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Field Journal Friday: Richards Conservation Easement

The picturesque, 21-acre ‘Richards’ conservation easement in Sullivan County helps conserve the health of the Loyalsock Creek and the scenic views from the popular Loyalsock Trail.

Conserving the land around the Loyalsock Creek is important because it helps maintain the health of the creek and the surrounding environment. By conserving the trees, plants, and natural habitats along the creek banks, we can prevent soil erosion, filter pollutants, and maintain clean water for drinking and recreation.

Here’s a look at some of the plant life that Sara came across during her annual monitoring visit at the Richards conservation easement.

Observation #1: Clubmoss

There are over 400 species of clubmoss. Clubmoss is commonly found in moist, shaded areas throughout Pennsylvania’s forests and woodlands. These small, evergreen plants are known for their branching stems and tiny, scale-like leaves. Despite their name, clubmosses are not true mosses but belong to a group of primitive plants called Lycophytes.

Clubmoss

Observation #2: False Helebore

Here’s a native perennial that you’ll want to be aware of on the trails, as its toxic to humans and animals if ingested!  False hellebore is easily identified by the heavy parallel veins on the leaves and can grow up to 7’ tall. False hellebore is common in Pennsylvania wetlands and blooms in the summer.

False helebore found in PA’s forests and wetlands.

Observation #3: Heartleaf Foamflower

Heartleaf foamflower, also known as Tiarella cordifolia, is a charming native plant found in Pennsylvania’s woodlands and shady areas. This low-growing, native perennial adds a touch of beauty to forest flowers with its heart-shaped leaves and clusters of delicate, white or pink blossoms. The finely textured, tiny flowers resemble foam, making it easy to remember its common name.

Pollinators love Heartleaf foamflower

Observation #4: Mountain Wood Sorrel

Mountain Wood Sorrel, also known as Oxalis montana, is a dainty, native wildflower to Pennsylvania’s mountainous regions. It’s easily recognized by its trifoliate leaves, which resemble shamrocks, that fold down at night or during dry conditions to help conserve moisture. It’s delicate white and pink flowers are also popular amongst pollinators.

Mountain Wood Sorrel is easily recognized by its shamrock-shaped leaves.

Observation #5: Trillium

The trillium here is not in bloom, as their blooming season has ended. It is still important to note their appearance, to not disturb this sensitive, slow growing, native plant.

Trillium not in bloom.
Catch up on other Field Journal Friday entries:
Logue-McMahon Conservation Easement
Zaner, Overlook & Power Dam Conservation Easements
Blackwell Conservation Easement
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Rivers Month in PA:  Come On In, the Water is Nice!

With summer starting and the weather getting hotter, many people in Pennsylvania head to rivers and streams to cool off and have fun. June is the perfect time to celebrate ‘Rivers Month’ in Pennsylvania! With over 86,000 miles of rivers and streams, Pennsylvania has plenty to offer. Whether you like boating, swimming, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

Paddlers prepare to hit the water on the Paddle Happy West Branch Susquehanna River trip!

Creating and Enhancing Access to our Waterways

Here in Northcentral PA, members of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) have been working hard to make it easier for people to enjoy these activities. Here are just a few of the conservation projects they’ve helped complete:

Baker Run

Conserving the Baker Run area created a new spot for canoeing or kayaking on the West Branch Susquehanna River. Baker Run flows into the Susquehanna River, between Lock Haven and Renovo. The stretch of the West Branch Susquehanna from Hyner to Woodward Township’s Park is about 21 miles long. Conserving this land and setting up the launch made it easier for people to paddle this section of the river.

The Baker Run Canoe Launch provides easy access to the West Branch Susquehanna River.

Byers Island

The Byers Island archipelago consists of six islands in the Susquehanna River. NPC members conserved this chain of islands in 2006 before helping to incorporate them into the Weiser State Forest. Today, paddlers can camp overnight on the islands at three basic campsites kept up by the Susquehanna River Trail Association.

Three primitive campsites are available for public use on Byers Island archipelago.

