Blossburg, PA – The historic Victoria Theatre in Blossburg was alive with music and storytelling on Sunday, September 28, as musician, educator, and former coal miner Van Wagner performed in Songs Celebrating Coal Miners of Pennsylvania.
This family-friendly concert, presented by the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC), honored the coal miners who helped shape Pennsylvania’s history while highlighting ongoing efforts to restore the Tioga River.
Van Wagner Brings Coal Mining History to Life
Van Wagner is an educator, forester and musical artist. In the classroom, he teaches Agriculture Science at Danville Area High School. His songwriting explores Pennsylvania’s history, landscapes, and its spirit. He is releasing his thirty-sixth album this fall.
Wagner’s stories, songs, and humor were well-received by the 85 concertgoers who came out to enjoy the show.
Ben Nevin, a Blossburg resident who attended the concert, shared: “It was a great honor to have Van in my soft-coal hometown, promoting a great cause cleaning up abandoned mine drainage in the Tioga River.”
Concert Shines a Spotlight on Tioga River’s Restoration Journey
The intimate Victoria Theatre provided an inviting setting for the community to connect through music and history while learning about the local conservation efforts.
NPC’s Executive Director, Renee’ Carey, shared: “Van Wagner’s music brought our coal mining history to life and gave us an opportunity to engage with the community about the Tioga River and the ongoing clean-up project.”
This free, public concert was made possible thanks to support from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC).
L to R: Renee’ Carey (NPC), Deb Capece (Victoria Theatre), Van Wagner, Erica Tomlinson (TCCD), Holly Byers (NPC)
Rivers, Coal & Crafts
The concert was part of the 2025 Rivers, Coal & Crafts series, a series of hands-on educational events coordinated by NPC, the Blossburg Memorial Library, and the Tioga County Conservation District (TCCD). Throughout the series, participants explored the region’s mining history, learned about the decades-long impacts of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD), and discovered how local partnerships—including NPC, TCCD, the Tioga County Concerned Citizens Committee, and SRBC—are working to improve the health of the Tioga River.
The 11.3-acre property along Pine Creek that NPC members helped conserve last year has now been officially added to the Tiadaghton State Forest! The land was transferred to the Bureau of Forestry and is now part of the state forest system.
Thanks to the ongoing support of NPC members, this beautiful stretch of Pine Creek—with about 1,500 feet of creek frontage and surrounded by state forest land will be open for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are paddling by, fishing along the bank, or just taking in the view, this spot is now part of what makes the Pine Creek Valley so special.
This addition also plays an important role in forest management. Now that the Bureau of Forestry owns the land, staff can more easily access and care for this section of the forest.
“Adding this property improves our ability to manage invasive species, monitor forest health, and maintain access to a large block of public land. We’re grateful to NPC and its members for helping expand the Tiadaghton State Forest in a way that supports both conservation and recreation.” -Tom Casilio, Forest District Manager, Tiadaghton State Forest
We are thankful to everyone who helped make this project happen. That includes NPC members, partners, and especially George Durrwachter, whose support and connections helped move this forward.
Because of you, another piece of Pine Creek’s natural beauty has been conserved for people to enjoy today and in the future.
Paddlers gather as W&L Subaru’s Bryce Kile presents a donation to NPC’s Reneé Carey and Holly Byers at the W&L Subaru Paddle Happy Jumbo event held on July 19, 2025.
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC), W&L Subaru, and Bad Adventures welcomed more than 30 paddlers to the inaugural W&L Subaru Paddle Happy Jumbo on Saturday, July 19. The one-day paddle trip along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River gave participants an opportunity to experience the River through a guided paddle while supporting conservation work across the region.
Highwater in June forced the original event to be rescheduled, but the day proved worth the wait. With overcast skies and a light breeze, the weather was ideal for exploring the River by kayak and canoe. The group launched from Watsontown Memorial Park and made a stop at Milton State Park for live music and lunch before continuing downriver to Lewisburg.
Paddlers launch from Watsontown Memorial Park to begin the inaugural W&L Subaru Paddle Happy Jumbo
Before the paddlers set out, W&L Subaru Owner, Andy Long, addressed the group, sharing his appreciation for their participation and support. He also encouraged the group to reach out if they are aware of any other community needs that W&L Subaru might be able to assist with in the future.
“W&L Subaru has been a part of this community for a long time, and we love supporting events like the Paddle Happy Jumbo. We enjoy doing community work, and while it’s a great opportunity for exposure, we truly value these events that contribute to our community and help us fulfill our Love Promise.”
Bryce Kile, Marketing at W&L Subaru
During the lunchtime stop, NPC received a generous donation from W&L Subaru, reflecting a portion of the proceeds from the event. Participants also contributed directly to NPC, furthering the organization’s mission to conserve and enhance the lands and waters of northcentral Pennsylvania. These contributions support initiatives such as NPC’s streambank stabilization projects, which restore the health of local waterways by reducing erosion, improving aquatic habitat, and supporting clean water across the region.
“This event is a great demonstration that conservation, recreation, and community go hand in hand,” said Reneé Carey, NPC’s Executive Director. “We’re grateful to W&L Subaru, Bad Adventures, and every person who came out to paddle for a purpose.”
NPC is thankful for the community spirit that made the Paddle Happy Jumbo a success. Events like this bring people together on the water, while also helping to advance real, on-the-ground conservation work. Whether it’s restoring streambanks, conserving working farms, or connecting people to the outdoors, NPC’s work is made possible by the partnerships and generosity of supporters like you.
