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NPC and Williamsport Bicycle Recycle Partner to Offer Workshop 

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Local bicyclists spent part of a recent rainy Saturday afternoon at Williamsport Bicycle Recycle’s space at the Pajama Factory. The group had signed up for a workshop offered jointly by Williamsport Bicycle Recycle (WBR) and the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC).  

Volunteers from WBR reviewed a basic bike maintenance checklist. Then each participant had the opportunity to run through the checklist on their bike with help from a WBR volunteer. 

The idea for the workshop came from Steve Young, an NPC board member and longtime WBR volunteer.

“As a NPC board member I see the projects NPC takes on with our partners to improve access to the Pine Creek Rail Trail and improve the experience for riders on the Trail. I thought a workshop that would help bike riders learn more about their bike could also introduce them to NPC and our work.”

Steve Young, WBR volunteer and NPC board member
WBR volunteer and NPC board member, Steve Young, walks participants through a basic bike maintenance checklist.

Some folks tuned up long-loved bikes, while others discovered new ones from WBR’s selection of refurbished rides. One participant, Jeff Kane, attended with his son.

“It’s great that Williamsport Bicycle Recycle let’s you work on your own bike using their tools with their supervision,” said Jeff Kane. “I understand the basics of keeping a bicycle on the road but appreciate having someone who can help me figure things out. We’ve donated his old bikes here in the past, and I think we found a new-to-him bike here today.” 

Jeff Kane, workshop participant
Abigail Davids, WBR board member and officer, with Logan Kane and his new-to-him bike!

Connecting to the Pine Creek Rail Trail

NPC in partnership with the Bureau of Forestry, has created several access points to the Pine Creek Rail Trail over the years. Tomb Flats south of Slate Run and the Cavanaugh Access along Route 6, west of Wellsboro are 2 of the more popular. Additionally, NPC has partnered with Pine Creek Preservation Association and the Bureau of Forestry to purchase and install bike repair stations.  

“Having a bike repair station with an air pump and basic tools along the Trail will hopefully help a rider get a broken bike back to their car a little more quickly. We stress routine bike maintenance and checking your bike before leaving home, but things happen while you’re riding.” 

Steve Young, WBR volunteer and NPC board member

Volunteers Keep the Wheels Turning

Steve Putt, WBR volunteer, walks participants through a bike repair demonstration.

Williamsport Bicycle Recycle offers workshops like this upon request as well as one-on-one help to maintain bicycles and educate cyclists the basics of repair. The volunteer-run shop helps riders of all ages learn how to care for their bicycles, and they’re always looking for more hands to help.

“We really enjoy doing these workshops. They help us help bike riders. We’re always looking for more volunteer mechanics. The more volunteer mechanics we have, the more hours we can be open to help the community.” 

Abigail Davids, a WBR bord member and officer

Anyone interested in sharing their love of bicycles and gift of mechanics is encouraged contact WBR at williamsportbicyclerecycle@gmail.com.

Supporting Trails and Teaching Moments

Workshops like this reflect what NPC is all about—connecting people to the outdoors, collaborating with partners to create and enhance access, and helping communities care for the natural places they love. Whether it’s through installing bike repair stations, improving access to the Pine Creek Rail Trail, or teaming up with local volunteers, NPC’s work happens thanks to the generosity of members and donors like you.

Conservation of our region’s lands and waters are made possible through community support—please consider making a gift to NPC today!

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Rivers, Coal & Crafts: Exploring the Past, Celebrating the Future 

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Blossburg’s rich coal mining history and the ongoing restoration of the Tioga River are coming together! Rivers, Coal & Crafts is an exciting series of community events launching this spring. The series will connect residents and visitors with the land, water, and stories that shape this region.  

Through hands-on workshops, craft projects, and storytelling, participants of all ages will learn about the decades-long impacts of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) on the Tioga River—and how local partnerships are working to restore the Tioga River and its landscape. 

Gnolli the Tioga River Gnome takes in the view along Coal Creek. He was created during the first event in the Rivers, Coal & Crafts series—a Make-A-Long celebrating the story of the river at the Blossburg Company Store.

For years, AMD has flowed from closed coal mines into the Tioga River from Fall Brook, Morris Run, and Coal Creek. The AMD includes iron and heavy metals. The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) became involved in the River’s recovery by acquiring the Coal Creek property. This key site provides access to the largest mine discharge in the Tioga River watershed. That access is essential to designing and implementing real solutions to clean the water and restore aquatic life. 

As restoration work continues, the Rivers, Coal & Crafts series offers an exciting way for the community and visitors to follow along and get involved! 

