The property features a scenic blend of forest, open fields, and sweeping views that reflect the land’s natural balance and beauty.
Read and Bierley purchased the property in 1997, drawn immediately to its open spaces and expansive view of the West Branch Susquehanna Valley.
Over time, their connection deepened, not just to the landscape itself, but also to the responsibility of caring for it intentionally.
A Seed Planted Long Ago
The idea of conserving the land took root years before the conservation easement was finalized.
More than two decades ago, Read attended an event where she met NPC’s Executive Director, Renee’ Carey. That conversation left a lasting impression, planting the idea of land conservation in her head and her heart.
Read and Bierley’s respect for the land and the wildlife that share it is evident throughout the property.
Walking the land reveals a mix of hardwoods and softwoods, wildlife tracks zigzagging through the woods and fields, and a thoughtfully tended pollinator meadow providing year-round food and habitat.
A pond nestled on the property serves as a reliable watering hole for wildlife and unnamed tributaries wind through the valley below the woods, flowing onward to Muncy Creek and the West Branch Susquehanna River.
These features all work together to benefit the wildlife, downstream waters, and broader community.
A Thoughtful, Deliberate Process
For Read and Bierley, the choice to conserve the land was also shaped by a powerful example close to home.
After a neighboring landowner passed away, his property was subdivided for development. This outcome reinforced their desire to act intentionally.
Read did not want to have any regrets, sharing, “Conserving the land was something I’ve wanted to do for a while now. I'd often think while packing for a trip, 'what happens to our land if something happens to us?' Now I know our land is conserved. It's a relief. I'll be more at ease when planning our next vacation."
When reflecting on her experience working with NPC, Read added that, “It was not a difficult process, but it was a long one. There was a lot to consider, but now that it’s done I feel at peace and grateful.”
This conservation easement represents Read and Bierley’s thoughtful commitment to the land and the community around it.
With the continued support of NPC members and donors, NPC is able to work alongside landowners to shape a lasting future for the lands, waters, and wildlife that define Northcentral Pennsylvania.
Learn More
If you are inspired by Read and Bierley’s story and want to learn more about NPC’s conservation projects and programs, we invite you to visit www.npcweb.org or contact the staff directly at 570-323-6222.
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy is a regional land trust conserving and enhancing the lands and waters in a 12-county area.
(Photo: John Bierley and Robin Read.)
Related Articles This Week:
-- Western PA Conservancy: Local Families Donate More Than 2,400 Acres Of Forestland On Chestnut Ridge In Westmoreland County [PaEN]
-- Western PA Conservancy Protects 652 Acres Of Forestland in Fayette County Transferred To Forbes State Forest [PaEN]
-- Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy Partners With Landowner Allen Jones To Conserve 230 Acres In Snyder, Mifflin Counties [PaEN]
-- Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy Partners With Robin Read, John Bierley To Conserve 116 Acres In Lycoming County [PaEN]
-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Accepting College Scholarship Applications [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Williamsport Sun/Spotlight PA: Battle For Heart, Health Of Allegheny National Forest [PDF of Article]
-- Scranton Times: Up A Tree: From High Peaks In 67 Counties, Van Wagner Sees The Beauty And Value Of Forests [PDF of Article]
-- Warren Times: Therapist Takes Clinic To The Outdoors
[Posted: January 6, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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