The 40-acre Tewsbury Wildlife & Butterfly Sanctuary Conserved

February 13, 2012

This conservation easement project is the result of a wetland mitigation exchange with Williams Field Services Company LLC and restitution for an equal acreage of wetlands that will be damaged or destroyed elsewhere in the county. The purpose of this conservation easement is to assure that the Conservation Area will be retained in its open space and natural condition in perpetuity. NBLT is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this historic conservation project and would like to thank the descendants of Ross and Genevieve Tewksbury for their commitment to this special conservation project.

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Valmont Bog Conserved

January 18, 2012

North Branch Land Trust recently acquired the 59 acre Valmont Bog and uplands located in West Hazleton Borough and Hazle Township. Over the past two years NBLT has been working closely with the owner CAN DO, Inc. along with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, PPL Corporation and other stakeholders to make the project a reality.
Located in the heart of the Valmont Industrial Park this unique property boasts a variety of exceptional flora and fauna, interesting topographical features, and even remnants of our industrial past in the form of old rail beds. Two cold water sources, Stony Creek and Black Creek converge on the property.
Representatives of the International Native Orchid Conference, Inc. have visited the Valmont Bog property many times and have affirmed that it is without equal in this part of the country; only the New Jersey Pinelands Reserve can compare in terms of its significance with regard to orchid flora according to the Conference.
In particular NBLT would like to thank Can Do President Kevin O’Donnell and his staff for their time and effort in making this project a reality.
Another important piece of northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural heritage has been conserved. Going forward the staff at NBLT will be working with all stakeholders to establish a master plan for the preserve.

Funding for the project came from a Community Partnerships Program Grant award to NBLT from the Pennsylvania department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Funding for these grants comes from Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key93), the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Growing Greener Bond Fund and federal funding sources.

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Volunteers of the Year

December 8, 2011

On Wednesday December 7th, 2011 North Branch Land Trust held its fifteenth annual Holiday Gathering at the Appletree Terrace in Dallas PA. It was by all accounts a fun and festive evening with lots of good conversation and holiday cheer all around.

Executive Director Paul Lumia gave an overview of the trust’s conservation work over the past year along with an update on projects in process. However, the highlight of the evening was the awarding of NBLT’s Volunteer of the year awards. This year’s recipients were Zach Kaufer and Melody and David Buck.

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Howland Preserve Committee and Ad Hoc Research Committee Meet

November 11, 2011

The Howland Preserve Committee and the newly formed ad hoc Grey House Research Committee met recently to discuss plans for the grey farmhouse located on the 667 acre Howland Preserve. The Preserve is open dawn to dusk for passive recreation and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery along the Susquehanna River.

The committees are studying the potential of converting the Howland Preserve grey farmhouse into a research and lodging facility for institutions of higher education, environmental groups, artists, recreation groups, corporate retreat groups, and others interested in enjoying a beautiful and quite setting.

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