Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit

2018 Keynote Speaker – Laura Johnston

Laura Johnston is a conservation and creative professional. She worked with the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) and Conservation International (CI) for a decade on a variety of conservation projects around the world; as a trail correspondent for “Sounds of the Trail Podcast” while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT); as a trail steward for the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) and a brand and marketing ambassador for Salazon Chocolate creating partnerships to benefit the AT, PCT and Continental Divide Trail (CDT) and now as a writer and podcast contributor for conservation, trail and outdoor organizations. Laura earned a MALS on human values and environmental ethics focus from Georgetown University, a BA in International Relations and a BA in Political Science from Virginia Tech. Currently Laura writes for conservation and outdoor organizations including The Trek, Patagonia, Osprey, “Backpacker Radio Podcast,” “Outdoor Biz Podcast” and “Dear Nature Podcast.” Laura is from Northern Virginia just outside of Washington, D.C. She has also lived in Germany, Kenya, Switzerland and Peru.

Special Activities

Sunday Recreation Activities

Bike and Boat Trip with Wildlands Conservancy (limited to 30 registrants)

Sunday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm  – Discover the magic of the local land and water trails just south of Easton. Canoe the Delaware River Water Trail from Scott Park in Easton to Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area and then bike back again on the scenic D&L Trail built on the path of the historic Delaware Canal towpath. All equipment is provided. Registrants should pack snacks/light lunch to have during the break at Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area.

Industrial History Walk with Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (limited to 20 registrants) 

Sunday, 2:00 pm – From Water to Iron: Building an Emerging Nation – Explore Hugh Moore Park’s fascinating past as an industrial mecca in the 19th and early 20th centuries on a 1hr. 15 min. guided walking tour covering 2 miles. Learn about and view remnants of the once mighty industries that were located here including iron works, a wire factory, a cotton mill, and an ice cutting operation. *Registrants receive complimentary canal boat ticket to enjoy either 12pm or 1pm boat ride before the walking tour*

Monday Evening Social Event: Dinner and networking at the National Museum of Industrial History, 602 East Second Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015. (registration required)

Monday, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm  – Enjoy an evening of networking at the National Museum of Industrial History that opened in 2016 just a few blocks from ArtsQuest Center (conference venue) in a 100-year old former Bethlehem Steel facility.

Mobile Workshops, Tuesday 12:00 – 5:00 pm

Mobile Workshop 1: Lehigh Valley Trail Gap Hike and Bike Tour (registration required for bus transportation)

Lehigh Valley Greenways partners have been successful in using a regional approach to create an interconnected trail network in which the D&L Trail serves as the spine. The bus will take folks to the D&L Trailhead in North Catasauqua for a 1-mile round trip walk led by D&L staff to the new pedestrian bridge over Dry Run in Northampton.  Then participants will ride the bus to Jordan Park in Whitehall and be provided bikes to ride 6 miles on Jordan Creek Greenway led by Wildlands Conservancy staff who will highlight the recent trail gap closure and adjoining riparian buffer projects. Participants will learn about successful techniques to deal with common trail gap challenges, suggested partnerships to leverage funding and expertise, and ways to incorporate riparian buffer projects into trail projects.

Mobile Workshop 2: Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge (registration required for bus transporation)

On the drive to Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, participants will enjoy a bus tour through scenic Cherry Valley that follows the alignment of the Stroud Bike2 Nature Trail, Bike Route V, and the emerging September 11th National Memorial Trail. Upon arrival at the Refuge, the group will eat lunch during a presentation by US Fish & Wildlife Service on restoration of a former golf course recently added to the Refuge followed by a 45 minute walking tour of the property. To conclude, there will be a presentation highlighting the Stroud Region Trail Gap Analysis and how the Stroud Greenway will connect into the emerging county wide trail system in Monroe County.