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Artists Capture Blossburg in Motion During Urban Sketch Workshop

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Artists of all ages recently spread out along the Tioga River and Main Street in Blossburg, PA, for an urban sketch workshop.

Thanks to grant funding from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), participants had the opportunity to develop their sketching skills with guidance from artist Bibi S. Brion.

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. 

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NPC and Williamsport Bicycle Recycle Partner to Offer Workshop 

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.” 

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!