Visit Trout Run Nature Preserve
Trout Run Nature Preserve is a 21.4 acre spring-fed wetland and upland ecosystem in Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County, protected and owned by the Appalachian Audubon Society.
VIsit TOday
2200-2256 Stumpstown Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
Plan your visit
The Trail and Viewing Deck
The nature trail is 0.12 miles out and back on unpaved trail
Park along Stumpstown Road just past the bridge at Merrimac Avenue or park on Merrimac Avenue (past Fleming Drive) near the viewing deck.
Management of Trout Run Nature Preserve
Managing Trout Run Nature Preserve to support the growth of diverse native species of native plants and support wildlife is an ongoing process.
Tree Management
Tree management includes adding new native trees while managing existing trees. It is important to have new and old growth for a diverse ecosystem.
Invasive Species Management
Invasive plant management is critical component of maintaining native plant communities at Trout Run Nature Preserve. Invasive plants are not native to the area, spread quickly, and can cause environmental harm. Because of their often-aggressive growth, they will outcompete native plants and take over their habitats, which can disrupt organisms in the environment. Forest regeneration, food chain, and health of native organisms are all effected through the invasion of these alien plants. By recognizing the importance of managing invasive species in Trout Run Nature Preserve, we are able to work to preserve and improve its valuable meadow wetlands and streams, and protect the native animals and plants that live here.
Prescribed Fire
In April of 2022 a prescribed fire was used to:
Manage invasive species without chemicals,
Prepare seedbed and increase seed-soil contact for native species, and
Reduce future wildfire risk.
Post-Fire Exposed Soil
The soil after the prescribed fire was optimal for the growth of native plants versus the invasive canary reed grass that existed.
Below is a comparison of pre-fire invasive species and after-fire native meadow.
Thank you to the crew!
HIstory Of Trout Run
Trout Run Nature Preserve is a 21.4 acre spring-fed wetland and upland ecosystem in Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County, protected and owned by the Appalachian Audubon Society. It is home to many different kinds of birds, plants and wildlife - a green oasis in an increasingly developed area. The wetland has been classified as an "exceptional value" site, due to the confirmed nesting years ago of a threatened Pennsylvania bird species - the sedge wren, and the sightings of two other "species of concern" in PA, the Least Bittern and the Dickcissel.
Over the years, the land has been used in farming for both pasture and crop production. More recently, the land was threatened by development plans. Residents of the local community and the Appalachian Audubon Society worked together for over 10 years to protect this beautiful stream and wetlands. Thankfully, their efforts paid off.
In 1996, when the Creekstone Manor subdivision was established, Rothman, Schubert & Reed, Realtors donated this land to Appalachian Audubon. The realtors also provided a financial grant for the protection and educational use of Trout Run.
The Appalachian Audubon Society, with the support of the surrounding community, is working to preserve and improve this valuable meadow wetland and stream and protect the plants and animals that live here.
Read more about the history of Trout Run here.