Please share our mission with others and consider making a donation or volunteering your time to help with our projects and initiatives. There is a lot of work to do, and we need your help.

What does TLVC do? The primary function of the Lebanon Valley Conservancy is to serve as the Land Trust for Lebanon County. In that role, we promote and hold conservation easements on privately held natural lands. Conservation easements are a non-governmental approach to long-term preservation of natural lands and a tool for smart land development.

What is an easement? Private real estate in America is essentially a bundle of rights granted to landowners. Some of those rights pertain to development. A conservation-minded landowner can voluntarily sell or donate the rights to develop their property while still retaining ownership. The resulting conservation easement is a legal document that is attached to the property deed and held by a third party, a land trust. As the land is bought and sold over generations, the easement disallowing development remains in place.

How many easements does TLVC have? TLVC holds conservation easements on 19 properties in the county, totaling over 1,000 acres of natural lands. Staff and volunteers monitor these easements every year to ensure that they are being honored. We maintain a stewardship fund in case we need to defend our easements in court. View properties

Why get involved? Serving on TLVC board for the last 5 years has been very gratifying. It has introduced me to a community of like-minded folks with a shared enthusiasm for natural open spaces. It has given me a deeper engagement with the Lebanon Valley, filling it with stories. It has also shifted my context for how I witness and react to the rapid rate of development in our region. Instead of despair and pessimism, I ask, “what can we as a Conservancy do to slow the loss of vital natural resources and have a positive influence on where and how land development occurs?” Consider joining us in our mission. Visit TLVC.org for more information or send an email to director@tlvc.org.

Thank you for your continued support of this essential work. Happy holidays and Merry Christmas! -Jon Schach, Board President

Give your end-of-year gift today!

Your gift helps our community

As we head into the holidays and into a new year, please consider a year-end gift to help us continue our plans, projects and plantings in the community. Click on the graphic to the right to see some of our 2023 accomplishments and highlights!

Donate online or mail your check to: The Lebanon Valley Conservancy, 770 Cumberland St, Suite A, Lebanon, PA 17042.

Thank you for your continued support and thanks to the individuals and businesses who have already provided generous year-end gifts!

View our 2023 year in review

Monday, January 1

Start the New Year on the right foot with a walk in the park! Check out these First Day Hikes!

Events on Monday, January 1, powered by Localist Event Calendar Software

Celebrate the colors of the season and brighten our holiday forest!

A $25 donation colors 1 tree, a $100 donation colors 5 trees. All donations support our mission in the Lebanon Valley. Click here to make an online donation or send a check (note “tree donation” in the memo), payable to TLVC, 770 Cumberland St., Suite A, Lebanon, PA 17042

Thanks for your support!

8 tips to green your holiday - Earth Day

Incorporating environmental practices into your holidays can be a unique, fun way to celebrate.

Check out these earth-friendly holiday tips from EarthDay.org!

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. Thank you! -Courtney

Thanks to our newest members and renewing members

for caring about our local environment!

Pat & June Welch

Preservation Leaders: Marie Wengert, Charles W. Wertz

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

Courtney Reimann, Land Protection Director

Looking for a special holiday gift? Order TLVC merchandise here!

Proceeds support our mission in the Lebanon Valley. THANK YOU!

News Links

• Are You Dreaming of a White Christmas? NCEI

• Another Record-Hot Month Puts 2023 on Track to Be Hottest Year Ever: YALE E360

• Snorkeling in streams year-round, Pennsylvania man finds hidden...: SpotlightPA

• Have you ever wondered how birds can stay warm...? U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Activities & Resources

• Dec 14-Jan 5: Audubon Christmas Bird Count

• Dec. 22, 5-7:30 pm: CLA Carriage Rides

• Jan 1: DCNR and First Day Hikes

• Environment & Energy Edu Opportunities For Students & Adults: PA Environment Digest

• 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 great outdoors! 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.

December 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.