In a collaborative effort, a group of around two dozen combined local volunteers, Pennsylvania Game Commission staff, and state officials successfully spent the day on June 10 removing graffiti from the iconic Dinosaur Rock.
Previously marred by graffiti, Dinosaur Rock, a unique diabase formation in State Game Lands 145 near Colebrook, shone a little brighter as community members banded together for the cleanup initiative.
Among the volunteers were notable community members such as state Representative Tom Jones (R-98), South Londonderry Township Police Chief William Reigle, J.V. Bennett of the South Londonderry Township Area Historical Society, Joe Forte of the Eastern PA Alliance of Climbers, and Pat Krebs, a prominent advocate of the anti-graffiti campaign.
Krebs said it was a very good day due to an abundance of cooperation.
“This is not easy work and has some risks due to the elephant snot,” said Krebs, referring to the use of an agent humorously referred to as ‘elephant snot’ to aid in the cleanup. “That’s why we wear gloves and suit up.”
Courtney Reimann, land protection director of the Lebanon Valley Conservancy, noted the team learned from last year’s effort, implementing better cleaning supplies and more power washers this time around. The main rock formation and surrounding boulders were thoroughly cleaned, thanks to the team’s determination and enhanced resources.
The initiative was not only aimed at cleaning the formation but also at maintaining its cleanliness.
Reimann said the Game Commission plans to keep an eye on the area and remove future graffiti right away. Krebs said the Game Commission is exploring the possibility of installing cameras at the parking lot and the site itself. Although no complete timeline for this had been offered by the Game Commission as of publication time, Bennett told LebTown that the initial cameras were installed on the 10th.
Chief Reigle said Dinosaur Rock is a very unique and special place in South Londonderry Township which had unfortunately become a sad eyesore.
“I think when it is covered in graffiti, many people just stay away because that detracts so much from the formation,” said Reigle. “I want people to be able to visit there, bring their kids/grandkids, and not have to be reminded how selfish and disrespectful some people are.”
Plans are also underway to cover the boulders with a chemical additive to prevent new graffiti adherence.
Justin Clark, wildlife habitat group manager of the Game Commission, expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their dedicated work. Clark said volunteer assistance allows the commission to focus on managing wildlife and their habitats while still ensuring Dinosaur Rock, an important local landmark, is maintained for all to enjoy.
“This work wouldn’t have been possible without the help we received, and cleanup efforts will be ongoing to maintain Dinosaur Rocks for all to enjoy,” said Clark.
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Editor’s note: This article was updated after publication to reflect that some cameras have already been installed at the site.
