Our Story
Humble beginnings of early board members. (2006)
Top left to right;
Ralph Garris, Mark Grier, Bill Stokes, Jimmy White IV
Bottom left to right;
Paul Gettys, Lindsay Pettus, Sandy Nelson
A Brief History
In 1992 Lindsay Pettus had a vision of a way to protect significant natural and cultural areas in Lancaster County where he was born and raised. Gathering friends and fellow conservationists Paul Gettys, Mark Grier, Jimmy White IV and Ralph Garris, the Katawba Valley Land Trust was founded in March of 1992. This group of friends became the first board of directors with Lindsay Pettus as President.
The seeds of this new land trust were rooted in the work of the Catawba River Task Force in the early 1990s, on which Lindsay served along with Murray White of Fort Mill. This group published the Catawba River Corridor Plan which recommended protecting buffers along the river and its tributaries. Lindsay and Murray became co-chairs of the Implementation Committee for the river management plan which was a key motivation in the creation of both KVLT and the Nation Ford Land Trust (NFLT), founded by Murray White. KVLT’s original service area focused on Lancaster and Chester counties, while the NFLT focused on York County.
The first property protected by KVLT was a 1.1 acre tract on the Catawba River across from Landsford Canal State Park. This property, acquired in 1995, contained a mobile home visible from the state park. Lindsay felt this property was extremely important to restore this significant historical viewshed at Landsford. The property was acquired, the mobile home removed and the viewshed was restored.
KVLT has also promoted environmental education efforts throughout its history by publishing books such as Spider Lilies: The Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies of Landsford Canal State Park, a flowering plant identification brochure for Landsford Canal State Park, publishing prints and photographs, conducting an annual speaker series and leading numerous outings and bird counts.
Land Conservation
Land conservation is vital for protecting natural resources, preserving wildlife habitats, and ensuring clean air and water. It safeguards landscapes for recreation, supports biodiversity, and helps maintain agricultural lands for food production. By conserving land, we ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations.
Community Engagement
The work of conservation brings benefits to the entire community and we strive to engage with a wide segment of our population through outdoor activities, speakers, news articles and outreach to our members and the public. A broad base of support and awareness builds a lasting sense of ownership between our land partners and the public.
Lindsay Pettus Greenway
KVLT owns more than 90% of the land encompassing the Lindasay Pettus Greenway (LPG). As a stand-alone non-profit organization, LPG holds an Memorandum Of Understanding working with KVLT and the City of Lancaster to provide a fantastic trail through Lancaster. Lindsay Pettus, KVLT’s founder, envisioned a Greenway connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and nature. The Lancaster Greenway became the Lindsay Pettus Greenway in honor of his commitment through KVLT to acquire the necessary land.
