Wildlands Conservancy

Wildlands is happy to introduce our Nature Co-op program series! These supplemental field-based environmental science experiences for homeschool students in grades K-5 include an experience with our Animal Ambassadors. Emphasis is placed on answering a question in a fun, hands-on way that leads to a means to create positive change in our environment. Join us on November 11 to learn more about invasive species! Registration is required and limited, so sign up to join us today: https://tinyurl.com/y287gs65

Happy Friday and All Hallows Eve-Eve! In the spirit of spooky-season, here's a fascinating look at one of nature's creepiest creations- the Dead Man's Fingers fungus!

From acquisition to planning to stewardship, Wildlands is excited to be nearing completion on access to our stunning and unique Poconos-based Thomas Darling preserve!

There's some buzz at the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary in Emmaus- You may have noticed this impressive Bald-faced Hornet's nest hanging from a tree in our parking lot! The intricately constructed nest (which contains chambers of comb inside) is made from chewed wood fiber, mixed with the hornet's saliva and will only be used for one season. Even though they aren't the most friendly creatures, they are beneficial predators of flies AND they are pollinators, as well! "BEE" sure to keep your distance, and admire nature's handiwork from afar!

Did you know The Jordan Creek Greenway has been a regional effort to connect & conserve the natural spaces of the Jordan Creek corridor for over a decade? Wildlands works collaboratively with County Of Lehigh and the municipalities along the Jordan Creek to plan and develop a potential 14-mile multiuse trail from the City of Allentown to Trexler Nature Preserve. Pictured below is one of the newest sections of trail constructed by South Whitehall Township in 2019. This 0.8-mile section of trail is located on the western edge of the Township’s Covered Bridge Park. Wildlands was recently awarded a grant through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnership Program to prepare a strategic management plan for the Jordan Creek Greenway!

A little rain only helps the trees to grow! A BIG shout out to Wildlands volunteers and staff who helped plant trees in Bangor, PA this morning!

The wait is over! This weekend the Lehigh Valley will hit PEAK foliage! Enjoy the autumn colors from one of the thousands of protected acres of natural space in our area! Need a place to start? Download the Wildlands Preserve App for trail maps, directions, information and more! www.wildlandspa.org/preserveapp

These two tulip tree leaves arranged themselves in this manner perfectly and all by themselves at the site of one our NEW nature preserves- this shot shows the quiet way nature reminds us of symmetry, pattern and color in this season of change!

Some more excellent news for trail-lovers in the region, and especially for Wildlands' picturesque Buckwha Creek Preserve! "The Emmaus-based nonprofit organization received a $40,000 grant to prepare a study for the development of about 9 miles of the Chestnut Ridge Greenway in Palmerton Borough, Lower Towamensing Township and Eldred Township." https://www.tnonline.com//wildlands-conservancy-awarded-4/

In recent months, Wildlands has acquired significant acreage that will be turned into NEW nature preserves , just waiting to be turned into public destinations! Enjoy a sneak peek at what's in store for nature lovers in the Lehigh River watershed! To learn more about our nature preserves, visit us at https://www.wildlandspa.org/our-preserves/

Local trail news in the Lehigh Valley! If you visit the freshly paved area, be sure to keep an eye out for the newly unveiled mural and bike repair station in the area!

Raise your wing if you love birds! Fall migration is currently underway, so here are some helpful tips on keeping our feathered friends safe from our homes and businesses! Interested in learning more about, and getting up close to some interesting avian species? Join us for our monthly Tweet & Greet program on November 1 (registration is required and limited): https://www.wildlandspa.org/event/tweet-greet/