About This Map
This map highlights land parcels owned by the Pennsylvania Chautauqua, the Pennsylvania Chautauqua Foundation, and the Mount Gretna Borough. While the forested Southern Woodland and Soldiers Field often dominate conservation discussions, the map tells a broader story: the Chautauqua has many other parcels of communal land—much of it wooded—that also require thoughtful, ongoing stewardship. These aren’t just passive open spaces; they’re living parts of the community’s landscape and ecological health.
Alongside these deeded parcels, the map also reflects wooded non-deeded communal land, as well as paper streets and setback areas under Chautauqua’s jurisdiction. While these non-deeded areas are not highlighted, many have trails running through them or serve as natural buffers beside residential yards, making them active and valued parts of the community. Their regular use—whether for walking, recreation, or simply as a scenic backdrop—makes careful, informed stewardship all the more essential.
Privately owned parcels—front yards, backyards, and wooded lots—make up much of Mount Gretna beyond these communal areas. Every resident has the opportunity to steward their own small patch of the community, whether by planting native species, reducing stormwater runoff, or making mindful choices about trees and landscaping. Stewardship here is truly both a communal and individual responsibility.
The map also highlights Mount Gretna’s groundwater protection zones. These safeguard the community’s drinking water by limiting disturbance around wells and helping to manage stormwater infiltration. Protecting both the surface woodlands and the underground aquifer is part of the same stewardship story—reminding us that the health of our forests, streams, and water supply are deeply interconnected.
