Ecology and Management
Safe Harbor is managed for its habitat as being of highest and best use.
Safe Harbor consist of a mosaic of habitat types including fields, woods edge, and forest making this preserve attractive to a wide variety of wildlife such as ground nesting birds, small mammals, and wild game including white tailed deer and turkey. Common wildflowers, ferns, and sedges can be observed through the season. A hiking trail traverses the landscape via utility road before turning west into the woods and dropping steeply to connect to the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail; but please note that this preserve is popular for its hunting opportunities.
Watershed
An unnamed tributary flows into the Witmer Run before joining the Conestoga River which then empties into the Susquehanna River just beneath the Safe Harbor Dam.
Hunting Information
Safe Harbor is open to Mixed-Use Hunting with areas of Archery-Only Hunting and areas of No Hunting (notably along Observation Rd, Conestoga Blvd, and near homes). Respect property boundaries and safety zones. All Pennsylvania Game Commission Rules and Regulations apply. See ‘Where to Hunt’ for more details.
Report Hunting Violations: PA Game Commission Centralized Dispatch Center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT (1-833-742-4868) or 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453)
Acquisition History
This preserve was acquired as part of a nationally recognized landscape protection project known as the PPL Project. Funds for that Project were provided by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The Conservation Fund, Lancaster County, York County, PPL, Talen Energy, and Brookfield Renewable. The tracts that form the Safe Harbor Nature Preserve were donated by PPL in 2011.
Amenities
Parking. Preserve sign. Kiosk.