(3/27) After pandemic cancellations, both the Land Conservancy of Adams County (LCAC) Art Auction and the Strawberry Hill Foundation‘s A Night For Nature, return this season with community driven fundraising.
This year the LCAC will celebrate its 25th anniversary of their art auction. Continuing with pandemic precautions, the virtual auction will be held once again online. The auction will go live the week of April 10 and bidding closes on April 24. Art will be available to view in person April 1 through April 24 at the Adams County Arts Council in Gettysburg.
Over the years, the Art Auction has become one of the most popular fundraisers for the Land Conservancy. Previous LCAC auctions and gallery displays have been held in the former Parrot Restaurant in Gettysburg.
The Land Conservancy is an accredited, member-supported, nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the rural lands and character of the county. It is an outgrowth of the Agricultural Land Preservation Board that was established in 1990 by the Adams County Board of Commissioners. The original board members laid the groundwork of LCAC through a shared interest in promoting land conservancy.
Profits from the art auction helps the LCAC preserve Adams County’s rural lands, open spaces, and the direct preservation of property. Since 1997, the annual auction has helped the Land Conservancy raise more than $400,000 to preserve the county’s natural farmlands, meadows, and waterways.
More information about the auction can be found at PreserveAdams.org.
Meanwhile, Strawberry Hill returns with its A Night For Nature, a one-of-a-kind night for dinner and auctions in support of the local nature preserve, on April 21.
The event offers nature lovers a relaxed evening of amazing food, seasonal drinks, and an incredible list of items up for auction, including art, locally handcrafted made goods, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to benefit the heart of nature.
"We are really looking forward to it," said Executive Director Daniel Brannen
In 2019, Strawberry Hill’s first A Night for Nature sold out and raised nearly $12,000. The event was attended by many of the nonprofit’s biggest supporters including those who advocate for the preserve’s mission and continuously provide their time and resources generously.
The auction fundraiser is considered a win-win, not only do patrons receive amazing prizes, but the nature preserve receives much needed support. All funding is utilized toward Strawberry Hill’s environmental education programs, including the Animal Ambassadors, guided public field trips, and more. "It all goes to support those efforts," Brannen said.
The Animal Ambassador program in particular provides an engaging look at the ecosystem as naturalists use the hands-on learning to teach about life cycles, invasive species, and the significance of pollinators.
The mission of Strawberry Hill aims to inspire stewardship of the natural world by connecting the community with educational opportunities. Strawberry Hill is the area’s only nonprofit environmental education center.
More information about A Night For Nature and to purchase tickets can be found by calling 717-642-5840 or at strawberryhill.org.
