Delaware Highlands Conservancy's Exciting Spring!

What a spring for the whole Conservancy community!  We have great news to share with you.

Conservancy Founder Receives Prestigious Environmental Award

At this year's annual conference for the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA), the Conservancy's inspirational founder and all-around wonderful person,  Barbara Yeaman, was awarded PALTA's Lifetime Conservation Achievement award.  Barbara founded the Conservancy in 1995 at the age of 70.  Her own 12 acre property on the Delaware River was the Conservancy's first property protected with a conservation easement.  Barbara has been an integral part of the Conservancy's efforts to protect over 13,000 acres to date.

"I don't think there's been anyone more self-effacing and effective,"stated Greg Belcamino, Conservancy Board President, before PALTA Executive Director Andy Loza presented Barbara her award. "Those who know her work in land conservation," Greg continued, "have nothing but admiration for her commitment to the cause and nothing but astonishment for the time and energy that she's put into it."

Barbara thanked her family and fellow conservationists in the community as well as the Conservancy's members, volunteers, board, and staff, noting that "no one works alone." Highlighting the uniqueness of this region she has worked so hard to protect, Barbara stated, "One of the most satisfying rewards is the sense of awe and gratitude that comes from seeing the natural beauty and

unspoiled views that still exist along the Upper Delaware River.

Read the Conservancy’s complete Press Release for Barbara’s award, the inspiring story about Barbara’s life produced by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Alliance, and be sure to check our Facebook page for an album of photos from the event. See Sandy Long's River Reporter article on Barbara's award here.

Another Gala Success

The Conservancy's 5th annual Foods of the Delaware Highlands Dinner on April 28th celebrated the "Perfect Partnership" between the Delaware Highlands Conservancy and the Eagle Institute.This year's dinner was the our most successful to date. The dinner raised significant funds to contribute to the Conservancy's continued success in working with landowners and communities to protect healthy lands -- including important eagle habitat -- and clean waters, to support locally sustainable economies, and to sustain our rural quality of life in the Upper Delaware River region.

The popular event, held at the Settlers Inn in Hawley, featured a four-course farm-to-table dinnerand wine tasting followed by an exciting live auction.  This year's dinner also included a silent auction celebrating the generous bounty of our local businesses and products.
 

The Conservancy thanks everyone in  our community who made this dinner such a tremendous success.

Read the Conservancy’s complete Press Release for the event and check out our Facebook page to see our photo album from the Gala.

Conservancy Cuts the Ribbon on New York Office

The Conservancy's new New York office is officially open for business!  Located on the beautiful - and protected -  119 acre farm of Conservancy member Lou Barr, the new office space will be the site of exciting programs and initiatives including a teaching garden and orchard scheduled for planting in the spring of 2013. 
 

Keep an eye on our website, give us a call, or stop by.  There's great stuff going on at the Conservancy, and we hope you'll be a part of it.

Conservancy President, Greg Belcamino, flanked by Sullivan County Legislature Chair, Scott Samuelson (left) and Bethel Township Supervisor, Dan Sturm, cuts the ribbon on the new New York office. Also pictured from left to right, member Greg Schwartz and son, Simon, Conservancy Executive Director, Sue Currier, and Stewardship Coordinator, Amanda Subjin with son, Zebbin. Photo by Heron's Eye Communications.