Strawberry Hill Nature Center is $25,000 richer thanks to the generous support of attendees of the 5th annual Night for Nature dinner and Auction. “We hit our goal of raising $25,000,” said Dan Brannen, executive director, who added that all the proceeds will go toward supporting the environmental education programs. In addition, Gettysburg Green Gathering provided a grant of $2,000 to help community children who might not otherwise be able to take part.
More than 140 people attended the event which featured two auctions, one silent and one live. Prior and during the dinner event, participants could view the silent auction items which included nearly 50 items, from gift certificates to arts and crafts items, children’s items, food, gift baskets, quilts, pies, jewelry, and tickets for area events.

During the live action, bids were proffered for sailing excursions, food, vacation packages, auto detailing, classes for flyfishing and glider flight, a murder mystery event, and a private house concert with local musician Nick Andrew Staver.
Strawberry Hill was established in 1986 by Fairfield resident Frances Morton Froelicher to clean up and protect the Swamp Creek Watershed. Today it operates as the only non-profit environmental education organization in Adams Country, through a variety of nature programs, special events and summer programming. The center is located 15 minutes from Gettysburg and provides direct access to Micheaux State Forest. For more information go to www.strawberryhill.org.
Brannen said he is grateful for “all of the supporters, partners and sponsors who are fostering the next generation of nature champions.”
Featured image caption: A donation of $2,000 was presented to the Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve at the recent annual auction. From left, Beth Cook, Board President, Dan Brannen, Executive Director, and Steve Zimmerman, President of the Gettysburg Green Gathering.
Judith Cameron Seniura is a freelance reporter. She began her journalism career in the early ‘70s and has written for newspapers, magazines, and other media in Ontario, Canada, Alaska, Michigan, Nebraska, San Antonio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.