On July 29, the Luzerne County-based North Branch Land Trust announced it has received a $1,500 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the Land Trust’s Loving Our Local Waters/ Amando Nuestras Aguas Locales water stewardship program.

North Branch Land Trust will host youth watershed education programs at their Valmont Bog Preserve located in Valmont Industrial Park, Hazleton, Luzerne County. Area youth will explore the wetland, learn about the water cycle, identify native and invasive species, and design bilingual stewardship signage.

North Branch Land Trust’s Executive Director Ellen Ferretti identified the need for a program--  “During the pandemic, many people discovered the love for the outdoors, and many organizations rightfully encouraged it. But the stewardship message lagged too far behind, so many of these special places were ‘loved to death’ by visitors. So often, visitors to our great outdoors simply would benefit from an understanding of how to be a good steward and how to take care of that beautiful stream, trail or hillside that is giving you such joy. North Branch Land Trust believes that communication and education are important steps to responsible outdoor recreation, and when you can communicate and educate in these outdoor spaces where you can splash around cattails and tadpoles, well, that’s a lesson that is hard to forget!”

Design Contest

The Land Trust will also be hosting a design contest seeking submissions for bilingual stewardship signage from those living, working, or learning in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

By creating an empathetic connection to Northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural resources and making it more accessible, North Branch hopes to foster a love and understanding of our shared natural resources.

Digital versions of the winning designs will be permanently hosted on their website at nblt.org to be made available to any conservation group aiming to update their stewardship signage, and North Branch hopes to eventually install permanent versions of these signs at all their preserves, beginning with Valmont Bog.

If you would like to be notified of participation dates for North Branch Land Trust’s Loving Our Local Waters/ Amando Nuestras Aguas Locales programs, please email info@nblt.org. 

If you would like to volunteer with this or other programs at North Branch Land Trust, email stasko@nblt.org. 

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. 

For more information on land conservation, programs, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the North Branch Land Trust website, following them on Facebook and Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates (bottom of page).

(Photo: Top- NBLT’s Howland Preserve, Wyoming County.)

NewsClips:

-- Citizens Voice: North Branch Land Trust Receives PPL Foundation Grant

-- PPL Foundation Awards $450,000 In Grants To Support Education, Building Sustainable Communities, Promote Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

-- Manada Conservancy: Kohler Family Farm - A Farm Preserving A Legacy In Dauphin County

-- PASA Sustainable Agriculture: Farmer Climate Story: Thistle Creek Farms, Huntingdon County

-- Williamsport Sun: DCNR Celebrates Induction Of Beartown Woods Natural Area

Related Articles:

-- Giangiulio Family Partners With Natural Lands To Preserve 113 Acre Farm In Chester County  [PaEN]

-- Western PA Conservancy Protects 110 Acres Of Forestland, Wetlands In French Creek Watershed, Erie County  [PaEN]

-- Open Space Institute Expands Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund To Support Conservation Of Climate Critical Pennsylvania Forests  [PaEN]

[Posted: July 29, 2022]

8/1/2022