Harrigan Island

Harrigan Island is in the Susquehanna River near Athens. The original owners encouraged canoe travelers to camp on the island. To ensure others could enjoy this simple pleasure for years to come, they worked with NPC to conserve the land. Today, Harrigan Island is part of the Loyalsock State Forest and continues to be a popular stopover for paddlers!

A faint rainbow overtop of Harrigan Island.

Phelps Mills Canoe Access

For years, people used this site on the Avis side of the Route 150 Bridge over Pine Creek for paddling, fishing, and swimming. When the property was for sale and at risk of development, NPC bought and conserved it for the public. NPC also got grant funding to improve the walking path and parking area, making it easier for people to enjoy Pine Creek. The site is now part of the Tiadaghton State Forest.

The ribbon cutting ceremony unveils improvements at the Phelps Mills Canoe Access.

Conserving the Health of Our Rivers

Beyond recreation, healthy rivers provide habitat, drinking water, replenish groundwater, help moderate floods and droughts, support forest health, and more!

Stream health is important for river health because streams feed into rivers. Anything that enters a stream—like pollutants, nutrients, or sediment—will flow into larger rivers.

As part of the Northcentral Stream Partnership, NPC members are helping to conserve and strengthen the health of our rivers by stabilizing eroding streambanks and improving aquatic habitat on agriculturally impaired streams across the region.

In fact, the Partnership’s sustained efforts have been so successful that two streams in the Turtle Creek Watershed were recently removed, or “delisted,” from PA’s list of impaired waters. This shows that working together, we can make a difference in restoring the health of our rivers.

The “delisting” or removal of 2 streams in the Turtle Creek Watershed.
Support the Work!
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Celebrate National Trails Day on the Butternut Trail

Trickling brooks! Big rock outcroppings! A great view of the Loyalsock Creek!

Sound nice?!

You can experience all this and more on the Butternut Trail in Worlds End State Park! This popular loop trail goes through NPC’s Flynn acquisition. If you’ve never hiked it before, here’s what you can expect!

The 2.5-mile Butternut Trail makes a loop through a northern hardwood forest. It starts just past the State Park Visitors Center on the east side of the Cabin Bridge. There’s a small parking lot on the left near the trailhead.

Get ready to climb! The trail starts off steep but then levels out at a split where the loop begins. The Upper Road to the left follows an old logging road, while the Lower Road to the right runs parallel to the Loyalsock Creek.

If you take the Lower Road, you’ll go up a moderate hill into the woods, then down to Butternut Run, a small stream with many waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll pass several springs and get a great view of the Loyalsock Creek. When you reach Butternut Run, you’ll have to cross it on foot because there’s no bridge. The stream may be little more than a trickle, but after a heavy rain, crossing might be harder!

After crossing the stream, the trail goes up again, getting rockier and steeper with switchbacks. Enjoy the cool rock formations along the way!

At the top, enjoy the views, then follow the orange blazes to finish the loop. On the second half of the hike, you’ll cross another section of Butternut Run, go through several clearings, and see more wildflowers and streams.

In 1993, NPC bought over 600 acres of forest land that form the northern and eastern edges of Worlds End State Park. This purchase gave people access to the land and allowed the creation of the Butternut Trail, thanks to longtime NPC member Ruth Rode. It also helped conserve a mile of the Loyalsock Trail, which would have had to be moved otherwise.

These 600+ acres are now part of the Loyalsock State Forest, making sure everyone can enjoy the Butternut Trail for years to come!

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Field Journal Friday: Logue-McMahon Conservation Easement

Nestled between Muncy Heritage Park and the West Branch Susquehanna River, sits NPC’s Logue-McMahon conservation easement. On this Field Journal Friday we’re exploring some of the conservation values that this 20-acre easement upholds.

Observation #1: History

The historic Pennsylvania canal, which operated from 1827 to 1839 is part of the Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail, which bisects the conservation easement. Interpretive signs can be found throughout the park, highlighting the historical and environmental significance of the area. While the easement itself is not open to the public, visitors can still enjoy the farm, wetland, and forested views of the easement from the Park’s trail.

The Logue-McMahon easement also conserves a historic farmhouse, built around 1795, which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Additionally, farming continues to thrive on the property, with row crops like corn being grown on the fertile soils.

Learn about canal history at Muncy Heritage Park.

