Demolition Begins For New Brodhead Creek Nature Center In Monroe County

Demolition has begun at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, 1539 Cherry Lane Road, Stroud Township in Monroe County, tearing down the unsalvageable former golf course clubhouse. Soon, construction will begin on the new Brodhead Creek Heritage Center.

But partners in the project still have to raise the funds to raise the roof.

A joint project of local nonprofits Brodhead Watershed Association and Pocono Heritage Land Trust, along with support from Stroud Township, the center will provide space at the preserve for offices, nature activities, public events, nature displays and a fly fishing exhibit.

The work will be done by Stroudsburg builder Robert K. Ace Construction.

An anonymous donor has pledged to match gifts up to $50,000 toward construction of the center. Then another anonymous donor pledged to match donations up to $5,000, meaning further donations could triple their value.

However, the matches end Dec. 31, 2017, so now is the time to donate.

The 40-acre ForEvergreen Preserve is on the site of the former Penn Hills golf course, and is owned by Stroud Township. T

he preserve is being restored to its natural state, with native plantings and a demonstration rain garden. It is open to the public dawn to dusk and includes walking and running paths and access to the historic Brodhead Creek for catch-and-release fly fishing.

This stretch of the creek is well-known among trout enthusiasts as the birthplace of fly fishing in America.

Bob Heil, executive director of BWA, said, “Through this match, anyone who donates $100 will in effect be making a $300 gift.”

“The preserve protects the water of the Brodhead Creek,” said Cindy Miano, executive director of PHLT. “And the creek provides drinking water for thousands of people throughout our area. The center will be a focus for water science and land use at the heart of the county.”

Click Here to download a brochure on the project.

For information or to donate, visit the Brodhead Watershed Association website or call BWA at 570-839-1120 or PHLT at 570-424-1514.