The Lebanon Valley Conservancy (TLVC) planted more than 750 trees in Lebanon County watersheds this spring as part of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership. The trees were planted along riparian buffers of the Snitz, Hammer, Quittapahilla and Beck creeks, as well as tributaries of the Swatara Creek. Trees were also planted along the Kittatinny Ridge on preserved forested properties and near the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.
The CBF 10 Million Trees Partnership is a collaborative effort of national, regional, state and local agencies, conservation organizations, outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and citizens committed to improving Pennsylvania's communities, economy and ecology, by planting 10 million trees throughout the Commonwealth. The Lebanon Valley Conservancy has planted more than 3,000 trees over the last two years as part of this partnership. "We couldn’t plant this many trees without the partnership," stated Laurie Crawford, executive director of TLVC. "With trees and supplies from CBF and volunteers from Lebanon County, this is an extraordinary way to impact our watersheds!"
Larry Herr, one of TLVC’s conservation easement landowners, helped plant trees along his property. "The stream on my property is important to the conservation value of my land," shared Herr, "there are native trout in these waters and this program helps to protect them." Crawford added, "Trees are important to life and to clean water…they mitigate runoff and stabilize stream banks. The Lebanon Valley Conservancy is committed to protecting natural resources and clean water across the Valley."
In addition to planting more than 3,000 trees to date, the Conservancy has also preserved almost 1,000 acres of land in Lebanon County, utilizing conservation easements to protect the historical, cultural and environmental values of the land. Additional tree plantings are slated for later this year. If you’re interested in volunteering to help plant trees, sponsor plantings or would like to make a donation to support the Conservancy’s continued mission in the Lebanon Valley, please email lvconserve@lebanonvalleyconservancy.org or visit www.TLVC.org.
About the Lebanon Valley Conservancy The Lebanon Valley Conservancy is celebrating 20 years of conservation in Lebanon County! Formed in 2000, TLVC’s mission is to promote the conservation of cultural, historical and natural resources through public awareness, education and scientific research. TLVC works in cooperation with neighboring conservancies and trusts, as well as local and state governments, to protect these valuable resources in the Lebanon Valley. To donate, volunteer or become a member, visit www.TLVC.org.
