The D&L Blog

I can’t believe I forgot to post photos from our National Trails Day celebration on Sand Island! We had visitors from the City of Bethlehem, National Park Service, DCNR, local outdoor groups, and Trail Tenders. Smokey the Bear even made an appearance, posing for pictures and spreading the word about preventing forest fires.

Participants learned about Trail Tender efforts to create a native plant model site, as they walked along the trail. Some participated in a round-trip kayak and bike trip between Allentown and Bethlehem, sponsored by the Wildlands Conservancy. Two new interpretive signs were also unveiled during the event. Authored and designed by the D&L’s own Dennis Scholl, the signs explain the historical and environmental significance of Sand Island.

Further east on the towpath, near Charlie Brown’s Clearing, a tree and plaque were dedicated in loving memory of Derry Bernath. Members of Derry’s family were on hand for the ceremony.

If you broke a sweat walking or biking that day, imagine doing it while wearing a fur coat. A special thanks to Shannan McAward for braving the heat to play Smokey.