Timeline

~1900

 Harvesting trees from Governor Dick Hill for nearby iron furnaces and foundries ceased toward the end of the 19th century. For approximately 160 years prior, the trees upon Governor Dick Hill were harvested regularly for fuel.

1934

 Clarence Schock purchased two parcels of land, totaling 867.5 acres of the original Coleman “Cold Spring Tract.”

1936

 Clarence and Evetta Schock made Governor Dick Hill available for public enjoyment.

1940

 Clarence Schock purchased 98 acres adjacent to Mount Gretna Heights.

1941

 Clarence Schock purchased an additional 139.5 acres (comprised of multiple parcels from various owners) for a total of 1,105 acres which he named the Governor Dick Tract and is bounded by Pinch Road and Mount Gretna Heights to the west, Route 117 to the north, Route 72 to the east, and to the south by Chickies Creek.

1953

 Before his death in May 1955, Clarence created a Deed of Trust for the Governor Dick property and assigned the Mount Joy School District as the first trustee. His vision for the land was for the land to be “in trust forever as a playground and public park.”

1997

 Harvest by tower during the tenure of the Mount Joy School District as trustee.

1998

 Lebanon County Commissioners and The Clarence Schock Foundation become Board of Trustees for Governor Dick Park.

2004

 The Education Center was built; adding additional expenses to be covered by the limited annual funds provided by the Clarence Schock Foundation.

2009

 During the previous century, Governor Dick Hill remained untouched by those who wished to disturb the pristine wilderness. However, some see the trees as dollar signs rather than natural resources that perform a job in the ecosystem of the forest and sought reasons to make the trees pay for changes to the park.

  • Selective harvest of 67 acres of gypsy-month caterpillar infested trees along Pinch Road, just south of Mount Gretna. The following fall, native trees were planted and the area was enclosed in protective fencing to protect from deer damage. 
    • Trees were harvest without considering that healthy trees defoliated by gypsy moth infestation normally grows back their leaves later in the same year, after the gypsy moth caterpillars are gone.
  • Rain Garden created in July of 2009 near the Education Center.

2013

 49 acres, near old Route 72, north of Manheim

2014

 39 acres, adjacent to 2013 harvest

2015

 Clarence Schock Foundation notified the commissioners that they will no longer be co-trustees; however, the foundation continues to finance the park and the existing board members from the foundation remained on the board. The Lebanon County Commissioners are currently the sole trustee.

2021

 61-acres, primarily on the slope above Route 117 and stretching towards Mount Gretna Heights

2022

 8-acres, clear-cut around the tower

Future

 The trustee has indicated that it is possible that approximately 60 more acres will be harvested by Mount Gretna Heights. This would be adjacent to the 2021 harvest. The timeframe of this harvest is depended upon when/if funds are needed to support the park.