Blossburg – On June 30, the Blossburg Memorial Library came alive with bright colors and big ideas during Part 1 of the Water Quilt project. This special event was part of the Rivers, Coal & Crafts series from the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) and partners. The hands-on workshop invited kids to learn about rivers through a story and an art project.
Julie Weaver, a retired teacher and NPC Board Member, leads the creation of the community “Water Quilt” at the Blossburg Memorial Library.
Julie Weaver, a retired teacher and NPC Board Member, led the workshop. She began by reading a river-themed story that encouraged children to imagine the sights and sounds they might encounter while traveling down a river. As they listened and shared, they also learned about the Tioga River—how it has been affected by Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) pollution in the past – and how people are working together to help it recover. After the story, the kids brought their ideas to life by drawing river-inspired scenes on sandpaper.
Their designs have since been transferred onto fabric squares using an iron, and those squares have been pieced together into a quilt top!
Children gather to listen to a river-themed story and then create their own artwork to add to the community Water Quilt.
The “Water Quilt” Continues: Join Us for Part 2
Now it’s time to finish the quilt together! On Monday, July 28 at 1:30 PM, we invite you to return to the Blossburg Memorial Library for Water Quilt (Part 2). This free event is open to everyone. You do not need to have attended Part 1 to join.
Julie will read a new river-themed story, then new participants will have the chance to create their own sandpaper artwork to be ironed onto a Rivers, Coal & Crafts t-shirt. Afterward, everyone will work together to tie the final knots and complete the Water Quilt. We’ll be using yarn from the Blossburg Company Store’s Tioga River yarns, adding a special local touch to the project. Once finished, the quilt will be displayed at the Blossburg Memorial Library.
A Stitch in a Larger Story: Restoring the Tioga River
The series – coordinated by NPC, Tioga County Conservation District, and the Blossburg Memorial Library – celebrates the Blossburg community and shares information about the Tioga River’s ongoing restoration.
Through hands on workshops, craft projects, and storytelling, participants of all ages are learning about the decades-long impacts of AMD on the Tioga River, and how local partnerships are working together to restore the health of the river and its surrounding landscape.
Blossburg – On Friday, June 27, more than 80 people gathered at the Blossburg Memorial Library for an afternoon of creativity, learning, and community connection at a free tie-dye party. However, this was not your typical tie-dye event. Instead, participants used an orange dye made from an unusual source: abandoned mine drainage (AMD).
Erica and Maddy from the Tioga County Conservation District help out at the Tie-Dye Party held at the Blossburg Memorial Library.Inside, NPC staff, Sara and Jesse, lead participants through a macro-matching game while waiting for their turn to tie-dye.
Why the Tioga River Runs Orange
AMD happens when water flows through old coal mines, picking up iron and metals along the way. When this water reaches meets air (oxygen) chemical reactions takes place. One chemical reaction is the iron in the water turns orange. This orange can stains the rocks and streambeds. This is what causes some parts of the Tioga River to have that bright orange color.
At the tie-dye party, guests of all ages learned how AMD has affected the Tioga River for years. AMD from old mines along Fall Brook, Morris Run, and Coal Creek continues to flow into the river, harming water quality and aquatic life. Rather than just talking about the problem, we turned it into something colorful. Using pigment made from iron oxide collected from AMD, guests created one-of-a-kind t-shirts they could take home.
The bright orange color in parts of the Tioga River comes from iron in abandoned mine drainage (AMD). As the iron-rich water meets air, chemical reactions turn the riverbed orange.
Access Leads to Action
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) is playing a key role in the Tioga River’s recovery. By acquiring the Coal Creek property, NPC helped make it possible for scientists and engineers to reach the largest mine discharge site in the entire Tioga River watershed. This access is an important step toward designing and building treatment systems that can clean the water and bring fish and other aquatic life back to the river.
Rivers, Coal and Crafts: Highlighting the Tioga River Restoration
The series, coordinated by NPC, Tioga County Conservation District, and the Blossburg Memorial Library celebrates the Blossburg community and shares information about the Tioga River’s ongoing restoration.
Through hands on workshops, craft projects, and storytelling, participants of all ages are learning about the decades-long impacts of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) on the Tioga River, and how local partnerships are working together to restore the health of the river and its surrounding landscape.
Although the Tioga River is currently impacted by Abandoned Mine Drainage, restoration work is underway. In a few years, the river will once again support water-based recreation. These changes could also bring new opportunities for businesses and services along Main Street.
Artist Bibi S. Brion leads the Urban Sketch Workshop at the Blossburg Memorial Library.
Exploring Blossburg Through Plein Air
During the workshop, artists used pencils, pens, and watercolor-style techniques to capture the sights and scenes of the community. At the end of the day, the group gathered to share their work with one another.
Bibi and several workshop participants practice plein air painting—a style where artists work outdoors and are inspired by their surroundings. This approach often captures natural landscapes, painted directly on-site.
The urban sketching method Bibi shared focuses on the built environment—bridges, buildings, roads—and often begins with pencil or pen drawings created on location. Artists may later add color using watercolors, pastels, or other media.
Stay tuned for more photos of the artists’ work! We’ve asked participants to send in images of their sketches so we can share them with you.
Rivers, Coal & Crafts: Highlighting the Tioga River Restoration
The grant from SRBC is supporting a full series of events this summer: the Rivers, Coal & Crafts series. Coordinated by the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) and the Blossburg Memorial Library, the series celebrates the Blossburg community and shares information about the Tioga River’s ongoing restoration.
Through hands-on workshops, craft projects, and storytelling, participants of all ages are learning about the decades-long impacts of Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) on the Tioga River—and how local partnerships are working together to restore the river and its surrounding landscape.
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! Check the NPC events page for additional event updates.
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!