Observation #2: Wildlife Habitat

On the section of the easement east of the canal lays a large wetland that provides food and habitat for ducks, geese, fish, frogs, turtles and other wildlife.

Chokecherry can also be found throughout the easement. This native, understory tree is an important food source for wildlife in the summer, and the fragrant white flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of species.
Chokecherry

Observation #3: Susquehanna River

The forested riparian buffer helps prevent riverbank erosion and keeps nutrients from entering the West Branch Susquehanna River, contributing to the health of the river and everywhere else downstream.

Views on the West Branch Susquehanna River from the banks of the Logue-McMahon conservation easement.
Catch up on other Field Journal Friday entries:
Zaner, Overlook & Power Dam Conservation Easements
Blackwell Conservation Easement
Conservation Project, Uncategorized

Field Journal Friday: Zaner, Overlook & Power Dam Conservation Easements

On this Field Journal Friday edition, we’re taking a walk around the Zaner, Overlook and Power Dam conservation easements.

What ties these three properties together? They are all under the ownership of the Fishing Creek Sportsmen’s Association (FCSA)!

Observation #1: Fishing Creek Sportsmen’s Association

The FCSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining great trout fishing on Fishing Creek and several other Columbia County waterways.

In 2007, NPC collaborated with FCSA to establish easements on these collective 93-acres. These easements help to ensure public access to Fishing Creek, which remains a beloved destination for anglers and the wider community alike.

In cooperation with the PA Fish & Boat Commission, FCSA raises about 25,000 trout annually to stock these local waters and supports several community fishing derbies – including their own upcoming event on June 2, 2024.   

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Observation #2: Dutchman’s Breeches

These easements contain a floodplain forest that is home to several species of spring wildflowers, including Dutchman’s Breeches. This native perennial has charming, early blooms resembling tiny pairs of pants, or breeches! While its delicate flowers might not last in a vase on your dining table (they wilt as soon as they are picked), they bring ephemeral beauty to the wilds!

Dutchman’s Breeches

Observation #3: Witch Hazel

Witch hazel, with its distinctive bright yellow, slender petals, is easily recognizable. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this versatile plant boasts numerous medicinal applications. Today, it’s a common ingredient in cosmetics and is prized for its ability to soothe skin irritations. 

Witch Hazel

Observation #4: Power Dam Remnants

The Power Dam property boasts more than 2,900 feet of creek frontage and holds the remnants of a concrete dam. This dam once served the crucial function of providing water to a millrace, which in turn supplied a small electric generating station. These remnants offer a tangible link to the area’s industrial past, highlighting the role of waterways in powering early infrastructure and development.

Remnants of a concrete dam in fishing creek.
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Field Journal Fridays: Blackwell Conservation Easement

Join us every Friday for an exploration of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy’s (NPC) conservation easements. Through “Field Journal Fridays,” we invite you to discover and connect with the natural world around us. Conservation easements are essential for maintaining farms, woods and all the different types of habitats they provide.

Each week we’ll share some of the natural highlights from Land Steward Specialist, Sara Schlesinger’s, annual monitoring visits to NPC’s conservation easements. Be sure to follow along on these #FieldJournalFridays!

To kick things off we’re exploring the Blackwell conservation easement in Tioga County. Spanning nearly 8 acres, this property is framed by the Pine Creek Rail Trail to the east and Pine Creek to the west – conserving the scenic beauty of the region. Moreover, the easement offers a greenway along Pine Creek, inviting public access for anglers, birdwatchers, and strollers alike to enjoy the splendors of Pine Creek.

Observation #1: Serviceberry

The native Serviceberry is one of the earliest flowering trees in the state, heralding the arrival of spring with its delicate white blossoms. This early bloomer serves as a vital nectar source for pollinators awakening from winter dormancy.

Here you can see a speckling of Serviceberry across Pine Creek from the Blackwell easement on Tioga State Forest (left). On the right is a close up of Serviceberry’s ethereal blooms.

Observation #2: Bloodroot

Bloodroot is a native ephemeral wildflower – meaning it only blooms for a few days – that can be found in woodland habitats across the state. It’s one of the earliest spring blooms, and its white flowers with yellow centers provide a striking contrast against the leaf litter of the forest floor. The roots produce a blood-red sap that was used as a dye by indigenous peoples.

