On September 5, the Wildlands Conservancy announced the protection of 60 acres of land-- 43 acres will become a new nature preserve in Lower Macungie Township adjacent to the Reimert Memorial Bird Haven and 18 acres will expand the existing South Mountain Preserve near Emmaus.

The South Mountain Preserve is among Wildlands’ first land acquisitions, dating back to 1976, so in continuing to protect pieces of this familiar landscape as the Conservancy honors the history of the organization.

“If ever there was a time to be in what we call ‘the forever business’, it’s now,” says Christopher Kocher, president of Wildlands. “Our Lehigh Valley is losing open space at an alarming rate. There’s an urgency to protect all we can while we can, because land is life. Protecting it is vital to having clean air, healthy water and livable communities.”

This acquisition is thanks in large part to the vision and generosity of longtime Wildlands supporters, Merrill and Nancy Brenner.

“Nancy and I have always appreciated the natural environment, including the remaining forests and open spaces in the Lehigh Valley, and have long wanted to conserve land for future generations,” says Merrill Brenner. “We are grateful for all that Wildlands does to protect such lands–improving our water and air and providing access to nature–and to inspire conservation values. We are very excited to add to the land resources that Wildlands protects and provides for the people of the Lehigh River watershed. We hope that others will also find opportunities to volunteer, donate, or otherwise help to ensure the continual protection of the natural beauty of the area.”

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.

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[Posted: September 5, 2019]

9/9/2019