Meet Executive Director Ellen Ferretti
In November 2021, Ellen Ferretti, former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Tuesday was named executive director of the North Branch Land trust.
Ferretti succeeds Paul Lumia, who served as the North Branch Land Trust’s executive director for the last 14 years.
“I am honored to join the North Branch Land Trust and help shape conservation strategy and land and water protection in this region,” Ferretti said. “Having grown up in this part of Pennsylvania, coming back to this land trust with this mission has special meaning to me, and I am thrilled to be home. I look forward to building on Paul’s accomplishments and working with the dedicated staff, board, and community partners who are committed to protecting the precious lands and waters of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
The Board of Directors of the North Branch Land Trust announced Ferretti’s appointment, concluding a comprehensive search process conducted by the NBLT’s Executive Director Search Committee.
“Our board of directors is thrilled to welcome Ellen Ferretti to the North Branch Land Trust,” said board chair Christina Taylor. “Ellen has a track record of conservation success wherever she goes. She has a demonstrated ability to forge strong partnerships, build effective teams and execute complex land transactions. She brings a steadfast personal commitment to land conservation and deep connections in land trust communities across the northeast. We are excited that she has decided to move back home to Northeastern Pennsylvania and confident that she will continue to advance the North Branch Land Trust’s conservation initiatives throughout the region.”
Since 2016, Ferretti has served as Director of the Brandywine Conservancy in Chadds Ford in southeastern Pennsylvania. In this role, she oversaw a team of 25 people, 490 easements and 6 preserves throughout southeastern and southwestern Pennsylvania, all engaged in vibrant land conservation, stewardship and municipal assistance projects and programs.
Prior to this appointment, Ferretti served as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as well as Northeast Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Science from Wilkes University.
During Lumia’s tenure, the Land Trust permanently protected more than 15,000 acres and grew into a regional conservation leader. Today, the Land Trust is proud to oversee more than 70 conservation easements and 1,500 acres of preserves open to the public’s enjoyment.
“Ellen Ferretti is an exciting choice and I look forward to supporting her leadership of the North Branch Land Trust into the future,” Lumia said. “Ellen’s conservation expertise and dedication to protecting land will serve the North Branch Land Trust and the region well.”
Since 1994, operating as a non-profit, community-based land conservation organization, the North Branch Land Trust has worked diligently to conserve over 23,000 acres of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural lands and resources.
Beyond sustaining the area’s natural beauty, NBLT’s efforts improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in this region. From such projects as opening lands for public use and passive recreation, to improving water quality, to drawing in tourism, to promoting responsible development strategies, all residents benefit from land conservation.
An accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance, NBLT is one of more than 1,300 non-profit land trusts in the United States.
Hanover Crossings Marsh Restoration
Learn more about the changing landscape at Hanover Crossings Marsh
Hanover Crossings Marsh Wetland Restoration2021 Membership Drive Underway
Dear Friends of North Branch Land Trust:
All of us at North Branch Land Trust (NBLT) would like to thank you for your support of land conservation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As we continue to deal with this unprecedented pandemic we realize more than ever how important nature and natural places are to us. By supporting the protection of our regions critical natural assets we are ensuring not only our own health and well being but that of our children, future generations and the very environment in which we live.
Our goal is simple, to permanently protect our regions extraordinary natural assets! With your financial help over the years we have been able to protect over 23,000 acres in Northeastern Pennsylvania. That is a great accomplishment for all of us but there is still much work to be done.
We need your help more than ever! NBLT does not receive any state or federal dollars in support of our administrative costs. Yes, we do receive public grant funds from time-to-time to help protect land but these funds are only used for the purchase of development rights or the direct purchase of land. All the funds needed to support our staff and office expenses come from your generous support!
Your support goes directly toward land protection projects that in turn provides places for all of us to recreate and unwind, provides protection for plant and animal species native to our region, and preserves beautiful natural areas for our children and future generations.
Whether it is a land protection project, a community redevelopment project, or new development project, by working together we can build sustainable communities we are all proud of.
Vibrant communities get their strength from within! There are many worthy community non-profits in our region so let’s all do our best to support them. Again, NBLT is thankful for your past support and is grateful for any future support you can lend to protecting our regions natural beauty.
FROM ALL OF US, WE THANK YOU!
Click Here to Renew Your Membership or Become a Member
Board of Directors announce the retirement of Executive Director Paul Lumia, after 14 years of service to the organization.
The Board of Directors of the North Branch Land Trust announces the retirement of Executive Director Paul Lumia, after 14 years of service to the organization. “It has been an honor to work with many of my fellow citizens here in Northeastern Pennsylvania to protect our most sensitive natural land assets. It takes a community and the Land Trusts’ success is a direct result of the wonderful support we have received from our donors and conservation partners. I would like to thank all of them and encourage everyone in our region to keep an eye on all the special places in nature we enjoy and cherish,” said Lumia.