Bloodroot’s early blooms brighten up the forest floor.

Observation #3: Bluets

Bluets are delicate, native wildflowers that dot meadows, fields, and woodland edges with their charming blue blooms. Typically blooming in spring and early summer, they also play a role in supporting pollinators early on.

While bluets and bloodroot are not considered rare in Pennsylvania, like many wildflowers, they may face threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and land development.

Bluets being pollinated by a bee

Observation #4: Dark-eyed Junco

A common site in Penn’s Woods, Dark-eyed Junco are among the most abundant forest birds of North America, ranging from Alaska and Canada, to Florida and Mexico.

Dark-eyed Junco perches on a branch at the Blackwell conservation easement.

Follow NPC on Facebook and Instagram for more behind-the-scenes updates from Sara’s conservation easement visits and other NPC happenings!

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Conservation Partnerships Improve Stream Health

Thursday, 4/25/24 – It was an exciting day at Turtle Creek as the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) and the rest of the Northcentral Stream Partnership welcomed guests and dignitaries to the streambanks of Turtle Creek!  The cause for celebration:  two streams in the Turtle Creek Watershed in Union County were removed, or “delisted,” from PA’s list of impaired waters.

That’s a huge turnaround from just a decade ago, when walking along Turtle Creek you would have noticed deeply eroded streambanks, a wider stream channel, livestock trampling the stream’s edge, and shallow waters that could barely support fish and other aquatic life. 

Today a lush riparian buffer lines its banks. The plant roots strengthen the bank, holding back erosion and reducing sedimentation while mature trees provide shade, cooling the water for fish and other species.  Natural log and rock structures stabilize the bank while providing better habitat for fish and a variety of macroinvertebrates. Fencing and stream crossings help keep cattle and other livestock from compacting the stream’s edge.

Native tree plantings line the streambank on a segment of Turtle Creek.

So how did this struggling stretch of streams go from polluted and impaired to restored and serving as a healthy water resource for our communities once again?

Teamwork.

The “team” in this case, is the Northcentral Stream Partnership, a partnership consisting of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), county conservation districts, and willing landowners. The Partnership formed in 2007. Individually each “player” came with their own strengths, and when they all started working together, that is when the real magic happened…or in this case, delisting!

In attendance for the occasion were guests and representatives from each of the partnerships, including DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding, PFBC Executive Director Timothy Schaeffer, Senator Gene Yaw, Senator Scott Martin, and Chesapeake Conservancy Executive Director Joel Dunn.

“We are proud to showcase the significant accomplishments made to improve Turtle Creek and the surrounding watershed. Restoring water quality and habitat while maintaining the watershed as a working agricultural landscape was no small undertaking, and it is yielding incredible results. The Turtle Creek watershed is a prime example of how strong partnerships, innovation, and sustained and strategic investments have restored local streams. This success would not have been possible without our state and local agency partners, including the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy and county conservation districts. Together, we’ll restore more streams and protect more watersheds across Pennsylvania.” 

DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley

The Union County Conservation District hosted the event and the Partners led attendees through an informational tour on the projects happening within the Turtle Creek watershed that led to delisting.

NPC Executive Director, Renee’ Carey, and Landowner, Josh Satteson, share about the benefits of riparian buffers and the landowner perspective.

In Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley’s opening remarks, she declared, “The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy has been an active leader in the Turtle Creek restoration efforts from the beginning, and have been the backbone of the Northcentral Stream Partnership, setting an example for others to follow.”

With the “delistings” of these 2 streams, NPC and the Northcentral Stream Partnership have demonstrated how working together we can make a difference to restore the health of our streams, instilling hope and inciting action throughout PA and the entire Chesapeake Bay.

This incredible accomplishment belongs to every single member, partner, and supporter of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. 

YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Thank you for being a part of the team and supporting these ongoing conservation efforts!

