The Wildlands Conservancy Tuesday announced it has permanently protected 72 acres of woodlands and wetlands situated in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County.

The acquired acreage expands Wildlands’ 1,300-acre Thomas Darling Preserve at Two Mile Run along Route 940 in Blakeslee.

This acquisition permanently preserves the forests and streams that are critical to the sustained health of the Lehigh River watershed, and, ultimately, the irreplaceable, natural resource that is the Lehigh River.

It also protects critical wildlife habitat, provides essential connectivity between adjacent existing natural areas and it forwards the land trust’s plans for public access along Route 940.

“With precious wetlands, abundant wildlife habitat and waterways that lead to the Lehigh River, this special, natural area is a critical landscape that begs to be kept whole,” says Christopher Kocher, president of Wildlands. “And thanks to the support of our giving community and visionary partners, Wildlands is meaningfully connecting more people with nature in Poconos, altogether inspiring a future for local conservation.”

Wildlands will next forward plans to expand Thomas Darling’s existing trail networks to a newly established trailhead and parking lot area on the recently purchased parcel.

Wildlands acknowledged the financial support that made this additional possible, including the giving community, especially the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Monroe County, the Open Space Institute and private donations through Pocono Lake Preserve for providing funding for the purchase of these 72 acres.

Click Here to watch a video of the work done by the Wildlands Conservancy.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Wildlands Conservancy website. Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Join on Instagram.  Click Here to support the Conservancy.

NewsClips:

4 Lancaster Farms Added To State Farmland Preservation Program

Bryn Coed Farm Preservation Initiative In Chester County Nears Deadline

Natural Lands Trust Receives DCNR Grant To Conserve 500 Chester County Acres

Related Stories:

2,093 Acres Of Farmland On 29 Farms Permanently Preserved In PA

Western PA Conservancy: Laurel Ridge State Park Grows By 105 Acres In Westmoreland

Initial Fundraising Goal Met For Laurel Highlands Trail Shelter Restoration In Somerset

Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Newly Conserved Lands In Pike County Protecting Clean Water, Wildlife Habitat

[Posted: Dec. 19, 2017]

12/25/2017