Tree planting a huge success

On Saturday, October 1st,  a group of about 15+ gathered to plant native trees and bushes along the Monocacy Creek near Bridal Path Rd.  The group consisted of community partners from the Monocacy Chapter, Monocacy Creek Watershed Association, Moravian University Environmental Sciences Dept, Northapton County Conservation District, Masterwatershed Stewards, Master Gardeners and Wildlands Conservancy.  We also had amazing help and support from the landowners.  This type of project shows the importance of diverse partnerships when undertaking restoration projects, and poves that there are many in our community who value natural habitats.  This project was financed in part by grants from the Coldwater Heritage Partnership, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, DCNR and donations from MCWA.

Tree planting party...Oct. 1 Volunteer now!

As part of the completion of phase 1 of the dam removal at Bridal Path Rd, we will be holding a riparian buffer planting work party on Oct. 1st from 9am- 12pm
The addition of at least 40 trees and shrubs will increase the shading of the stream, slow flood waters when heavy rain events occur, and provide habitat for wildlife
It is very important that our Chapter supports these efforts, as we have 100 volunteer hours needed to fulfill our grant obligations.
Parking will either be along Bridal Path Rd, or in the lots at the Sisters of St. Francis retreat center.
PLEASE RSVP TO KATE EBEL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
kebel@wildlandspa.org

Bridal Path Dam Removal

(Article from Summer Newsletter)

On July 6^th, 2016 Flyway Excavating notched a hole in the small dam near Bridal Path Road to begin the process of removing the dam. Notching the dam took all of about 10 mins, but represented years of work by Monocacy TU and its partners. Admittedly, it probably took longer to get to this point than it should have, but when we are dealing with volunteer efforts, these things sometimes happen. Work, life, family, and other fun stuff (like fishing!) get in the way of moving these projects forward. In spite of the distractions and slow pace, those involved managed to stay on track and keep things moving forward. Unfortunately the process itself is somewhat involved. We needed to get permits, landowner permissions, grants written and awarded, contracts drafted, etc, etc. To say it was gratifying to see some actual (de)-construction happening after years of talking, planning, meeting, and waiting would be an understatement. I would like to specifically thank the following people/ organizations that made this project happen:

• Sisters of St. Francis and the Snyder family
• Viorel Dragan, Monocacy TU Member
• Kristie Fach, Director of Ecological Restoration Wildlands Conservancy
• Laura Craig, PhD, Director, Science and Economics; River Restoration Programs, American Rivers
• Clair Sadler, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
• Dr. Ted Burger, Monocacy TU Director Emeritus
• Sam (Kutskel) Ferguson and Tali MacArthur, Coldwater Heritage Partnership

There were many more who offered advise and expertise along the way, and Monocacy TU appreciates your assistance and guidance.

This project was completed in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Initiative. Funding was provided in part by a grant from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Environmental Stewardship Fund, administered by Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. In addition, this project was also funded by a grant from the Coldwater Heritage Partnership on behalf of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, the Foundation of Pennsylvania Watersheds and the PA Council of Trout Unlimited.

Monocacy Chapter Applies for Grant and other news...

In a last minute attempt to help the City of Bethlehem with it's Johnson Park Dam removal, Vicky Bastidas has been working overtime to get a grant proposal done.  The idea was posed early this week and the grant in due today, Dec. 14th.  The grant we are seeking is for $10,000, which will go towards construction costs.  The money is awarded through  The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP)  which is a collaborative effort between the PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. In other news.....(click read more below)