Meeting on the Mountain
When you’re looking at the big picture, sometimes it helps to gain a bit of elevation. 

Recently, several groups of Allentown teens soaked in a new view of their city from atop Wildlands Conservancy’s Black River Sanctuary.

They’re helping our Stewardship Crew prepare the property ahead of its opening to the public.

Black River Sanctuary overlooks Allentown. It straddles Salisbury and Upper Saucon townships. Work has been ongoing at the 187-acre property since it was acquired in 2020. 
Part of the prep work involves volunteers like these teens digging in and getting their hands dirty. They’re learning about the environment and making connections with nature.

The program is a partnership between Wildlands Conservancy and Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley. 
 
Kids with Promise Neighborhoods’ Promise Corps are learning the many ways nature can enrich their lives. 
 
Lehigh Valley-based mental health company Reset Outdoors has helped members embrace nature as a tool for mental well-being. It's just one part of a larger program helping kids fortify their physical health and possibly even create connections to future career paths. 
 
These teens are receiving unfettered access to natural resources right in their backyard.

Members of the Corps say the experience is opening their eyes to the importance of nature and introducing them to things they would have never seen. 
 
Wildlands Conservancy President Chris Kocher summed up the spirit of the program, the preserve and the partnership in comments at a recent Wildlands’ event: 
 
“We’re all about access to nature, but it really is about access to nature for all.” 
Land-Protection Outlook: Kittatinny Ridge
As part of Wildlands’ commitment to the whole health of our 10-county Lehigh River watershed, the Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain) has long been one of our key landscapes for land protection. Boasting substantial acreage in Carbon County, the Ridge is a famed flyway for millions of migrating birds, it cradles 100+ Pennsylvania miles of the Appalachian Trail in its stretch, and its forested slopes are an essential force for healthy, clean water for drinking, fishing, boating, and more, making it a critical conservation area for both people and wildlife.
 
To date, with your support, Wildlands has permanently protected more than 13,000 acres along the Ridge. At present, the Carbon County Citizens for Water, Farms, and Land committee is working to improve the outlook to protect even more land along the Ridge, as well as beyond, through an open space ballot referendum this November. Wildlands, together with dozens of other individuals, organizations, and businesses, endorses the referendum and the world of good it could do for all the individuals, neighbors, and families who call our Lehigh River watershed home. 
Community Programs
Get Out for Wellness: Hickory Run State Park


You and Me: Enchanted Forest


History and Nature Hike: Brenner-Penfield Macungie Mountain Preserve
Hoody Hoot Hike: Bear Swamp Park


Get Out for Wellness: Gravel Family Nature Preserve


Spooky Animals Hike
RSVP for Our Cheers to Conservation Event Oct. 23
When: 3 to 6 p.m., Oct. 23

Where: Yergey Brewing

10 percent of the proceeds from beer will be donated to Wildlands Conservancy.
Our autumn events series rolls on with Cheers to Conservation 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 at Yergey Brewing located at 235 Main Street, Emmaus. 

Yergey's craft brews will taste even better knowing a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Wildlands Conservancy's mission.

We’ll enjoy live music from local artist Kendal Conrad and delicious food from the K'Town Pub Food Truck.

Plus, you can meet our team and learn how we're working to make conservation happen throughout the Lehigh River watershed.
Get Your Wildlands Gear!
We have Wildlands Conservancy gear in various sizes and colors!

Order through our Bonfire campaign HERE.

Make your gift to Wildlands Conservancy Today.