Check out what others are sharing about the work you’re helping NPC accomplish:
Dept. of Environmental Protection Press Room
WNEP Press Room
WVIA Press Room
Daily Item Press Room

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“A Night for Nature” turns into a Night to Remember!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening at the inaugural benefit, “A Night for Nature,” in support of NPC’s conservation efforts in Northcentral PA! 🌳🌟

We’re still buzzing with excitement from the incredible turnout and overwhelming support from the community. A special shoutout to Turkey Hill Brewing Company for hosting us and going above and beyond to make the night truly magical. The food, beer, and atmosphere were AMAZING!

AND their generosity continues as they’ll be donating a portion of the sale from the Helles-bender beer while it remains on tap throughout the coming weeks.

To Andrew, Olivia, Alec, Jenny, Tim & the entire staff at Turkey Hill Brewing Company – THANK YOU

Thank you to our sponsors:
W&L Subaru
Native Creations Landscape Services, Inc.
C&N
Journey Bank
Woodlands Bank

Their support fuels NPC’s mission to protect the natural resources that make our region such a special place to live, work and play!

We also couldn’t have done it without our amazing event contributors and volunteers, including:
The talented musicians Darren Inman and Platinum Fairy
Wild For Salmon
Dr. Steven Rier, Professor of Biology, University of Bloomsburg
Todd Moore, Graphic Designer
The NPC Board of Directors
The Silent Auction Donors

And a heartfelt THANK YOU to Kate Pachacha, our Volunteer Event Coordinator, whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing this event to life. Your passion for nature shines through in everything you do.

Stay tuned as we crunch the numbers and share the fundraising totals made possible by YOUR support!

Together, we’re making a meaningful difference for our planet and future generations.

View a photo album of the evening’s festivities!

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NPC and W&L Subaru Team up to Tackle a Series of Conservation Projects

NPC and W&L Subaru work together to clean up the streambanks of Turtle Creek

In the midst of planning NPC’s recent benefit, “A Night for Nature,” we had the opportunity to collaborate with the dynamic team from W&L Subaru in Northumberland, PA. Their commitment to supporting NPC’s conservation efforts aligned perfectly with their Subaru Loves the Earth program, making them enthusiastic top-tier sponsors right from the start!

However, our partnership didn’t stop there; W&L Subaru’s dedication to the environment and their communities inspired us to explore more ways that we could work together to make a difference.

On April 16, 2024, W&L Subaru joined NPC and some of our ‘Stream Team’ partners to help clean up the streambanks of Turtle Creek. It was a warm, spring day and their crew showed up ready to WORK, helping to clear debris and remove invasive plants from the riparian buffer along the stream bank.

Riparian buffers play a vital role, acting as natural sponges that filter stormwater runoff and absorb precipitation. By anchoring the soil in place, the roots of these plants minimize erosion into the stream, contributing to cleaner, healthier water for our communities.

W&L Subaru’s proactive spring maintenance not only supports the growth of new plantings but also ensures they thrive and fulfill their ecological functions. Their involvement underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting the well-being of both nature and local communities.

Partnerships like these exemplify the power of collective action in driving positive change. This project is just the first of a series of conservation and enhancement projects that NPC and W&L Subaru will be tackling together throughout the year! Thank you, W&L Subaru, for your dedication and support!

P.S. Did we mention they put NPC on a car! How cool is that?! 🙂

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Recycle your Eclipse Glasses with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy

Did you know that your solar eclipse glasses can be sent to Latin America for children to enjoy the August 2024 eclipse?!

If you no longer wish to keep your eclipse glasses, please consider recycling your gently used solar glasses to the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy office. We’ll package them up and send as a bulk mailing for reuse!

The NPC office is the white farmhouse right next to Herman & Luthers. The address is 785 PA-87, Montoursville, PA.

We will be accepting glasses until June 30, 2024.

If we happen to be in the field when you drop by, there is a box on the front porch to deposit your glasses….or reach out to the NPC staff to schedule a visit!

The response from both our local and national communities has been absolutely overwhelming – and in the best possible way!

To ensure that every donated pair of glasses is thoroughly inspected and redistributed to serve the needs of others during the upcoming eclipses – this year and beyond – we’re partnering with multiple organizations. Among them are Eclipse Glasses USA, LLC and Astronomers without Borders.

Thank you for helping to share the eclipse experience with others!!