On April 30, 2020, the world-famous and privately-owned Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been and remains closed, Sanctuary officials stated, and will remain so until data shows the spread of COVID-19 has reached safer levels. “We don’t have an exact date, but the staff meets frequently, coordinates with the board, and makes science-based, data-driven decisions. We intend to be read more
General Interest
1
May
1
May
Photography Contest for the Upper Delaware River Region
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce its third annual juried photo contest for the Upper Delaware River region, open to professional and amateur photographers. “Nature Heals: Restore, Renew, Reconnect” invites photographers to capture striking nature-inspired photos in five categories: landscape, wildlife, macro, water, and, new this year, a youth category read more
22
April
50 Ways of Action and Celebration for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
While we can't get together to celebrate the earth on this Earth Day, there are still many ways in which we can celebrate and take action for the planet. That's why for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we've compiled a list of 50 activities, actions, challenges, and tips that will help you to celebrate and take care of the earth today and every day. Go zero waste! Cut read more
15
April
Delaware River Named “River of the Year” by American Rivers
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce that the Delaware River has received national recognition as River of the Year by American Rivers, which states, "American Rivers gave the Delaware this honor to recognize its momentous progress for water quality, river restoration and community revitalization. Key to this success are the countless local individuals and read more
7
April
Pennsylvania Trout Fishing Season Now Open
Effective April 7, 2020, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), in consultation with the Office of the Governor, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) opened the statewide 2020 trout season. This measure allows properly licensed anglers and youth to begin fishing for and harvesting trout. All read more
31
March
Intro to Nature Journaling
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, a lot of us are hunkering down at home to help stop the spread of the virus. We all want to do our part to protect our communities, but we also recognize the importance of sustaining a connection with nature to maintain our own health and well-being during these stressful times. One way to maintain (and even grow) your connection to nature read more
26
March
Bringing Nature to You
Open spaces are still open, but what if you can’t leave home? We know that nature is a respite from the worry and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, but not everyone is able to seek out open space at this time. That's why PALTA's member land trusts are bringing nature to you! We've compiled a list of fun activities and virtual events that are being offered by some of our member read more
24
March
State Park and Forest Open Spaces Are Open but Subsidiary Facilities Are Closed
On March 23rd, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that all facilities at state parks and forests in Pennsylvania will be closed until April 30 to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The public will still be able to access trails, lakes, forests, roads, and parking areas for passive and dispersed read more
23
March
Tips for Working from Home
As with many organizations across Pennsylvania and the U.S., PALTA's employees are now working remotely in order to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. If you haven't worked from before, it can bring a host of challenges, but there are ways to overcome them. Below are tips that we hope will help you make working from home not only easier, but more productive. Create a read more
18
March
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Click the image below to download a .pdf version of the nature scavenger hunt. read more
13
March
DCNR Announces Measures for State Park, Forest Programs as Part of COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts
Amid concerns about the potential spread of COVID-19, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced that effective Friday, March 13, all public programs, events and trainings in state parks and forests will be canceled for the remainder of March, and the month of April. With the exception of three state parks in read more
13
January
Pennsylvania Names the Ghost Town Trail as 2020 Trail of the Year
On January 13, 2020, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the Ghost Town Trail has been named Pennsylvania’s 2020 Trail of the Year. “Rich with the history of railroading and former coal mining towns along its 46-mile route, the Ghost Town Trail, like so many rail trails throughout Pennsylvania, captures the spirit of an read more
15
November
Gov. Wolf Signs Keystone Tree Fund Bill
On November 15, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 374, which creates the Pennsylvania Keystone Tree Fund and allows citizens to make a voluntary $3 contribution by checking a box on the PennDOT driver’s license application and renewal form. The contributions will be used to fund programs within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that use trees to read more
10
June
Chester County Return on Environment Report Released
Protected open spaces provide substantial economic, environmental, and health benefits to surrounding communities, but these benefits are often overlooked or undervalued in policy debates and investment decisions. A better understanding of these benefits can demonstrate how protected open space contributes to economic development and fiscal stability and can reverse the common read more
15
April
2019 Green Infrastructure Award Winners Announced
The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia recently announced the winners of the 2019 Excellence in Green Stormwater Infrastructure Awards. The winners will be recognized at a special celebration on May 23 in Philadelphia. The awards celebrate and elevate green stormwater infrastructure projects and innovations, the triple bottom line (TBL) benefits of a read more
