The Moravian Spring project involved acquisition of 39 acres of mixed hardwood and young forest atop limestone. The property contains numerous limestone bedrock outcrops; these can host rare native plants. The site contains a limestone spring that discharges from the limestone aquifer into a wetland. The outflow replenishes Beaver Brook below Silver Lake. The cold, oxygen-rich ground-water discharge to the spring is important to downstream water quality and flow during dry periods. The alkaline nature of the water and soils surrounding the spring may host rare plants of the limestone fen community. The site contains what appear to be ruins of a limestone block springhouse that appears to be built in the Moravian architectural style.
There were previously plans to construct a major subdivision and then a truck stop on the property. The site has good access to a county road and is within a quarter mile of an interchange of Route 80. Commercial development has occurred and continues at this intersection. The site has some physical constraints to development. It is the opinion of the appraisers that the highest and best use for the property would be a commercial building on the site. Development of the site would threaten the spring and continue the pattern of urban sprawl in rural Hope near Route 80.
The acquisition is part of Ridge and Valley Conservancy’s (RVC) larger limestone forest project. RVC is focusing on fee acquisition of forested areas underlain by limestone, as these are forests that tend to regenerate due to rich soils even in the face of deer browse pressure, contain rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species, are prime recharge areas and watersheds, may contain archaeological remains associated with pre-historic shelters and tools, and host caves, disappearing streams, springs, and other terrain features unique to limestone “karst.” The wetlands on the property in combination with relict red cedar and the proximity to adjoining farmland provide potential habitat for the threatened barred owl.
A trailhead and small trail will be established on the property. The existing area cleared for access will serve as a trailhead. A logging road will provide the start of a trail; additional trails will be developed as part of the larger Ridge and Valley Trail System.
Ecosystem Services Provided:
Climate Stabilization and Air Pollution Mitigation: Carbon sequestration- Avoided deforestation
Water Protection, Filtration and Control: Water quality- protection of wellhead areas, protection of headwaters, protection of groundwater recharge area
Biological Diversity: Habitat- protection of unique limestone fen habitat, and of habitat for federal threatened and endangered species
Recreation and Aesthetics: Public access- hiking trails
Total Project Cost: $278,000
Status: The property is now owned and maintained by Ridge and Valley Conservancy. The owners agreed to provide a stewardship endowment which will help meet stewardship costs, including building of a trailhead, trail marking, boundary marking, filing for tax exemption, etc.
If you would like further information about this project, contact Conservation Resources Inc.
The site will be managed by the 
