The D&L Corridor strives to be the leader in the preservation, protection, conservation, interpretation and enrichment of the cultural and natural resources, that distinguish the area as nationally significant and worthy of designation as a National Heritage Corridor and State Heritage Area. To accomplish this we focus available resources on visible programs that advance the Corridor's mission.
Community Programs
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Market Towns Initiative
This cooperative pilot project blends conservation and economic development strategies, to help revitalize small towns through focused heritage development. Historically, White Haven, Lansford, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Palmerton and Slatington served as distribution points where raw goods (lumber, coal and slate) were loaded and transported to larger markets like Philadelphia and New York City via the Corridor’s transportation system, and where goods from the larger market (flour, coffee and hardware) arrived for distribution to residents.
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Landmark Towns is a regional economic development initiative of the Boroughs of Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope and Yardley in Bucks County, PA.
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Lehigh Valley Greenways Initiative
This collaborative state and local partnership with the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources strives to conserve and connect people to valued natural resources. A model for combining conservation, education, and recreation, LVGI is a two-county conservation landscape initiative that includes the Two Rivers Area (Bushkill Creek Watershed), Williams Township, the Blue Mountain (Kittatiny Ridge), Martins-Jacoby Watershed, Lehigh Valley PA Highlands and Jordan Creek Watershed/Greenway. The Two Rivers Area - the first pilot area of concern - is a 109-square-mile area of Northampton County with a projected population growth of 38% by 2030. As farm fields and woodlands give way to new housing and roads, the D&L is assisting residents and municipal officials in preserving their natural, historical, and agricultural resources.
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Education Programs
Through interpretive wayside signs and brochures, as well as in-class and event participation, the D&L supports local educators and historians in creating individually tailored programs. Some matching grants are available through “Visually and Graphically Speaking” for interpretive signs, brochures and Web sites. Staff members are available to work with educators to develop programming appropriate to the classroom. An intermediate level elementary school curriculum entitled “Tales of the Towpath” has been developed to introduce 4th- and 5th-grade students to coal and canals and their impact on the growth of the American Industrial Revolution in eastern Pennsylvania.
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Tax Credits Available to Businesses Helping D&L Education Project
Businesses interested in securing tax credits while lending financial support to local education have a new candidate to consider.
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The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor designs, acquires permits and funding, and constructs new sections of the D&L Trail and trail improvements that are part of it. Learn what we are doing for the Carbon County section of the D&L Trail.
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Travel the Towpath
The D&L Trail is the site of a new National Trails Day event in Bethlehem called “Travel the Towpath.” The event is being held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. along two miles of the trail from West Sand Island to Canal Lock 43 east of the Minsi Trail Bridge. The D&L Trail is known locally as the Lehigh Canal Towpath.
A variety of activities and displays will introduce the public to historical events that have happened along the trail, trailside ecology, and recreational opportunities that trail users can enjoy to improve their health. Smokey the Bear will be among guest celebrities making an appearance.
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The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. invites eligible parties to apply for grant funds to support projects furthering the D&L’s mission. This is your opportunity to apply for funding to preserve the heritage of our communities through partnerships that conserve resources, tell the stories and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
