RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent An artists rendering shows plans for the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area was displayed on Friday, July 8, 2022 in South Williamsport. The event which included speakers, art and a walking tour was sponsored by South Side Recreation Authority, Bucknell University, Lyco Arts, Lycoming Audubon, Susquehanna Greenway and Robert Porter Allen Community Partners.

The Robert Porter Allen Natural Area is a public access park covering 250 acres in the Sylvan Dell area, according to Jim Dunn, a member of the South Side Recreation Authority and an Armstrong Township supervisor.

After a decade of working to secure the needed partnerships and funding, the property was acquired about a year ago with funding from PennVEST, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Lycoming County Act 13 gas drilling impact fees and the North American Wetland Conservation Act.

It is one of the largest conservation projects to receive funding through the latter and the only one in Pennsylvania, Dunn said.

The natural area, which holds one of the largest remaining floodplain wetlands on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, is named for Robert Porter Allen, a notable ornithologist and South Williamsport native whose life’s work was inspired by the property and the Gibson Swamp that existed on it when he was growing up.

Allen, who lived from 1903 to 1963, is credited for his work to save the whooping crane and roseate spoonbill. At one point, he was president of the National Audubon Society.

The long-term vision for the new park is to restore habitat, which will require a major transition from farmland to natural area, Dunn said.

Plans are to restore and expand the wetland, establish oak savanna grasslands and enhance forested riparian buffers to enhance the ecosystem needed for wildlife to thrive, such as fireflies under study by the Bucknell University scientific community.

Fireflies may be likened to the canary in a coalmine “to see how well we are managing this land,” said Brian Auman, a landscape architect.

The natural area connects with the South Williamsport Park and ultimately bike and walking trails will enhance access, which also will be available for canoes and kayaks.

Among the property’s features is the Sylvan Dell Environmental Center, a field station for environmental science and local educational institutions. Envisioned are demonstration sites for a wide variety of projects, such as pollinator and wildlife gardens.

Many partnerships have been formed with a variety of outdoor groups, including Ducks Unlimited, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, Lycoming Audubon Society and Lycoming County Conservation District. Municipal partners include Armstrong Township and South Williamsport and DuBoistown Boroughs.