These events are made possible through funding from: 

To make these projects possible, NPC is partnering with: 

Meet Gnolli the Tioga River Gnome!

The first event was a Make-A-Long workshop at the Blossburg Company Store. Participants crocheted and knitted their own Tioga River Gnomes while learning about the river’s story. The project used mini-skeins dyed to represent the river’s restoration journey— 
🪨 Grey for coal 
🧡 Orange for sulfuric acid 
🌊 Blue for clean water 
🌱 Green for the return of aquatic plants 
✨ and a Speckled skein for the transition in between! 

One generous attendee, Donna Lougher, chose to gift their gnome to NPC—and that’s how Gnolli came to be! 

Now, Gnolli (pronounced “NOLL-ee”) is the official mascot of the Rivers, Coal & Crafts series. He’ll be traveling to events and restoration sites throughout the year, helping share the story of Coal Creek and the Tioga River! 

Follow along on social media with #GnollisQuest to keep up with his journey through coal country and conservation!

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Welcome, Jesse Walker!

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Please join us in welcoming Jesse Walker to the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy as our second Land Stewardship Specialist!

Jesse is a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Forest Technology Program. During college, he gained hands-on experience through internships focused on forest stewardship, trail maintenance, and road work. He then spent a few years working as a forest technician on the Michaux State Forest before making his way back to the region.

When he’s not out in the woods for work, there’s a good chance you’ll find him outdoors anyway—hunting, fishing, and enjoying all that northcentral Pennsylvania has to offer.

And if you’re a local high school football fan, you might already recognize him—Jesse is the defensive coordinator for the Williamsport Millionaires football team.

Jesse Walker joins the NPC team as a second Land Steward Specialist

My passion for the outdoors started growing up hunting and fishing here in central PA. I got into conservation to ensure future generations get to enjoy the same healthy ecosystems I enjoyed, and still enjoy today. In my role here at NPC, I am most excited to continue the work of helping landowners conserve the land that they also enjoy.

Jesse Walker, NPC Land Steward Specialist

You can help welcome Jesse to the team by emailing him at jwalker@npcweb.org!

Conservation Project, Uncategorized

Continued Stewardship: Cavanaugh Access Area

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When you support NPC’s conservation efforts, you’re helping to conserve not just land—but the future of that land, too. One recent example of ongoing stewardship comes from the Cavanaugh Access Area, where state land managers are using science-based techniques to care for the landscape.

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March 2025 (shortly after the prescribed burn)
April 2025 (about 2 weeks after the burn)

In March, the Bureau of Forestry conducted a prescribed fire at the Cavanaugh Access Area, located in the Marsh Creek section of the Pine Creek Rail Trail (parallel to Route 6 outside of Wellsboro). This controlled burn was carefully planned and managed by trained staff.

Prescribed fire is a vital tool used to:

  • Control invasive plant species
  • Encourage the growth of young trees
  • Restore native plants
  • Reduce the risk of more dangerous wildfires

If you’re in the area, consider stopping by to see the difference. Look closely at the vegetation in the burned area compared to neighboring sections that weren’t part of the fire. You’ll see the young shoots already starting to emerge—signs of a healthy, regenerating ecosystem.

March 2025
April 2025
March 2025
April 2025
March 2025
April 2025

Thanks to your support, places like Cavanaugh Access remain part of a thriving and resilient landscape.

Visit the Cavanaugh Access Area to watch as the ecosystem continues to regenerate!
Thank you to Nancy McCaughey for providing all of the photos.
Support Conservation
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Conservation Options for Your Land

Northcentral Pennsylvania is a special place, with open spaces, abundant natural resources, and a remarkable history.  As our region changes, it is important to maintain balance between growth and conservation. This requires thoughtful action to make sure future generations will have access to these precious natural resources. Landowners may face choices such as subdivision, gas development, and taxes, but Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) offers conservation options that can balance land conservation with financial goals.

View of the Loyalsock Creek from Smith’s Knob

About NPC

NPC is dedicated to conserving the lands and waters across a 12-county region. With support from members and donors, NPC works to enhance the environmental and recreational needs of local communities.

NPC offers three primary options for landowners who want to conserve their land:

  • Conservation Easement
  • Donation of Property
  • Partnered Acquisition

Conservation Easement

A Conservation Easement is a voluntary, legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust that permanently conserves a property while keeping it in private ownership. This ensures that specific uses, such as farming, forestry, and habitat improvement, are conserved. The easement is permanent and applies to future owners. 

