Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley

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First Warm Rainy Night, 2022: Flash Mob Herpabout

Join us for an evening (after sunset) of frog and salamander stalking, led by Jim Wilson and Brad Kunsman around the Minsi Lake/Bear Swamp area. We will visit vernal pools, watch salamanders on the move, and learn about the lives and habitats of our local amphibian friends. Send us an email with the subject ‘Herpabout’ to watershedcoalitionlv@gmail.com

Leave us your contact information, and we’ll email out a registration link the day before – if you can make it, then register! Limited to 20 participants. Plan for a chilly, dark, and wet evening.

Want to see the spring’s first amphibians on the move? Well, join us on…..the first warm rainy night of spring. When is that? We just don’t know until right before it happens!!Join us for an evening of frog and salamander stalking, led by Jim Wilson and Brad Kunsman around the Minsi Lake/Bear Swamp area. We will visit vernal pools, watch salamanders on the move, and learn about the lives and habitats of our local amphibian friends. Here’s how this will work: we’ll collect the contact information of everyone who who would like to come. Jim and Brad will watch the weather and when they identify what they think is the right night, we’ll send out and email about the time and place to meet. The time will be after dark, which, of course, gets gradually later as the winter moves along. If you can make it, perfect!! If not, well then perhaps we’ll try again in 2023! Wear appropriate clothing – after all, it will still be winter, and likely it will be raining. It will definitely be dark. Send your contact information in an email with the subject line Herpabout to watershedcoalitionlv@gmail.com and we’ll reach out when the date arrives!!

Featured

February 5th, 2021, Karst Geology and Sinkholes

Virtual Event: Join us to learn about sink hole issues in the Lehigh Valley. The program will present the basics of karst geology and its relationship to sink holes.

Sinkholes – Not In My Backyard!
John Mauser, Martins-Jacoby Watershed Association

Through Zoom, 12:00 pm, February 5th.

Friday February 5th, Illicks Mill (small live audience) and live-streamed.

Join us to learn about sink hole issues in the Lehigh Valley. The program will present the basics of karst geology and its relationship to sink holes.

You will also learn what sink holes are, and where they are occurring, and how they can be mitigated. This program will feature case studies of sink hole development along the Bushkill Creek between Stockertown and Tatamy, and in Lower Nazareth Township.

May 21st, 2022, Rescuing the Future by Saving the Past – Preserving Plant Genetics

Learn about agroforestry and the preservation of legacy fruit and nut varieties.
Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs with crop and animal production to create environmental, economic and social improvements. The USDA has developed a 5 year Strategic Framework …”To advance agroforestry knowledge, tools and assistance to the benefit of landowners communities and the Nation.” Nut and fruit tree crops are an important component of an agroforestry planting. In 1921, John Hershey started a tree crop nursery in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. For nearly 40 years until his death in the 1960’s, he actively selected and propagated the best varieties and cultivars of nut and fruit tree crop species at what was considered “America’s No. 1 Tree Crop Farm.” Unfortunately, over 50% of his trees have been lost to development. In October of 2021, the 100th Anniversary of the Hershey Nursery, 54 trees, all of grafted Hershey stock, were planted in Northampton County. Louise Moore Park is now an active conservation site where the genetics of Hershey’s trees are protected and preserved. Join us for a short history of the efforts to save valuable food plants and a walk-about to see the Hershey trees.

Learn from Louise Bugbee about agroforestry and the preservation of legacy fruit and nut varieties

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs with crop and animal production to create environmental, economic and social improvements. The USDA has developed a 5 year Strategic Framework …”To advance agroforestry knowledge, tools and assistance to the benefit of landowners communities and the Nation.” Nut and fruit tree crops are an important component of an agroforestry planting. In 1921, John Hershey started a tree crop nursery in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. For nearly 40 years until his death in the 1960’s, he actively selected and propagated the best varieties and cultivars of nut and fruit tree crop species at what was considered “America’s No. 1 Tree Crop Farm.” Unfortunately, over 50% of his trees have been lost to development. In October of 2021, the 100th Anniversary of the Hershey Nursery, 54 trees, all of grafted Hershey stock, were planted in Northampton County. Louise Moore Park is now an active conservation site where the genetics of Hershey’s trees are protected and preserved. Join us for a short history of the efforts to save valuable food plants and a walk-about to see the Hershey trees.

March 25th Pickup, Floral Pussy Willow Fundraiser

The Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley is hosting an ornamental pussy willow fundraiser. The willows are propagated in a multi-functional riparian buffer where they help stabilize stream banks and filter runoff. All the proceeds from this fundraiser will be reinvested in green infrastructure projects.
A variety of willow branches are being sold in bundles of 10 for $7.00 a bundle.

Purchase here

Ornamental pussy willow fundraiser to support water conservation efforts in the Lehigh Valley.

Pickup at Lehigh County Extension Office, 4184 Dorney Park Road, between 8-4 pm March 25th.

The Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley is hosting an ornamental pussy willow fundraiser. The willows are propagated in a multi-functional riparian buffer where they help stabilize stream banks and filter runoff. All the proceeds from this fundraiser will be reinvested in green infrastructure projects.

A variety of willow branches are being sold in bundles of 10 for $7.00 a bundle. These willows can be used for decoration OR, if kept wet, they will root and can be planted as live stakes.

May 5th, Tap Talk Aquatic Invasive Species Location TBD

CHECK BACK FOR LOCATION AND REGISTRATION LINK Learn from the Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff about invasive plants and animals in our streams, lakes, ponds and rivers.

Aquatic invasive species are species found outside their natural geographic range that cause ecological or economic harm, or harm to human health. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) can be spread by human activities, including global trade and recreation. Preventing the introduction and spread of AIS should be a top priority in Pennsylvania as the state has more than 84,000 miles of streams, 77 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and many inland lakes, and shares five major watersheds with other states and Canada. In this talk, Pennsylvania Sea Grant will present information on steps boaters, anglers, water gardeners and aquarium owners can take to prevent the introduction and spread of AIS.

Learn from the Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff about invasive plants and animals in our streams, lakes, ponds and rivers

Location to be decided – check back or follow us on Facebook

March 23rd, Tap Talk Snow No! Snow Pollution in Our Watersheds

Join us at Lost Tavern Brewing at 6:00 pm to discuss snow and snow melt as a source of pollution during Tap Talks: Snow No! Snow Pollution in Our Watersheds. Falling and fallen snow can pick up pollutants from the air, and as it melts in the spring it can pick up ground contaminants as well, ultimately transporting it all to our waterways. Spring flooding due to snowmelt is also a concern, and the intensity of these spring floods increase with global climate change.

Learn about snow and its effects on water quality and flooding.

6:00 pm, Lost Tavern Brewing, 782 Main Street, Hellertown, PA

Join us to discuss snow and snow melt as a source of pollution during Tap Talks: Snow No! Snow Pollution in Our Watersheds. Falling and fallen snow can pick up pollutants from the air, and as it melts in the spring it can pick up ground contaminants as well, ultimately transporting it all to our waterways. Spring flooding due to snowmelt is also a concern, and the intensity of these spring floods increase with global climate change.