Lumia first began at the land trust in 2008. He is a life-long resident of Northeastern Pennsylvania growing up in Bear Creek Village and now residing in the Back Mountain area. Before joining NBLT, Lumia served in the United States Army and Pennsylvania National Guard as a field artillery officer and worked in the financial and manufacturing sectors. Under his direction, NBLT has conserved more than 22,500 acres of land in Northeastern Pennsylvania. He has built community awareness for the organization through education and outreach programming, as well as addressed the conservation needs of both municipal and private landowners.
Most recently Paul and the Land Trust staff have been constructing the last six miles of the historic 164-mile D&L Trail, part of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor which will run from Bristol PA to Wilkes-Barre. Paul and the staff are also working to complete a conserved land corridor atop Penobscot Mountain running from Mocanaqua to Crystal Lake in Mountain Top. As of this date, the Land Trust has protected over 6,000 acres along this corridor.
As Lumia steps away to enjoy some leisure time in nature, he has effectively set NBLT on the course for continued success. “In his 14 years at the North Branch Land Trust, Paul has made significant and meaningful contributions to land conservation throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania” said Christina Taylor, Chair of the North Branch Land Trust’s Board of Directors. “Under Paul’s leadership, the North Branch Land Trust tripled the number of acres conserved in our region, forged strong relationships with key conservation partners and built a dedicated team of staff, volunteers and members. From this solid foundation, the North Branch Land Trust will continue its important work of protecting critically sensitive land for future generations to enjoy. We are tremendously grateful to Paul for his hard work and commitment over the past 14 years and wish him the very best as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement”, continued Taylor.
The Land Trust will continue to focus on land conservation and collaborative projects working closely with State and federal agencies, other non-profits and private land owners. Additionally, they will continue their work on his long-term goals, including the creation of a Land Conservation Endowment Fund, one of the key elements Lumia set into motion. This initiative will enable the Land Trust to take a proactive role in land conservation efforts in the region.
The Staff and Board of Directors will honor Paul at a fall cocktail party to be held on Friday October 15. Stop by between 5:30 and 7:30 and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres under the tent at the Westmorland Club. Click on the Link below for more information.
2020 Membership Drive Underway
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
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
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
NBLT Receives National Land Trust Alliance Commission Reaccreditation Award
Dallas, PA – North Branch Land Trust (NBLT), a nonprofit, community-based, land conservation organization, was awarded its second renewal of accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission of Saratoga Springs, NY. This second renewal demonstrates that NBLT upheld the national standards for more than a decade. “Accreditation is a mark of distinction, recognizing land trusts that meet the national quality standards established by the land conservation community. NBLT has made an extraordinary commitment to excellence, trust and permanence in land conservation. The Commission especially recognizes NBLT’s work protecting the Mocanaqua Highlands,” states the Commission’s letter to NBLT’s executive director, Paul Lumia.
Lumia explained, “In keeping with the high standards established by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, accredited land trusts must reapply for accreditation every five years. The application process is rigorous and takes many months to complete for submission to The Commission. It’s a thorough process and NBLT is very pleased to receive this reaccreditation award and receive permission to continue to proudly use the accreditation seal.” Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission stated, “The accountability provided by the accreditation seal helps increase public confidence in land trusts.”
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, established in 2006 as an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management experts from around the country. The Land Trust Alliance based in Washington, DC, is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America.
For the past 25 years NBLT has conserved over 20,000 acres of land in eight surrounding counties – Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming. These conserved lands protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies, habitat for indigenous plants and animals, natural areas for outdoor recreational activities, and lands for local agriculture. The Land Trust is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and looks forward to conserving the next 20,000 acres in the years to come. The organization’s board of directors, volunteers, members, donors, and staff are deeply grateful for the community support which helps carry out NBLT’s conservation mission in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
If you are interested in becoming involved with NBLT by becoming a member, making a donation, volunteering, or conserving your land, please visit their website www.nblt.org or call the office 570-310-1781 for more information.
The Land Trust’s new term of accreditation runs through July 31, 2024.
North Branch Purchases 390 Acre Crystal Lake Tract
The North Branch Land Trust (NBLT) has recently purchased an important 389-acre tract of land in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County which will assist with water protection for the Delaware River and will improve public access and recreation opportunities to the Pinchot State Forest lands surrounding Crystal Lake.
The property sits atop the Delaware River Watershed and harbors wetlands and head water streams that feed into the Delaware River via the Bear Creek and Lehigh River. Trails on the property connect to existing trail networks on the neighboring state forest land. North Branch will be transferring the 389-acre parcel to the Pennsylvania State Forest system.
NBLT is grateful to have been able to purchase the land through grant support from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Community Conservation Partnership Program with funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, and the Open Space Institute’s Delaware River watershed Protection Fund which is made possible with funding from the William Penn Foundation for its Delaware River Watershed Initiative to protect water quality in the Delaware River Basin.