FAQs About Conservation Easements

  • What kind of property can be conserved? NPC works with the landowner to identify conservation values such as woods, wetlands, farmland, stream frontage, and scenic areas.
  • Are there property size requirements?  No. There are not minimum or maximum size requirements. NPC evaluates each property individually.
  • Does the easement require public access? No. Public access is optional and depends on the landowner’s preferences.
  • How long does the process take? Typically, 6 months or more, depending on legal reviews and other factors.  

There are costs related to the donation of a conservation easement. NPC’s staff can assist you in determining what costs may apply to your situation. 

Robwood Conservation Easement
Axe Factory Conservation Easement
Dickey Farm Conservation Easement

Property Donation 

Donating property to NPC may be ideal for some landowners. NPC assesses the land’s conservation value and may either retain or sell the property.

If NPC retains ownership, the property may be managed for forest health, water quality, and possibly recreation. If NPC sells the property, it would be to a private individual or a public organization for public use. Sales, often subject to a conservation easement, fund further conservation efforts.

Partnered Acquisition

In some cases, NPC can facilitate the transfer of property to a public organization, such as the Bureau of Forestry or the PA Game Commission. This may involve NPC acting as an interim owner.

In 2019, NPC stepped in to purchase the Phelps Mills Canoe Access, ensuring it remained open to the public for fishing, tubing, paddling, and more. Serving as the interim owner, NPC helped enhance the site before it was incorporated into the Tiadaghton State Forest.

Landowners interested in conserving their property should consult with the appropriate legal and tax advisors. Although NPC will work with the landowner toward income tax savings, NPC cannot guarantee tax savings.   

Next Steps

To learn more about these options and determine the best fit for your land, contact NPC staff at 570-323-6222 or info@npcweb.org to discuss your goals and request a landowner questionnaire.

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Winter Hiking: Exploring Jacoby Falls

Last weekend was the perfect time to hike to Jacoby Falls and explore its stunning ice formations. Although the warm-up may have started some melt, this 29-foot waterfall is always worth the trip! Thanks to NPC members, we can access and enjoy the beauty of this frozen wonderland.

About Jacoby Falls

Just down the road from the NPC office, the Jacoby Falls Trail, is an out-and-back trail that takes you across a wetland boardwalk, through a shady forest of hemlock and hardwoods, and alongside the beautiful Jacoby Run creek. The hike ends at the stunning Jacoby Falls, which changes with each season—from spring’s cascading rainbows to summer’s gentle trickle, autumn’s vibrant colors, and wintery ice formations.

Jacoby Falls, 1/26/25

NPC played a key role in conserving this trail for everyone to enjoy. Until the early 2000s, the trail crossed both private and public land. When the private land went up for sale, NPC jumped at the chance to buy 362.5 acres, making sure the trail and surrounding areas would stay open to the public.

This conserved land is now part of the Loyalsock State Forest.

Winter Hiking: Take a Tip from the Animals

But before you go, make sure to prepare yourself for winter hiking conditions! Think like the animals, and keep these tips in mind:

🐻 Layer Up Like a Bear – Wear moisture-wicking layers, warm fleece or down, and a waterproof shell.

🦊 Stay Light on Your Feet Like a Fox – Ice cleats, traction spikes and trekking poles will help keep you steady and stable on the trails.

🐿 Fuel Up Like a Squirrel – Pack high-energy snacks and stay hydrated, even in the cold!

🐰 Follow the Rabbit’s Path – Stick to marked trails and watch for hidden ice.

🐺 Travel Together Like a Wolf – Hike with a friend or tell someone where you’re going to stay safe and supported.

The American Hiking Society offers more tips on how to stay safe during cold weather hiking!

Have you ever hiked to Jacoby Falls in the winter? Share your experience in the comments!

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Request for Proposals: Redesigning the NPC Website

Request for Proposals: Redesigning the NPC Website

The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) is seeking proposals from experienced website designers and developers to create a modern, user-friendly website that highlights our conservation mission, engages our community, and supports our organizational goals.

About NPC

The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) is a land trust devoted to conserving
and enhancing the lands and waters of Northcentral Pennsylvania to support the
environmental well-being and recreational needs of local communities. To better connect
with our community and promote our mission, we aim to create a redesigned, user-friendly
website. The new website should be accessible, engaging, and visually aligned with NPC’s
mission and values.

Scope of Work & Project Deliverables

We invite interested designers and developers to contact us at hbyers@npcweb.org or 570-323-6222 to receive a copy of the RFP, which includes complete details on the Scope of Work and Project Deliverables.

