Sometimes I Just Have to Stop and Take a Pic

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

Creek Lovers - A Local Organization That Shares Our Love

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

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

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

....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

Thanks

Condition of the Orrs Bridge

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

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

More Bridges

Mills, Bridges and Indians

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"

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

Early Autumn Along the Creek

Along Sears Run Drive

A "Creek Critter's Rant"

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

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

Sad Swan News from Some Very Caring People

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

BayFest 2009

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!!

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

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

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

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

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..........

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ever wonder???????

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

The Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail

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

Bald Eagle Survey

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