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
