LOWER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. - Organizations across the Lehigh Valley are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day throughout the month of April. That includes the Wildlands Conservancy, which owns and manages 14 nature preserves from the Poconos to Easton.
"For us, it’s a day of celebration. It’s a day for us to thank the visionary leaders who brought us clean air and clean water and protected open spaces, and those visionary community members who came together 47 years ago to create Wildlands Conservancy," says Chris Kocher, President of Wildlands Conservancy.
Kocher says in past years the day was marked with hands-on activities like tree plantings and community clean-ups. But under stay-at-home orders, the Lehigh Valley nonprofit is providing virtual experiences on its website and is encouraging residents to get outside safely.
President Chris Kocher says the preserves and hiking trails are open to the public - including South Mountain and the Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary.
“These are wonderful assets, not only for the natural resources and natural critters, but also for people to get outside and experience nature first hand,” said Kocher.
Kocher says visitation is up - so he encourages users to observe safe social distancing guidelines.
Kocher says in past years April celebrations have included hands-on activities like tree plantings and community clean-ups. But under stay-at-home orders, the Lehigh Valley nonprofit is providing virtual experiences on its website - like educational videos about screech owls and turtles.
Visit the Wildlands Conservancy website to learn more about their preserves and hiking trails.
