Scholarship winner, Jessica Koch, with Light scholarship committee members: Susan Verhoek (pictured left) and Jeanne Boltz (pictured right)

Our Earth is for All Generations

Spring is a time of change and new beginnings. At TLVC, it also means celebrating our scholarship winner and all the bright and accomplished students who applied for the Richard H. and Karen R. Light Memorial Scholarship.

A common sentiment shared with us is that there was that one teacher who made a difference, who inspired an interest in the environment and issues impacting our planet. Thank you to all of the teachers and professors who invest in their students and who’s passion for the environment motivates the next generation.

Our work today is for the benefit of future generations with the hope that our children continue efforts to improve our air quality, ensure clean water, and maintain habitat and open space. Congratulations to all of the High School and College graduates, and best wishes in all your future endeavors!

TLVC's spring tree planting at ELCO Intermediate and Middle Schools has also helped to foster an interest in the environment and protection of natural resources in our local youth. The trees planted at Cornwall Manor remind us that our work toward a more beautiful and healthy environment is a lifelong dedication, bringing people together and encouraging an active lifestyle. Something as simple as a school garden teaches children about the life cycle of plants, where food comes from, and an appreciation for being outside and connecting with nature. Getting outside to enjoy nature, taking steps toward sustainable communities and having an environmentally aware lifestyle is important for all ages.

Cornwall Elementary

School Garden

ELCO students after

a job well done

Tree planting at Cornwall Manor 

Tree Committee: Barry Badger, Daphne and Ed Messersmith 

Thanks for Participating

in Our Earth Month Events!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Earth Month events; buying trees, buying a

T-shirt, and entering our book giveaway at the Annville and Lebanon library.

If you didn't have the chance to plant or donate a tree, you can still help! Donate a tree for $25 or a grove (5 trees) for $100! Your donation will help with future tree plantings and other ongoing environmental work in the Lebanon Valley. Help fill the page with trees!



Donate online here or send a check, payable to TLVC, to 770 Cumberland St., Suite A, Lebanon, PA 17042. *Please note "tree donation" in your memo line or online under special instructions.

Thanks for your support!

Jessica Koch Awarded 2022 Scholarship

We are pleased to announce Jessica Koch as the recipient of the 2022 Richard H. and Karen R. Light Memorial Scholarship! Jessica received a $2,500 scholarship to assist in her pursuit of education in the field of environmental science and chemistry.

Jessica is a junior at Lebanon Valley College and a graduate of Pine Grove Area High School. She currently lives in Myerstown. Most of her hobbies include the outdoors and her interests/hobbies have inspired her to want to protect the beauty of natural resources. 

Jessica said in her application, “In high school, I had a great teacher named Melissa Yourey who taught a college level environmental science course. I took this course and she showed me that environmental science careers are needed today with all the change going on in the world. Climate change is taking place, a reduction of biodiversity is occurring, and deforestation is happening everywhere…” Jessica plans to pursue a job as a water quality specialist or a natural resource manager.

We award this scholarship, on an annual basis, in memory of Richard H. and Karen R. Light, prominent local residents who made a great impact on environmental conservation in the Lebanon Valley.

Congratulations! We can't wait to see where your passion 

for the environment will take you!

Tour de Lebanon Valley: June 11

There's still time to register for the Tour de Lebanon Valley! The Tour has three routes, including one for beginner cyclists and families as well as routes for more avid riders! Everyone begins at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center and each route is well marked. The ride is fully supported with frequent rest stops and mechanical support. For more info and to register, visit tourdelebanonvalley.com. 

By registering for this ride, you'll support TLVC (we help to organize this great event) as well as four other amazing non-profits: the Community Health Council of Lebanon County, the Lebanon Valley Bicycle Coalition, Lebanon Valley Mountain Bike Team, and Lebanon Bicycle Recycle. 

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

• Volunteers needed to clean up graffiti on Dinosaur Rock: clean up of the formation on state game lands 145, in the Colebrook area, is slated for June 11. Please contact Courtney at director@tlvc.org for additional information. Check out this article from LebTown on the upcoming Dinosaur Rock Graffiti Cleanup.

• Tree Planting: Volunteers are needed to help with fall tree plantings. Dates and more information will be available soon!

Thanks to Our Newest Members and Renewing Members

for Caring about Our Local Environment!

Larry Herr | Ron & Beverly Birch

Business Sponsor: South Annville Township

News Links

• How to Identify Different Types of Bees: treehugger.com

• Harrisburg’s Newest Peregrine Falcons Banded at Rachel Carson State Office...: pa.gov

• Recreation Economy in Pennsylvania: PA DCNR

• More Heat, More Drought: New Analyses Offer Grim Outlook for U.S. West: Yale Environment 360

• All About Turtles: PA Fish and Boat Commission

• Act Now: Best Opportunity Ever to Make PA Better: pagrowinggreener.org

Activities & Resources

• June 7: Cornwall Iron Furnace online lecture, Agnes and the Demise of the Cornwall Iron Mines

• June 11: Tour de Lebanon Valley, promoting the beauty of Lebanon Valley through cycling

• June 25: Historic Schaefferstown Annual Traditional Cherry Fair & Early American Craft Show

• Middle Creek Announces Spring Events: LebTown

• 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

• Enjoy the warmer weather and 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 and please follow current COVID-19 guidelines.

May 2022 | 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.