Dinosaur Rock, a unique geological feature in State Game Lands 145 near Colebrook, needs your help.
Volunteers are needed to join forces with the Pennsylvania Game Commission on June 10 to scrub graffiti off the diabase formation, a 200 million-year-old landmark that today stands 15 feet above the forest floor.
The rock’s dinosaurian profile, visible along its north-south exposures, has been marred over the years by unwanted graffiti. This year, the team is better prepared than last year’s cleanup, with improved equipment, more “elephant snot” cleaning agent, and better pressurized water.
The cleanup effort will kick off at 9:30 a.m.
In a communal effort, the Game Commission will lead the on-site operations, providing the cleaning supplies and pressurized water. Future surveillance of the area is also being considered to deter further vandalism.
Funds from the Lebanon County Commissioners through a hotel tax grant will be utilized for the purchase of cleaning and safety supplies.
Local businesses are stepping up, too. Colebrook Crossing, formerly Twin Kiss, is offering restrooms and a free ice cream for volunteers. Lebanon Valley Conservancy land protection director Courtney Reimann said that Steve Blount, owner of GCM Construction, who updated the Colebrook Crossing building, has shown vested interest in restoring Dinosaur Rock.
Read More: County’s newest ice cream spot, Colebrook Crossing, coming soon
Local state Rep. Tom Jones (R-98) is also lending his voice to discourage graffiti and spread the word about the clean-up effort. Meanwhile, Pat Krebs is spearheading an anti-graffiti campaign, with Jones’ office assisting in printing flyers.
Community involvement is key, with J.V. Bennett of the South Londonderry Township Area Historical Society coordinating a volunteer team and the Palmyra Lowes donating supplies.
Joe Forte of the Eastern PA Alliance of Climbers, a veteran in graffiti cleanup, is returning with his team, who will also be helping clean Boxcar Rocks on June 4. Reimann said that Forte is “a sort of expert with graffiti clean up and dedicated to cleaning up these rock formations.”
Despite a busy weekend with other local events, Reimann said that many volunteers from last year have committed to returning this year. To join them, sign up at VolunteerSignup.
For more information or questions, contact Reimann at director@tlvc.org, or call the Lebanon Valley Conservancy at (717) 273-6400. All hands are welcome, even if you can’t commit to the full day.
Please note, the opportunity is best suited for adults due to safety precautions.
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