Celebrating our land conservancy—community-style!

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s 10th Meadow Party

By SANDY LONG

MILANVILLE, PA — For nearly a decade, they’ve gathered in a drowsy meadow along the Delaware River, feasting on luscious food, listening to festive music, advancing awareness of local environmental issues and celebrating the conservation of an ever-increasing amount of land throughout the Upper Delaware region.

On Saturday, September 16, members and friends of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) will journey again to a special Delaware riverfront property to attend the DHC’s Meadow Party—a free public event featuring live music, contra dancing, wildlife presentations, kids activities, horse and buggy rides, environmental exhibits, a silent auction and more.

The meadow is owned by Barbara Yeaman, who founded the DHC in 1994 at the age of 70. Yeaman’s property provided the DHC with its first conservation easement. A decade later, the DHC has helped to conserve more than 7,000 acres. “We cut our teeth on my easement,” said Yeaman, whose property is now perpetually protected against development.

In support of the DHC’s important work, many members of the regional community provide support by donating nearly everything—food, entertainment, raffle and auction items, services and artwork. Local restaurants and grocers contribute tantalizing and nourishing dishes to the famed food buffet (suggested donation is $10 per adult, $3 per child).

Artist Amy Long of Canadensis has donated her painting of the magnificent state-champion black maple tree that lives in Yeaman’s meadow. “I’ve always been drawn to meadows for the wild array of plants and the fascinating creatures that inhabit such landscapes,” said Long. “There’s an indescribable magic that occurs as the sun sets and the scene becomes increasingly richer with saturated golden light.”

Long witnessed the annihilation of a favorite meadow near her former home as it became a vast strip of chain stores and parking lots. “I donated the painting because I believe that the kind of work the DHC does is essential to the future of this region,” said Long.

Nearly two years ago, Long discussed the painting project with Yeaman. Soon afterward, Long suffered severe head trauma after being thrown from a horse. Doctors weren’t certain she would survive, nor could they predict whether she would ever paint again. After emerging from a coma, Long began the long process of recovery, eventually returning to the project despite lingering physical challenges that led her to a new painting technique. The painting is only the second since Long’s accident and will be available in the form of prints and note cards at the party or through the DHC office in Hawley, PA.

DHC executive director Sue Currier is grateful for the abundant support that comes from the community. “The real purpose of the Meadow Party is to celebrate life here in the river region. We are truly blessed to live in such a wonderful area. The Conservancy is dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the region. In the midst of all the work, the Meadow Party is our way of taking time to appreciate what we have here,” Currier said.

For more information, visit www.delawarehighlands.org or call 570/226-3164.