The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the Wildlands Conservancy were recently awarded $750,000 from the William Penn Foundation to establish the Lehigh Valley Trail & Greenway Network to establish a robust regional trail coalition between the Lehigh Gap and Easton, Pa.

The grant will allow the region’s two premier conservation organizations to spearhead a coalition in the Lehigh Valley using already established partnerships including the D&L Trail Alliance and the Lehigh Valley Greenway Conservation Landscape.

The resulting Network that will lead coordinated efforts to plan and develop a multi-use trail network that connects the Lehigh Valley to the Philadelphia-area Circuit Trails and provides access to the Lehigh River.

William Penn will make the funds available over a three year period.  As a result of this grant, at least six gaps in the D&L Trail and at least four gaps in connecting trails will be eliminated, a branding campaign will be successfully executed, and state and local trail funding will increase.

The completed 165-mile D&L Trail is the longest multi-use trail in Pennsylvania, providing direct trail access to the upper reaches of the Delaware River Watershed.

The mission of the Philadelphia-based William Penn Foundation is to enhance the vitality and vibrancy of the Greater Philadelphia region. 

The Foundation is committed to increasing high-quality, educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students; supporting arts, culture and the development of accessible and vibrant public spaces; and protecting the Delaware River Watershed.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the Wildlands Conservancy websites.

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(Photo: Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, bridges over the Lehigh River at Easton, Northampton County.)

9/26/2016