History
Millport Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that was created in 1988 by Robert and Carolyn Wohlsen, who purchased the Millport Roller Mills, along with auxiliary structures and surrounding farmland, in 1969.
The restored Lititz Run is the centerpiece on what is now a 75-acre refuge for native wildlife and plant species. The Run holds trout year round and preservation efforts have resulted in healthy wild reproduction of both rainbow and brown trout. The Millport Roller Mills is a 19th-century grain mill and remains on site.
Conservatorship Changes
In 2023, the conservatorship of the Millport Conservancy was transferred to the North Museum of Nature and Science and was previously a partner with Franklin & Marshall College from 2008–2023.
The North Museum is well-suited to partner with Millport on significant educational programming regarding conservation and the environment for school-aged children. This is an important component of the work of both organizations. It also coincides with the North Museum’s important work in the community through its STEM education programs in the museum, in schools, and through its expanded at home educational curriculum. In recent years, the North Museum and Millport have enthusiastically collaborated on efforts with mutually beneficial results. One such common goal is to create permanent outdoor classroom space to broaden conservation and environmental studies programming.
Through this partnership, the North Museum is able to expand its educational and research projects.
The Millport Conservancy oversees a variety of activities to:
- Maintain the existing buildings as well as the land and waters that serve as a sanctuary for its native flora and fauna
- Host students from all over the region to provide opportunities to conduct hands-on, field research in a variety of disciplines
