North Branch Land Trust Receives PPL Foundation Grant To Continue Rare Acidic Ridgetop Barrens Ecosystem Conservation Efforts In Luzerne County

On September 26, the North Branch Land Trust announced it has received a $3,500 grant from the PPL Foundation to continue conservation efforts for the rare acidic ridgetop barrens ecosystem in Hazle Township and the City of Hazleton, Luzerne County.

This grant provides North Branch Land Trust the opportunity to begin its next phase in conserving the rare Acidic Ridgetop Barrens ecosystem in and around their Butler Preserve in southern Luzerne County. 

This unique landscape, recognized for its rare, threatened, and endangered species, is now receiving a boost in conservation efforts in a renewed partnership with the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program and WeConservePA.

Butler Preserve is not only crucial for conservation but also serves residents in Hazleton and Hazle Township, offering a green space for hiking and biking on a portion of the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails. 

This project will also have a broader impact on natural heritage areas across Northeastern Pennsylvania, supporting regional and state conservation efforts. :

“Butler Preserve, and the greater Acidic Ridgetop Barrens, not only require conservation, but also mindful stewardship,” said North Branch Land Trust Executive Director, Ellen Ferretti.  “This grant will not only support the Land Trust’s care for Butler Preserve, but also allow us to connect with landowners in the region who want to do more to protect these special landscapes.”: 

“The Butler Preserve and the area around is found within a natural habitat known as the Pitch Pine – Scrub Oak Woodland – part of the Acidic Ridgetop Barren ecosystem, which is rare in Pennsylvania,” said Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Natural Heritage Program Science Director, Ephraim Zimmerman.  “This area supports a number of unique plant and animal species adapted to these rocky ridges in the Appalachian Mountains. Protection of the rare species and habitats within this large landscape takes many partners – from conservation organizations, to state agencies, and landowners – and this project will help guide future collaborative efforts and conservation decisions.”

North Branch Land Trust partners with landowners, communities, and stakeholders to conserve and care for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s lands and waters. 

The Trust is a nonprofit organization conserving land in an eight-county region of Northeastern Pennsylvania-- Bradford, Susquehanna, Sullivan, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Columbia)--in the Upper Susquehanna and Lehigh Watersheds. 

Related Article:

-- Nearly 500 Riders Participate In Brandywine Conservancy's 6th Bike The Brandywine In Chester County  [PaEN] 

[Posted: September 26, 2024]  PA Environment Digest