2020 Membership Drive Underway

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As the country begins to reopen from the coronavirus, we hope that you and your loved
ones are staying safe and healthy. If there was ever any doubt, we now know with certainty,
that nature sustains us. During this challenging and unsettling time, nature has provided
healing balm for our weary souls and has been our constant.

Because of dedicated and generous donor support, even though we have had to postpone
events and activities, NLBT has been able to continue to stay focused on the mission of land
conservation and protect important natural areas in our communities. Totaling over 1,900
acres, three significant new projects are underway and staff continues to safely monitor
conserved properties. Meanwhile, the Board of Directors has enacted measures to
minimize expenses and prudently manage finances. The Howland Preserve and Picton
Wildlife Sanctuary remain open and social distancing guidelines have been posted so the
public can continue to safely take advantage of these beautiful Preserves.

This time of unprecedented stress and isolation has highlighted the powerful benefits of
nature on the human spirit and has deepened NBLT’s resolve to protect the special places
in Northeastern Pennsylvania before they disappear.

By supporting NBLT through membership and membership renewal, you are saying, YES, we need
to protect the special lands of Northeastern Pennsylvania! YES, more than ever, we need to
save the very nature that is sustaining and enriching our lives; our mental and physical health
depends on it.

Land conservation only happens because of YOU!

In this time of uncertainty, the value of nature is more evident than ever before. The
strength and resiliency of the natural world provide comfort and peace of mind. We have
heard countless stories from people who have shared with us their thoughts on how nature has
helped them endure these past months…nature that YOUR generous support has helped
protect.

To Renew or Become A New Member CLICK HERE

D&L Trail Contract Awarded for Phase I

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The Delaware & Lehigh National Corridor (D&L) Trail is a 165-mile trail running from Bristol, in Bucks County to Wilkes-Barre and connects people to our industrial heritage, health & wellness, economic development, and nature & the environment.

North Branch Land Trust acquired 6 miles of the old rail-bed from Oliver Mills to Northampton
St, through donation and purchase, from the Earth Conservancy. NBLT recently awarded Rutledge Excavation, Inc, the contract to begin work on the 2.86-mile section beginning at Oliver Mills and ending at the Seven Tubs Nature Area. Work began in August.

When completed, this portion of the trail will be 10 feet wide with crushed stone and can be used for biking, running, and walking. Work will begin on the final section, from the base of Giants Despair to the Seven Tubs Nature Area, in the near future and will complete the 165-mile trail.

Trails improve our lives! Dedicated trails for walking, jogging, riding bicycles, and cross-country skiing are important assets to any community. Trails entice us to get outdoors and enjoy nature which reduces stress and improves health. Trails also enhance tourism and economic growth.

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, use of trails and outdoor space has significantly increased and the need for recreational opportunities has become abundantly clear. NBLT is proud to be part of the completion of this 165-mile recreational treasure and looks forward to opening this last leg for the benefit of all.

Projects on this scale require the collaboration of many partners. The following partnered with NBLT to bring this project to fruition:
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Earth Conservancy
Laurel Run Borough
The Luzerne Foundation
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development—Greenways,
Trails, and Recreation Grant Program
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau ofForestry
PA DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation—Community Conservation Partnership Program
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine
Reclamation—Grant Program
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Plains Township
Sordoni Family Foundation
Wilkes-Barre Township

For more information about the D&L Trail visit the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website at www.delawareandlehigh.org or contact North Branch Land Trust at info@nblt.org.

Section of Trail to be completed

 

Paul Lumia, NBLT & Dan Rutledge, Rutledge Excavating, Inc.

 

DCNR Grant Awarded To Acquire Hanover Reservoir Tract

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In November, 2019 North Branch Land Trust was awarded a grant in the amount of
$850,000.00 from the Community Conservation Partnership Program administered by
the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to acquire 800 acres
on Penobscot Mountain including the historic Hanover Reservoir. Funds for this project
come from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93), the
Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener) and federal funds.

After survey and a thorough environmental review NBLT will acquire the property and
transfer it to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and the Pinchot State Forest System.
This beautiful tract will add to the over 4000 acres on Penobscot Mountain previously
transferred to the Pinchot State Forest System by NBLT.

Key Partners for this project are Earth Conservancy; Hanover Township; Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation – Community Conservation Partnership Program; DCNR Bureau of Forestry