Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary

About This Preserve

Please note that this nature preserve is not a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Please reach out to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center or the Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators for assistance with matters pertaining to injured wildlife.

Ecology and Management

Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary is managed for its habitat as being of highest and best use.

Upper Hopewell Forge is a riparian buffer squeezed into the shape of a triangle between three roads, including State Highway Rt. 322. As such, Upper Hopewell serves the important ecosystem functions of stormwater retention and filtration before it enters into Hammer Creek, a renowned cold-water fishery. Parking at Upper Hopewell serves as the northern terminus for the Conestoga Trail and junction of the east-west running Horseshoe Trail which also serves as the primary access for Rannels-Kettle Run Nature Preserve.

Watershed

Hammer Creek runs through the length of the Preserve on its way to Speedwell Forge Lake before emptying into the Conestoga River and furthermore into the Susquehanna River just beneath the Safe Harbor Dam.

Hunting Information

No Hunting; No Fishing.

Report Hunting Violations: PA Game Commission at 888-742-8001 or 610-926-3136

Acquisition History

The Lancaster County Historical Society donated the land that is now Upper Hopewell Forge Wildlife Sanctuary to the Conservancy in 1993.

Amenities

Parking. Preserve sign. Monument. Trail access to two regional trails.

Prevent Tick Borne Illness!

  • Wear repellent
  • Check for ticks after your visit
  • Shower soon after being outdoors
  • Call your doctor if you get a fever or rash

For more information visit cdc.gov/lyme

Spotted Lanternfly Alert!

Lancaster County is a Spotted Lanternfly quarantine area. This highly invasive insect is a serious threat to the health of our forests.

What you can do to help:

  1. Report spotted lanternfly sightings to Penn State Extension or call 1-888-4BADFLY.
  2. Stop the Spread. Look before you leave! Check gear, vehicles, and trailers.
  3. Smash them, bash them, kill them dead.
  4. Scrap and smash egg masses.

Emergency Information

In case of emergency, call 911

Nearest Hospital – 9.5 miles away
WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital

169 Martin Avenue, Ephrata PA 17522

Additional Resources

Brickerville Fire & EMS Company
717-626-6711

PA State Police
717-299-7650