Students test pH with red cabbage juice and learn how abandoned mines affect local waterways.
Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) Board Member and former Southern Tioga School District science teacher, Julie Weaver, led students through an activity exploring water pH.
pH is a measure of how acidic or basic water is. Because pH is affected by the chemicals present, it’s an important indicator of whether the water is undergoing chemical changes. The pH level also determines how much of a substance can dissolve in the water and how accessible that substance is to aquatic life.
pH is one of the key indicators used when studying abandoned mine drainage.
Metals like aluminum become more toxic at lower pH levels because more of the metal dissolves into the water under acidic conditions.
After discussing how abandoned mines can affect water quality, students used red cabbage juice to test the pH of various liquids. One of the samples was water from Coal Creek. Other samples included lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, milk, pond water, rainwater (there was plenty of that this month), baking soda, and soda pop. In case you’re curious, Coal Creek’s water typically has a pH between 2.7 and 3.0, according to Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) data. For comparison, baking soda has a pH of 8.5, and dairy milk has a pH of 6.5.
When red cabbage juice was added, acidic liquids turned red, while less acidic (more basic) substances turned blue.
The amateur scientists walked away with a better understanding of pH and how water can be impacted by abandoned mines—and Gnolli had a chance to make some new friends!
Coal Creek Connections: How NPC Is Helping Restore the Tioga River
For years, abandoned mine drainage has flowed from closed coal mines into the Tioga River from at Fall Brook, Morris Run, and Coal Creek. To support long-term restoration efforts, NPC acquired 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.
Roy Siefert was a longtime supporter of the forests of Pennsylvania. He died recently, and his death is a loss to the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy and to me personally. Roy was an advocate for forests and for managing them for their health and ecosystem services. He volunteered for NPC for years and was currently serving as a board member.
Roy grew up in Hartsville, Bucks County. He often talked about the changes he saw in his hometown over his lifetime. Many of the forests and fields he tromped through as a kid are now housing developments and roadways. He often used aerial photographs of the area around his boyhood home to demonstrate how landscapes can change over a lifetime.
Roy was proud of his two years at Penn State’s Mont Alto campus before finishing his B.S. in Forest Science at Penn State’s University Park campus in 1976.
The connections he made at both Penn State campuses were important to him. He remained engaged with current students and enjoyed reconnecting with classmates from his time at PSU.
Left to right: Roy Siefert, Steve Bernardi, Marc Lewis
A recent example of this reconnecting happened when NPC purchased the Anderson Hill properties in 2023. NPC worked on this project with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Roy was able to reconnect with Steve Bernardi, who was a year behind him at Mont Alto. At the time, Steve was the land manager for the Pennsylvania Game Commission (he’s now retired). The walk in the woods that day led to Steve and Roy continuing to communicate and spend time together nearly 50 years after last seeing each other.
One of the things that impressed me most about Roy was the number of friendships he maintained across so many different areas and eras of his life.
Before starting his career with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, he spent time working for the U.S. Forest Service in Montana and on forest inventory projects in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Once he returned to Pennsylvania and joined the Bureau of Forestry, he settled into northcentral Pennsylvania. His first position was as a Forest Maintenance Supervisor in the Susquehannock State Forest in 1980. After five years, he moved into a forester position working on silviculture and recreation projects. He also worked in Forest Fire Protection before moving to the Tioga State Forest and becoming the District Forester in 1999.
Roy (center) at the dedication ceremony for NPC’s Cavanaugh Access Area, a popular stop on the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Roy spent the next 15 to 16 years overseeing the building of the Pine Creek Rail Trail’s northern and Marsh Creek sections and working through the state’s reviews and processes in the early years of Marcellus shale gas exploration, before retiring in 2015.
During his tenure as District Forester, NPC worked with him and a Wellsboro family to add 31 acres to the Tioga State Forest. Their property was along the Bee Tree Ski Trail and Painter Run. Roy was excited about how this property would improve the State Forest’s ability to manage the Bee Tree Ski Trail and add access to Painter Run.
After retirement, Roy joined the board of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. He was quick to help in any way he could. He was willing to direct traffic at events, sweep out picnic pavilions before a dinner, tromp along as we checked boundaries, update members on projects in their area, and serve as a sounding board.
Roy was often my first phone call when a new project came up. His experience with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry allowed him to understand a lot of what we were working through and dealing with. He was a calm, reassuring, experienced voice and left me feeling that the obstacles we were facing could be overcome.
One spring, several people died while paddling on Pine Creek. Roy was quick to help me figure out how to get funding and paddling safety signs created and installed at a couple of access points managed by the Bureau of Forestry.
Roy was instrumental in the acquisition of the NPC’s Coal Creek property and the ongoing restoration in of the Tioga River.
Roy’s role with the Coal Creek project cannot be understated. He was involved with the Tioga River restoration for over 20 years. He knew so many of the players and made many introductions for me. When we got the survey back, Roy was ready and willing to walk the boundary with us. He was very patient as I repeatedly said, “Hey Roy, go stand by that rock so there’s some perspective and people can see how big it is.”
One of the last communications I had with Roy was related to a project we helped get rolling with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. An NPC member had reached out to Roy about a property with a for-sale sign and a large wetland along Route 6 and the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Roy passed the information along to me, along with background on the property and its habitat. I forwarded that to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and they took it from there.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Commissioners were taking action at their April meeting. Roy and I were both live-streaming the Saturday morning meeting to see what happened with the property.
As we watched, we were texting back and forth about the project. After the Commissioners voted to approve the purchase, Roy shared a story about how he and the then-Forest Rangers had to arrest the previous property owner who, along with his shotgun, was stopping work on the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Roy’s email signature included a quote by Mira Lloyd Dock: “We need not only play-grounds and parks, but we need woods—great, wide, far-reaching woods.” Roy did everything he could to conserve and promote “great, wide, far-reaching woods.”
Roy was always quick to share his wisdom and lend a hand, seen here walking the grounds with NPC Land Steward, Sara. His kindness and passion for the land will always be remembered by the entire NPC team.
His perspective, voice, and knowledge will be deeply missed.
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. 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 on 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.”
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!
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:
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!
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!
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.
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 2025April 2025March 2025April 2025March 2025April 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.
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.
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.orgto discuss your goals and request a landowner questionnaire.
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.
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
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.