Submission Details

We kindly ask that proposals be submitted by 2/14/25.
Questions and proposals should be submitted to:
Holly Byers
Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy
Email: hbyers@npcweb.org
Phone: 570-323-6222

Conservation Project, Uncategorized

Land, Legacy & Family: The McMorris Conservation Easement

In the heart of Lycoming County, the McMorris family has nurtured a 60-acre farm that tells a story of stewardship, family, and a love for the land. Recently, Marc McMorris and his siblings partnered with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) to establish a conservation easement, ensuring the conservation of their cherished family property for generations to come.

A Life on the Land

Marc’s father, a local physician at the time, originally purchased the farm to give his family a sense of rootedness after moving frequently during his own childhood. Growing up, Marc and his siblings worked alongside their parents to care for horses, cattle, and crops. From early spring to the cool days of fall, they tended gardens and orchards, following the seasonal rhythms that defined their lives. While their childhood was filled with lots of hard work, it also instilled a deep appreciation for the land’s unique character and lasting value.

Dr. David McMorris harvesting potatoes with his grandson, David, from their family garden.

Now, each autumn, as the air fills with the sweet scent of ripe apples, Marc fondly recalls time spent harvesting from their orchards. Together, they would pick the fruit by hand, transporting it to the nearby Nippenose Cider Mill, where their wooden kegs would be filled with freshly pressed apple cider. Back at the farm, the home would transform into a bustling hub of activity as Marc’s parents, grandparents, cousins, and neighbors gathered to create their homemade apple butter. As they would stir giant copper kettles in the backyard, laughter and stories flowed as freely as the delicious concoction within. The aroma of cooking apple butter filled the air, turning their hard work into treasured gifts for friends and co-workers at Christmas. In those moments, with faces smeared in apple butter and loaves of warm Stroehmann’s bread shared among loved ones, the farm stood as a testament to the deep connection between family and land.

Carol, the family matriarch, instilled a love for the land through countless hikes around the property. Pictured: Carol with three of her children—Scott, Kelly, and Marc—and her grandson, David.

A Legacy Worth Conserving

Eventually, the McMorris children grew up and pursued their own paths, but the farm remained a gathering place for family and friends. Owning land with that much heart and soul prompted Marc’s father to reach out to NPC for an initial meeting many years ago. Then, after their parents passed away, Marc and his siblings took on the responsibility of ensuring the land’s long-term care. Living in Michigan, Marc witnessed the farmland in his community being transformed into subdivisions, which fueled his desire to conserve their unique property back in Pennsylvania. Together, the siblings decided to pick up where their dad left off, embarking on a journey with NPC to place a conservation easement on their property.

While the process was long and challenging, the NPC staff was there to guide the family through the whole process.

“I had done my own research, but I just didn’t realize all the steps that it took and the amount of time it took with each step. So, the help we got from Sara and Renee [NPC staff] was invaluable.”

Marc McMorris, conservation easement landowner
Visits to the family farm meant plenty of cousin time and outdoor adventures for the McMorris grandkids.

Community Benefit

The conservation easement on the McMorris family farm offers numerous environmental benefits for the community. The headwaters, wetlands, and tributaries of Jacks Hollow, a Pennsylvania Historic Stream located on the property, support the health of the West Branch Susquehanna River and help recharge groundwater in the area. The farm is adjacent to State Game Lands and other protected areas, which conserves critical habitats for native species such as ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, and wood thrush. Additionally, the fertile soils designated as prime farmland support agriculture, while the dense forests and rocky slopes reduce stormwater runoff and prevent soil erosion, protecting downstream communities. The land is also visible from a heavily traveled public road, conserving scenic views for everyone to enjoy.

The 60-acre McMorris conservation easement supports the health of the West Branch Susquehanna River and groundwater recharge, while its proximity to other conserved lands provides critical habitat for wildlife.

Looking to the Future

“If you want to conserve the land for the future, this is the best way to do it.”

Marc McMorris, conservation easement landowner

Today, the family takes pride in knowing that their land is conserved. They’ve found peace in the knowledge that it will remain a space for future generations to experience the joy, hard work, and connection to nature that they once cherished.

For those considering a similar path, the family encourages patience and research. Marc expanded by encouraging others to “Take full advantage of the help the conservancy [NPC] provides through the process. It can take a long time, but it’s well worth it when it’s done. If you want to conserve the land for the future, this is the best way to do it.”

The McMorris siblings—Karen, Scott, Marc, and Kelly—found peace in honoring their parents’ legacy through this conservation easement. Pictured: Karen and Scott, circa 1960.

Learn More

If you’re inspired by the McMorris family’s journey and want to learn more about how a conservation easement can conserve your land, we invite you to visit the NPC website. There, you’ll find resources and information to help guide you through the process. You can also contact NPC’s Land Steward, Sara Schlesinger, directly, at sschlesinger@npcweb.org or 570-323-6222.

