Happy New Year!

Another year at The Lebanon Valley Conservancy (TLVC) has come and gone, providing us a moment to reflect on the things we have accomplished and more importantly, the things we still need to do. The Lebanon Valley is slowly emerging from the challenges of the last few years with optimism and a sense of renewed hope. TLVC has continued to succeed in its mission to protect and conserve the land that makes our home unique and beautiful. We look forward to expanding our collaboration opportunities with likeminded organizations, individuals, and businesses throughout our community.  

Every successful easement, community engagement, and fundraising event is reliant on the ongoing dedication of our members, volunteers and exceptional board of directors. This commitment to the mission and values of TLVC was evident in the financial support we received despite the uncertain economy. 2023 promises to be challenging, I am confident the TLVC family will rise to the occasion.

Here is to a happy, heathy, and successful New Year in 2023 and beyond!

-Kara Lubold, Executive Director

Pictured above is Jessica Koch,

2022 scholarship winner

view scholarship info

and apply



Deadline is March 24, 2023

2023 environmental scholarship now open

We are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Richard H. and Karen R. Light Memorial Scholarship. The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a local student who plans to pursue a career in the environmental sciences.

TLVC awards this scholarship to a student each spring, in memory of Richard and Karen Light, who were active environmentalists in the Lebanon Valley. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who resides in the Lebanon Valley and is pursuing a degree in conservation, ecology, natural resources, wildlife management, water resources management or environmental sciences. Eligible students include graduating high school seniors as well as students attending Lebanon Valley College or Harrisburg Area Community College.

Getting to know the Conservancy's preserved properties

Introducing unique preserved properties in Lebanon County

Keck Conservation Easement

The Keck family placed an easement on their property in 2009. The 21-acre property is located in North Annville Township and is mostly agricultural lands. The property sits atop rolling hills with scenic views to all sides. There is a wooded area and a small stream that is a tributary of the Quittapahilla Creek. The property owner shared that he and his brother spent a lot of time playing in the woods and creek of the property when they were kids. It's important to preserve these areas so children still have places to explore and learn about nature. Preserved Properties – The Lebanon Valley Conservancy

We're grateful for the response of donations, memberships, volunteers and sponsors! Your support makes it possible for us to work with landowners to save their land from development and to give back to our community by developing parks and providing educational opportunities. 

Thanks to our newest members and renewing members

for caring about our local environment!

Anthony Asper | Sue Bowman | Raymond and Leslie Bures | Bill and Laurie Clement | Mary Conrad | James and Carolyn Dibert | Tom Embich | Ned and Patricia Gibble |

Sara-Ann Haak | Heidelberg Sportsmens Association | Douglass Henry Jr. | Larry Herr | Maria Birch Howe | Anthony Loser | Linda Mengak | Pete and Phyllis Silldorff |

Shawn and Rosemary Suh Watts | Susan and David Wood

Are you a member? Consider joining us and helping with our mission in the Lebanon Valley. Individual memberships are $100, business memberships start at $1,000, and student memberships are FREE! View our membership brochure.

News Links

• Winter in the woods: flora and fauna find ways to survive: Bay Journal

• Middle Creek celebrates 50 years with full year of activities and challenges: LebTown

• Winter Birding - It's for the Birds: Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

• Yultide splash: recycled Christmas trees become fish homes: Forest Service USDA

• Living the hygge lifestyle - Taking a lesson from wildlife: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

• PennLive's Marcus Schneck, Pa.'s preeminent outdoors journalist, dies at 66: PennLive

• Notable Accomplishments from DCNR for 2022: Cindy Adams Dunn, PADCNR

• Shapiro to Nominate Rich Negrin for DEP, Retain Cindy Dunn...: PA Environmental Digest

• Outdoor Recreation Adds Nearly $14 Billion to PA Economy: WeConservePA

• Federal Omnibus Bill includes wide range of conservation-related funding: WeConservePA

Activities & Resources

• Jan 11 - March 8 (Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm): Penn State Extension hosts 9-part webinar series "Woods in Your Backyard." Registration required, cost $50, includes book

• Jan 25, 7:00 pm, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: Kayli Thomas to discuss Regal Fritillary Butterfly and its habitat at Fort Indiantown Gap. Free and open to the public. Quittapahilla Audubon Society

• Feb 8, 12:00 - 1:00 pm & Feb 9, 6:00 - 7:00 pm: Conservation professionals, volunteers and landowners can sign up for the Live Staking Webinar from Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

• April 26-28 in Reading: The Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference for staff and volunteers of conservation groups. Keynote speaker is Dr. Michael Mann. WeConservePA

• Local group focused on the natural beauty and enjoyment of Governor Dick: Friends of Governor Dick

• Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for status on PA conservation efforts

• Even though it's getting colder, you can still enjoy the great outdoors! Additional info at Visit Lebanon Valley and follow our Facebook page for ideas/videos. Visit the park's website prior to venturing out for up-to-date visitor information/guidelines.

January 2023 | www.TLVC.org | 717.273.6400 | DONATE

The Lebanon Valley Conservancy works to protect the cultural, historical and environmental resources

of our region. We are committed to collaborating with our community to ensure equitable access

to all of these resources for the benefit of present and future generations.