In March 2020, Wildlands Conservancy announced the permanent protection of 27 acres, situated in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County. The recent acquisition will expand its Emmaus-based South Mountain Preserve to 402 acres.
“South Mountain is the mountain that gave rise to our mission more than 40 years ago,” says Christopher Kocher, president of Wildlands. “Everyday citizens knew the mountain mattered, and they formed a community of support to protect it forever, and today their generous legacy continues to help us protect the open spaces that are precious and remaining, right here at home.”
Located at the base of South Mountain Preserve in an area that is vulnerable to encroaching development, the permanent protection of these 27 acres preserves mature forest and diverse vegetation that are essential for improved water quality and sustained wildlife habitat.