Description:

Rock Springs is a 176 acre property located in southern Lancaster County border. It is the only LCC property, at present, located in Fulton Township sitting astride Mason-Dixon Road, west of Route 222. It was accepted from The Nature Conservancy in August, 2004 as it is a prime example of a serpentine barren. This unique ecosystem was a grassland comprised of unique grasses, sparse trees and shrubs, however, it is now a secondary successional forest with a mix of deciduous and coniferous species. The change in habitat composition from grassland to forest is largely a result of fire suppression over the last half century. The serpentine soils are extremely thin and nutrient poor, which promotes the growth of these rare serpentine grasses. Over 100 species of native wildflowers thrive here. Especially noteworthy is the serpentine aster, which is only found in this area. There is also a great variety of rare moths and skippers that inhabit the serpentine barrens. There is a wandering loop trail found on the north side of Mason Dixon Road.

Directions to Rock Springs Serpentine Barrens:

Rock Springs Serpentine Barrens is in Fulton Township. Take Route 272 South from Lancaster City to the intersection with 372 (The Buck). Continue south on 272 to Wakefield where 272 takes a sharp turn to the left. Go straight on Route 222 for approximately 4.5 miles. Turn right onto Mason-Dixon Road and go approximately .6 mile. On the right side of the road, there is a small gravel parking lot. The trailhead is by the sign for The Nature Conservancy.