As we wrap up Rivers Month, we're sharing projects, people, and programs that speak to our commitment to whole health our Lehigh River watershed!
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Your support makes a lasting difference in our
Lehigh River watershed!
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Bushkill Creek Flowing Forward:
The Restoration of Bushkill Creek
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Did you know the mussel populations in the Bushkill Creek help filter the water, and their life cycle requires them to be able to move freely throughout the creek? And, did you know that the Delaware River, which the Bushkill Creek flows into, is the source of drinking water for more than 17 million people?
The health of the Bushkill has long been a focus of Wildlands Conservancy, and our history of efforts and future projects support improved water quality not just for critical mussel communities, native trout, and shad, but for the people of Lehigh Valley living in close connection the creek.
In 2021, Wildlands completed a restoration and habitat enhancement project along more than a mile of the Bushkill as it flows through Tatamy Borough and into Palmer Township in Northampton County. Last year, Wildlands removed two old, obsolete dams impairing the waterway, one located near the land trust’s Binney & Smith Preserve and the other close to Jacobsburg State Park.
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This year, Wildlands’ continued efforts focus on the Bushkill as it flows into the City of Easton. This involves removing two dams this summer, as well as a third in 2024.
Kristie Fach, director of ecological restoration, says, “Removing this next series of dams to open these two miles for fish passage will help reconnect the Bushkill to the Delaware and onto the Atlantic Ocean for the first time in a century.”

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The Who Behind the How:
Meet Andy Fogal
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Sojourn attendees paddled with Andrew Fogal, co-owner of Pocono Whitewater and Wildlands Conservancy Board Member. He first kayaked the Lehigh Gorge with his dad at the age of 8 and attended his first sojourn not long after. The relationship between Andy and Wildlands is now a full-circle journey.
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Andy can be seen smiling his way down the Lehigh River almost every weekend, mindful of the ways Wildlands has protected the headwaters, kept the water clean, and improved recreation.
Andy is an advocate for the support of the organization, saying, “Wildlands Conservancy's work is critical for preserving the natural assets of our area. They can't accomplish that goal without the help and support of the community that benefits from protecting land in our watershed.”
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Revisiting a Stream Restoration Success
at our Maple Tract Preserve
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In 2017, Wildlands removed a dam on the Tunkahnnock Creek as it flows through the land trust’s Pocono-based Maple Tract Preserve. The completed project benefited the 680 acres of marsh and forest ecosystems that rely on Tunkhannock Creek.
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Volunteer Opportunity:
We're seeking volunteers for our Stream Team!
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Join us as we maintain vegetative areas along streams (riparian buffers) and help ensure the survival of young, native trees in the forest buffer. These vital areas improve water quality in local communities, reduce erosion and flooding concerns, and provide habitat for wildlife.
When: Every Friday morning in June - September, rain or shine.
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Get Out! For Wellness: Bike & Boat,
Lehigh Canal
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Paddling 101
@ Wy-Hit-Tuk Park
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We hope to see you there!
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Make your gift to Wildlands Conservancy Today.
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