Photo Contest, Meet & Greets, Stream Improvements, and more!

February 2023

Cautionary tale: a handshake is not enough

While the preservation of Camp Trexler is an ongoing pursuit, it serves as a lesson to us all.

Maybe you have a farm, a hunting camp or fishing club or some woodlands and fields you want to see protected — for good — from development. No matter how sincere, trustworthy and reliable others are right now, circumstances change (just ask the Boy Scouts). And relying on future good faith down the line — of heirs, fellow club members, hunting buddies, or future generations — is inviting a travesty.

A local land trust, such as Pocono Heritage Land Trust, can help you make your wishes clear. Not informally over dinner with family, friends, or club members. But legally. And with teeth.

Find out what options are available. Don't delay. Contact PHLT or find a local land trust near you.

Read the full article

Outdoor Pennsylvania: Amateur Photo Contest

Submit your favorite local nature photos to PHLT's second annual amateur photo contest!

Fifteen winners will be selected to display their work in the gallery at the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center in East Stroudsburg, with an opening reception in early April.

Contest runs Wednesday, February 1st to Tuesday, February 28th. Winners will be announced in March.

How to Enter:

Cost to enter is $5 per photograph, or $10 for three photographs.

There is no limit to the number of entries. Submit as many photos as you like!

Photographs must be taken outdoors in Pennsylvania, and can be submitted under one of five categories: Plants & Fungi, Wildlife, Landscapes, People in Nature, & PHLT Preserves.

Please note: the contest entry form is a google form and requires a google account. If you do not have a google account, it is free and easy to set up. Click here for further instruction, or as always, feel free to contact us at info@phlt.org with any questions or concerns.

Submit your photos here!

NFWF Stream Improvement Projects

Over the last three years, PHLT has worked to improve fish habitat and stabilize streambanks in six problem areas on four local creeks. Funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, this extensive project is now complete! PHLT's Pocono Creek Preserve, which was severely impacted by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021, was one of the work sites. The access road has been rebuilt, the stream bank stabilized and the creek is once again welcoming fishermen. See the improvements for yourself at the Pocono Creek Nature Preserve!

Pictured here: Boulders were installed in the Brodhead Creek to stabilize the eroding streambank. Two boulder structures (called rock vanes) were then built in the stream to guide the water flow away from the eroding streambank and provide habitat for fish.

Meet & Greets with your Representatives

Our state elected officials represent us in Harrisburg by enacting legislation that affects every aspect of our lives – including the air we breathe and the water we drink. Both Pike and Monroe counties face serious environmental challenges, including rampant residential and commercial development that threatens our pristine waterways.

Lucky for us, our state representatives are environmental champions! Representatives Maureen Madden and Tarah Probst can be even stronger advocates if they know the issues we face and care about, and they can bring our stories to Harrisburg. Sign up to learn about your Representatives' environmental priorities, and share your thoughts about what you want to see from the state legislature.

Meet Your Representative: Maureen Madden

Thursday, February 16 | 5PM-6PM

Online (Zoom meeting)

Free to attend | RSVP Required

Meet Your Representative: Tarah Probst

Thursday, February 23 | 6PM-8PM

The Charcuterie (Stroudsburg)

Free to attend | RSVP Required

Upcoming Volunteer Days

Invasive plant workdays are led by PHLT Stewardship Manager Matt Schultz, and are a great way to learn hands-on about native species and ecosystem restoration.

Trail Crew workdays are led by an all-volunteer crew that meets monthly on the third Wednesday to maintain trails and spruce up a designated preserve.

All volunteer days run from 9:00AM to 12:00PM.