Local land conservancy celebrates the Wild and Scenic Delaware River

By SANDY LONG

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION — More than 50 people enjoyed a glorious day paddling on the Delaware River last weekend as they traversed the placid waters between Buckingham, PA and Long Eddy, NY during the annual trip sponsored by the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC). The float was enhanced by a riverside picnic during which Sullivan County Historian John Conway spoke about the river’s relationship with the region’s history.

Participants also learned about some of the region’s flora and fauna from National Park Service natural resource specialist Don Hamilton. The four-hour trip concluded with an outdoor reception at the home of DHC members Edie and Don Downs.

Along the way, paddlers passed land parcels that will be forever protected under easements held by the DHC, a non-profit land trust founded in 1994 that has helped to preserve more than 10,000 acres across five counties in Pennsylvania and New York. The DHC has set a new goal to preserve an additional 10,000 acres by 2012.

The DHC also hosts educational events like the river trip, celebrating the region’s natural resources, promoting better stewardship and providing residents with conservation tools and innovative solutions.

The DHC welcomes new members and is seeking volunteers to support its work conserving the Upper Delaware River Region. Opportunities exist to organize outings, assist at events, map and monitor easements, draft grant proposals, write newsletter articles and press releases, sponsor fundraising events, provide general office support and more.

The DHC has offices in Hawley, PA and Monticello, NY. Visit delawarehighlands.org or call 570/226-3164 for more information.

Upcoming DHC offerings

June 20 – Improving Wildlife Habitat, Location: Mink Pond Club, PA

In May of 2004, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) created a Private Landowner Assistance Program and hired regional wildlife diversity biologists to aid interested landowners in developing habitat management plans. Join forest landowners at Mink Pond Club, a property with a PGC habitat management plan, and learn about options for improving wildlife habitat in your forestland. Presenters will include biologists from the PGC. Pre-registration is required. Call to reserve a spot and receive directions.

August 1 – Botany Walk with Dr. Ann Rhoads, PA

Join renowned botanist Dr. Ann Rhoads of the Morris Arboretum, in exploring the exciting botanical world of Pennsylvania’s forests. Call for more information, directions or to reserve a space.

August 8–9 – Festival of Wood, Grey Towers, Milford, PA

Visit the DHC booth at the Festival of Wood. This two-day event offers artists booths, exhibits and demonstrations, music, children’s programs and more that heighten awareness about wood in our society. Contact Grey Towers National Historic Landmark at 570/296-9630 for more information.

August 8 –Money CAN Grow on Trees! at Grey Towers National Historic Site

Join other woodland owners for discussions and presentations regarding the Clean and Green Act, Conservation Easements and Stewardship Plans for this informative session at the Letterbox during the Annual Festival of Wood. Pre-registration is required. Call 570/296-9630 to reserve a spot.

August 22 – Monarch Program with Ed Wesely, Butterfly Barn, PA

Since 1996, Ed Wesely and Barbara Yeaman have rescued monarch butterfly eggs and caterpillars from threatened habitats and reared them in the Butterfly Barn. With the help of local school children, they’ve nurtured and released almost 3,000 adult monarchs. Learn about the monarch life cycle and help to tag early migrants. For more information visit butterflybarn.org.