The D&L Blog

On Thursday March 10^th, thirty-four people began walking, driving, and biking towards the iconic SteelStacks of Bethlehem. Meanwhile, five others brought a zoom link to the surface of their screens in preparation of a quick click. It was almost time to join the 2022 Lehigh Valley Greenways Retreat!   

At 9am, the retreat officially launched from the Fowler Blast Furnace Room at ArtsQuest, both in-person and virtually. Shortly after, Nathan Reigner, Pennsylvania’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation, welcomed the partnership with a virtual address. 

In attendance were 39 representatives from local non-profits, municipalities, conservation districts, and educational institutions. Together the partnership celebrated the successes of several LV Greenway Mini-grant projects, including:  

1. The installation of a trees and pollinator garden in North Catasauqua Borough 

2. The installation of an arboretum at Lehigh Carbon Community College  

3. The completion of riparian buffer work at Gertrude Fox Conservation Area and Monocacy Way 

4. The installation of the Gracedale livestake nursery and riparian buffer 

5. The installation of outdoor benches to connect people to nature through journaling in outdoor spaces 

Each of these projects exemplifies one or more components of the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Vision: Lehigh Valley communities are linked to greenways, trails and outdoor experiences resulting in stronger local economies and improved public health, green infrastructure, and natural resources.  

Before the retreat ended, partners were able to connect with colleagues in person, and meet Brit Kondravy, Lehigh Valley Greenways’ New External Lead. Additionally, they participated in breakout sessions designed to identify priorities worthy of pursuit as a partnership in 2022. These priorities will soon be adapted into an action plan, and be made available to the public on the Lehigh Valley Greenways website, lvgreenways.org.  

The 2022 LV Greenways Mini-grant Application Round is open and accepting applications until 4pm April 21st.  

The Lehigh Valley Greenways Mini-Grant Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and administered by the D&L. Eligible applicants may apply for a mini-grant to support a project advancing the goals of the Lehigh Valley Greenway Conservation Landscape. Interested parties are encouraged to review guidelines, instructions, and eligibility requirements at: Mini Grants – Lehigh Valley Greenways.

Written by: Brit Kondravy, D&L Conservation Coordinator