Signature Programs
Programs that make an impact.
As the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor evolves, we develop a variety of programs–each one helping us to carry out our mission in the community. Most programs fall into one of the following pillars: Industrial Heritage, Nature & Environment, Economic Development, and Health & Wellness.
Industrial Heritage
National Canal Museum
The National Canal Museum is dedicated to telling the story of America’s historic towpath canals with a specific focus on Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Delaware Canals that carried anthracite coal from the mines in Northeastern PA to markets in the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and beyond. The museum interprets the historic impact and culture of canals, as well as the science and technology behind their building, through a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities.
Educational Programs and Curriculum
More than 7,500 children and adults immerse themselves in our heritage annually in outdoor and educational programs, including our award-winning Tales of the Towpath fourth-grade curriculum, Immersion Days field trips, the Freemansburg Canal Education Center, environmental education programs, conferences, and our mule-drawn canal boat the Josiah White II.
Nature & Environment
Lehigh Valley Greenways
Since 2004, Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape is a highly effective proactive, partnership approach to landscape conservation in Lehigh and Northampton counties. With the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, D&L staff co-leads the way with a diverse group of partners to enrich the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. By providing ribbons of green throughout the densely populated area, LVG helps keep communities connected with trails and greenways.
Trail Tenders
The D&L Trail Tenders program is comprised of local residents and volunteers who want to help preserve and sustain recreation and historic resources of the D&L Trail for everyone to enjoy. For over 15 years, people just like you have volunteered to help maintain the trail, plant, clean historic structures, and improve amenities for trail users. Thousands of people have volunteered time all along the trail from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol, resulting in a cleaner environment, increased quality of life, preserved history, and better trails. The D&L provides support to municipalities, businesses, and volunteers to organize and hold local events. Using a Data Driven Sustainability Strategy, we are creating a GIS database of projects to improve trail management.
Trail Patrol
These volunteer ambassadors represent the D&L on the trail. They assist trail users, increase trail safety, and report trail conditions resulting in increased trail user enjoyment. Join us today!
Economic Development
Trail Towns & Businesses
As we build the over 165-mile trail system, the D&L organization is committed to helping communities along the D&L Trail from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol prepare for a growing influx of trail users. We want to help support communities to create a trail friendly atmosphere. Our overall D&L Trail Town Process goal is to have communities invest in trails as resources that benefit residents, visitors, businesses, and the environment.
The D&L Trail Friendly Business program highlights local businesses that provide great customer support and cater to the needs of runners, hikers, and bikers who use the D&L Trail. These businesses create a trail friendly atmosphere that welcomes outdoor enthusiasts.
Health & Wellness
Get Your Tail on the Trail
With St’ Luke’s University Health Network, the D&L founded the “Get Your Tail on the Trail” wellness initiative, building on the research that shows that outdoor exercise provides incredible physical and mental health benefits. The program encourages users to get active and outdoors through unique challenges and incentives.
St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest
The St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest is a beloved annual tradition in the Lehigh Valley, bringing together runners and walkers to celebrate community, health, and the outdoors along the scenic D&L Trail. Held on the second Sunday in November, the event features four signature races: the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon and Marathon Relay, which start in downtown Allentown, and the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run and Walk, which begin in historic downtown Bethlehem. Participants enjoy a fast, gently sloping course that winds through Bethlehem and Easton. Participants enjoy a fast, gently sloping course that winds through seven vibrant communities—Allentown, Bethlehem, Freemansburg, Bethlehem Township, Palmer Township, Wilson, and Easton—showcasing the natural beauty and rich heritage of the region. St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest also offers a number of amenities, including free downloadable race photos, enthusiastic volunteers, and the opportunity to support vital programming and D&L Trail maintenance efforts.
