian Creek writes:

"I too live along the creek (Indian Creek) and across on the other side it is all natural and will remain so as it is flood plain. My wife and I like to sit on the bench and just look out over the creek and watch them critters. We see lots of ducks, geese, egrits, herons, turtles, cat fish, hawks, and frequently foxes and deer on the other side. We have a snapper turtle that hangs around and he is BIG......about 18 inches across. Got some snakes too that I've developed a good relationship with over the years...........got some ducks eating out of my hand too."

Tom has sent me some pictures from his yard which I will share in future postings.

If you have thoughts or pictures and would like to share them with other readers of this blog, please send them to me at guy.brunt@century21.com.

Thanks

2008-11-26T07:44:00.002-05:00

This Morning's Sunrise

2008-11-25T08:04:00.002-05:00

From Color to B&W - Just Like That

2008-11-21T10:57:00.006-05:00

October 29, 2008 to November 21, 2008 (our first snowfall of the year). My how things change quickly!!

Mother Nature Keeps Us On Our Toes

2008-11-20T12:21:00.003-05:00

We often look out at the creek as it slowly drifts by reflecting on its relative calm. Behind my house I can walk across in the summer and not get my knees wet. But when Mother Nature chooses she can quickly remind us that we need to respect the forces of nature.