Support Conservation

The NPC membership makes the conservation easement program possible. By contributing to NPC, you help conserve lands and waters across the region, ensuring that these vital resources remain healthy for our communities. Your support also funds outdoor educational and recreational programs and improves the health of our waterways. To help continue this work, please consider donating today and make a difference in our region’s conservation efforts.

Donate Now
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Welcome Susan Martin!

We’re excited to introduce Susan Martin as the newest staff member of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. Susan joins us as our new bookkeeper, bringing years of accounting experience in nonprofit and public service organizations.

A graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an Accounting Minor, Susan has held key financial roles throughout her career. She has served as Senior Accountant at River Valley Health and Dental Center, Accountant for Genesis House Inc., and Director of Fiscal Services at the Center for Independent Living of Northcentral PA, among other positions. In these roles, she managed financial operations, prepared reports, oversaw audits, and ensured regulatory compliance.

With her extensive background and commitment to precision, Susan is well-equipped to support NPC’s mission of conserving the lands and waters of our region.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her dogs and traveling with her family.

You can join us in welcoming Susan to the NPC team by emailing her at office@npcweb.org.

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Celebrate Pennsylvania Trails Month with NPC

September is a special time to celebrate the vast network of trails that Pennsylvania has to offer. With over 12,000 miles of diverse trails across the state, there’s an adventure for every type of explorer—whether you prefer hiking, biking, paddling, or simply immersing yourself in nature. This month, we’re thrilled to highlight some of the remarkable trails that NPC Members have helped conserve and enhance. These not-so-hidden gems are right here in Northcentral PA and they offer unique opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

Discover the Jacoby Falls Trail

Just down the road from the NPC office is a true Lycoming County treasure—the Jacoby Falls Trail! This out-and-back trail takes you across a wetland boardwalk, through a shady forest of hemlock and hardwoods, and alongside the beautiful Jacoby Run creek. The hike ends at the stunning Jacoby Falls, which changes with each season—from spring’s cascading rainbows to summer’s gentle trickle, autumn’s vibrant colors, and wintery ice formations.

NPC played a key role in conserving this trail for everyone to enjoy. Until the early 2000s, the trail crossed both private and public land. When the private land went up for sale, NPC jumped at the chance to buy 362.5 acres, making sure the trail and surrounding areas would stay open to the public.

This conserved land is now part of the Loyalsock State Forest.

Paddle Through the Phelps Mills Canoe Access

For water enthusiasts, Pennsylvania boasts 29 water trails ideal for kayaking, canoeing, floating, and more! Among these, the Phelps Mills Canoe Access on the Pine Creek Water Trail stands out.

For years, people used the property by the Route 150 bridge over Pine Creek to launch boats, fish, and relax, thinking it was public land. When the private owner decided to sell, the community risked losing this popular spot. That’s when NPC stepped in to purchase and conserve the land, and also secured funding to improve the parking area and canoe launch.

Now, it’s easier for everyone to enjoy the creek, and it’s officially part of the Tiadaghton State Forest.

Explore the Pine Creek Rail Trail

No celebration of Pennsylvania Trails Month would be complete without showcasing the Pine Creek Rail Trail, one of the most stunning and versatile 4-season rail trails in the northeast! Stretching 62 miles through forested canyon walls alongside Pine Creek, this trail offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.

For over 30 years, NPC members have been helping to conserve and enhance this trail system. From creating new access points like the Cavanaugh and Tombs Flat Access Areas to installing bike repair stations, and protecting the scenic views and wild spaces along the trail, we’ve been dedicated to ensuring everyone can enjoy hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, cross-country skiing, camping, and more!

Trek the Loyalsock Trail

For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the Loyalsock Trail (LT) offers a 59.2-mile trek through the Loyalsock State Forest. This trail features historic CCC Camps, breathtaking vistas, and cascading waterfalls. From Route 87 near Montoursville to US Route 220 near Laporte, the LT traverses diverse landscapes, including footpaths, old logging roads, and abandoned railroad grades.

The Alpine Club of Williamsport has been instrumental in extending, relocating, and maintaining the LT over the years. In the early 1990s, the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) helped conserve the trail’s route by acquiring the 606-acre Flynn property. This acquisition conserved the LT’s original path and enabled the addition of new trails, such as the Flynn Trail and Butternut Trail!

Support this Work by Becoming an NPC Member

As we celebrate Pennsylvania Trails Month, we invite you to join us in conserving and enhancing the beautiful trails of Northcentral PA. Your support as an NPC member helps create trails and access to the outdoors for everyone to enjoy!

Become a Member