May 2023

Official News on the Sale of Camp Trexler


Last week, Minsi Trails Council announced the sale of the Trexler Scout Reserve (Camp Trexler). The property will be sold to a group called the Trexler Veterans Initiative, who will lease the property to the Valor Clinic, a veterans group located near the camp. The sale price is $7.8M.


While the news is disappointing for PHLT, we’re happy that the property will not be clear cut for residential housing or industrial solar development, and it is not under threat of becoming a solid waste facility. The council’s announcement indicated that the new owner is planning to protect the property from development, which PHLT hopes to play a role in. The Trexler Scout Reserve is a beautiful property, both aesthetically and ecologically, and very much worth saving from development.  


The announcement also stated that the property would continue to be open to scout groups, which is great news. And, while this land will not be open to the general public as many of us had hoped, you can still explore PHLT's stunning 417-acre Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve, with high-quality springs and streams and one of the largest areas of unfragmented forest in Polk Twp, located right across the road.


The support of the community – scouting families, neighbors, businesses and elected officials – has been nothing short of amazing. With your help, Pocono Heritage Land Trust will continue to protect important natural places in our extraordinary region for generations to come. To all of you who pledged, petitioned, and helped to share our mission far and wide -- we thank you for your commitment to protecting Camp Trexler. 

Photo courtesy of Anna Lukasiak

Exploring Monroe County's Newest Nature Preserve


PHLT members enjoyed a sneak peek of the new Robert Mader Nature Preserve in Pocono Township this month during a free members-only event. This property was acquired by PHLT last fall thanks to generous cooperation and donation from the prior owners, grant funding from DCNR, and the support of our members.


This 127-acre forest is now protected--forever--for all to enjoy, and will officially open to the public later this year!

June Events

Hike through Paradise

Saturday, June 3 | 1PM - 3PM

Nothstein Preserve

Free | $10 suggested donation


Join PHLT and Sierra Club for a guided hike through Paradise Township in celebration of National Trails Day! Explore a new trail connection that begins on Nothstein Preserve, travels through Upper Paradise Nature Preserve, and ends on a trail easement managed by PHLT. This is a moderate hike, with some inclines and varied terrain; hike is 3.5 miles out-and-back.


The American Hiking Society is generously providing free giveaways for the event, including non-alcoholic beers from Athletic Brewing Co.

Register here

Opening Art Reception

Sunday, June 4 | 1PM - 3PM

Brodhead Creek Heritage Center

Free | No registration required


Stop by the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center on Sunday afternoon for the opening reception of the gallery’s June art exhibit: Wildlife Photography by Nancy Hopping. Enjoy light refreshments, meet the artist, and venture out for a stroll around ForEvergreen Nature Preserve. Photographs will be on display and for sale during the month of June.


Nancy's photography features the many animals that visit the wildlife habitat she's created in her own front yard. For Nancy's full bio, click here.

Learn More

Annual Gathering

Thursday, June 15 | 5:30PM - 8PM

Orchard Barn at Memorytown

$60 per person | RSVP by May 31st


Let's raise a glass to all we have accomplished together and celebrate another great year ahead!


The festivities begin at 5:30 with happy hour (cash bar).

Enjoy an array of entrees, including:

Roasted pork loin Normandy

Mahi Mahi, pineapple grape salsa

French lentil penne, sundried tomato, wild mushroom, baby spinach.



Enjoy games, prizes, awards,

and live music by Gary Dillon 🎵

RSVP by this Wednesday

Wild Teas Workshop

Saturday, June 24 | 2PM - 5PM

Brodhead Creek Heritage Center

Members: free | non-members: $25


Join naturalist Don Miller for a PHLT Members' Wild Teas Workshop and discover what "good-to-know" plants our Pocono landscape provides!


Learn to identify and harvest tea-worthy wild plants as Don leads a foraging walk around the grounds of ForEvergreen Nature Preserve.

After gathering our materials, we'll come inside the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center to share in a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea, and make an herbal tea blend to take home.

Register here

Get ready for NEPAGives!


This year, the 24-hour online fundraising event for local nonprofits will span TWO days:

Thursday, June 1 @7PM to Friday, June 2 @7PM


There are hundreds of thousands of dollars in matching funds and prizes available, which means your donation to PHLT goes further!


Keep an eye out for an email reminder on

June 1st to donate to PHLT on NEPAGives!

Call for Volunteers: Greet Visitors at the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center


PHLT is looking for volunteers to staff the Brodhead Creek Heritage Center on Saturday mornings throughout the summer, to allow more visitors to enjoy all that the center has to offer. This is a light, easy volunteer opportunity, and is also a great way to meet new people!


A training session and written talking points will be provided. Sign up here for more information.

Volunteer on PHLT Nature Preserves

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 unless otherwise indicated.

Register here

Wednesday, June 21st

Trail crew workday

Rail Gap Nature Preserve



Wednesday, July 19th

Trail crew workday

Glen Run Nature Preserve



Wednesday, August 16th

Trail crew workday

Kurmes Nature Preserve



Wednesday, September 20th

Trail crew workday

Yankee Run Nature Preserve



Wednesday, October 18th

Trail crew workday

Learn Preserve

Help protect the natural heritage of the Pocono Mountains.

Donate
Preserve your Land
Volunteer

Explore Outdoors

Outdoor fun doesn't need a scheduled event!

Our nature preserves are open dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.

Plan your next adventure at phlt.org
Thank you for your support!
Pocono Heritage Land Trust | phlt.org
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