Trees and Trails
Our natural resources are one of our most valuable assets. Our trees slow down the winter winds, help keep our air clean, provide us with lots of oxygen, and help to slow down water runoff from rainfalls.
- Before altering any tree, Association members are responsible to determine ownership by contacting the MGCA Board of Managers.
- Association members are strongly encouraged to consult the Rules & Regulations for any issue pertaining to tree care.
- Leaf Collection service is provided by the management of the grounds. See the current leaf collection policy under the Bylaws, Rules, & Policies tab.
- If planting a new or replacement tree, Members are required to palnt native trees on their property. The MGCA will only plant native trees on MGCA property. A list of native trees is below. The Department of conservation and Natural Resources and the Bureau of Forestry have published a document on the Common Trees of Pennsylvania.
| Ash, white | Hackberry | Oak, northern red |
| Aspen, bigtooth | Hemlock, eastern | Oak, pin |
| Aspen, quaking | Hickory, bitternut | Oak, scarlet |
| Basswood | Hickory, mockernut | Oak, white |
| Beech, American | Hickory, pignut | Pawpaw |
| Birch, paper | Hickory, shagbark | Pine, eastern white |
| Birch, sweet | Hickory, shellbark | Pine, pitch |
| Birch, yellow | Honey-locust | Pine, red |
| Black Gum | Hop-hornbeam | Pine, table mountain |
| Box elder | Hornbeam, American | Pine, Virginia |
| Butternut | Larch, American | Redbud |
| Cherry, black | Locust, black | Redcedar, eastern |
| Cherry, choke | Maple, mountain | Sassafras |
| Cherry, fire | Maple, red | Serviceberry |
| Chestnut, American | Maple, silver | Sycamore |
| Cucumber-tree magnolia | Maple, striped | Tulip tree |
| Dogwood, flowering | Maple, sugar | Walnut, black |
| Elm, American | Mulberry, red | Willow, black |
| Elm, slippery | Oak, black | Witch-hazel |
| Hawthorn | Oak, chestnut |
Trails
Gov Dick Trails to the South and East of us in Clarence Schock Memorial Park, offer a network of intersecting, winding, hilly paths. At the top of the hill is the Tower. The famous Horseshoe Trail goes through here.
- To explore these trails, get a map from mtgretna.com, walk out Kephart Ave through the gate into the Heights and...
- Follow First Ave to just after the bend at the end, on unpaved Oak Ave, where a short trail on your left will lead you to Trail #5.
- Or turn right from First Ave onto Maple Ave, and you'll find the spring at Gov Dick and a trail that leads straight up to the Pinch Rd parking area, and Trails #5 and #2.
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Most of these trails have steep inclines, and offer an added attraction to avid sports cyclists.
Lebanon Valley Rail Trail provides an easier walk or a bike ride on this old, well maintained tree lined railroad bed, replete with restful seating benches.
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To explore this trail, get a map from mtgretna.com, follow Timber Rd briefly to the big bend, then bear right onto the narrow paved road that leads to the trail.
- Slopes are gentle, and hardly noticeable.
You can connect between the trails at Old Rt 72, or by crossing the road from the Rt 117 Parking Area, and going West a hundred feet to a trail that leads to the Leb Valley along around mile 7.5.