Lehigh Valley Sustainable Lands PartnershipLehigh Valley Sustainable Landscapes Bus Tour 2011

Emmaus Community Park

Pool Wildlife Sanctuary

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Jordan Creek Greenway3.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center5.

Trexler Nature Preserve6.

Penn’s Meadow8.

Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery

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Ironton Rail Trail4.

Thanks to Erin Frederick of Lehigh County Conservation District for the site map (left).

Welcome!This bus tour is brought to you by the Lehigh Valley Sustainable Lands Partnership, a group of local and state government agencies, conservation non-pro�ts and land management professionals interested in educating municipal o�cials, park managers, landscape designers and others about the importance of balancing human land uses with natural resource protection.

Formed in 2007 as part of a larger initiative by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Lehigh Valley group hosted a sustainable parks conference at DeSales University in 2008, developed a brochure on Conservation Industrial Parks in 2010 and held its �rst successful bus tour in Northampton County that same year. The partnership continues to work on a variety of outreach e�orts through the Lehigh Valley Greenways Landscape Initiative.

Other Sustainable Lands Partnerships have formed in south-central Pa. and the Poconos region, and has now expanded to the western part of the state. These groups work in conjunction with DCNR and each other to expand the use of environmentally-friendly land design and maintenance practices throughout the Commonwealth.

Lehigh Valley Sustainable Lands Partnership

Site Hosts

Sherry Acevedo, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage CorridorKate Brandes, Bushkill Stream Conservancy, Nurture Nature FoundationScott Cope, Wildlands ConservancyTim Dugan, DCNR Bureau of ForestryKevin Fister, Wildlands ConservancyErin Frederick, Lehigh County Conservation District, Upper Saucon Township EACSally Just, O�ce of Conservation Science, DCNRRebecca Kennedy, Lehigh County Conservation DistrictDan Kunkle, Lehigh Gap Nature CenterJohn Mauser, Martins Jacoby Watershed AssociationKeri Max�eld, Saucon Creek Watershed Association, Nurture Nature FoundationJessica Sprajcar, O�ce of Conservation Science, DCNRBob Sti�er, Trexler Nature PreserveEmelie Swackhamer, Penn State Cooperative ExtensionBill Sweeney, Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, DCNRJim Wilson, Northampton County Conservation DistrictSandra Yerger, Heritage Conservancy, Lower Saucon Township Council

Emmaus Community ParkRebecca Kennedy, Lehigh County Conservation DistrictJe� Clapper, Public Works Director, Borough of Emmaus

Pool Wildlife SanctuaryScott Cope, Wildlands Conservancy, Chief Program O�cerKevin Fister, Wildlands Conservancy, Outdoor Recreation Manager

Jordan Creek GreenwayScott Cope, Wildlands Conservancy, Chief Program O�cerKevin Fister, Wildlands Conservancy, Outdoor Recreation Manager

Ironton Rail TrailScott Everett, Stewardship & Trail Manager Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage CorridorScott Cope, Wildlands Conservancy, Chief Program O�cer

Lehigh Gap Nature CenterDan Kunkle, Executive Director of LGNC

Trexler Nature PreserveRobert Sti�er, Director of Lehigh County Parks Tim Dugan, DCNR Department of Forestry

Edge of the Woods Native Plant NurseryLouise Schaefer and Susan Tantsits, Proprietors

Penn’s MeadowRebecca Kennedy, Lehigh County Conservation DistrictBill Erdman, Project Manager, Keystone Consulting Engineers

This Lehigh Valley Greenways project was funded in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Growing Greener EnvironmentalStewardship Fund, administered by the D&L NHC Inc.

A very special thank you to Sally Just and Jessica Sprajcar of the DCNR O�ce of Conservation Science, Harrisburg, PA, whose leadership, guidance and organization have been the key to four years of successful projects by the Lehigh Valley Sustainable Lands Partnership.

MAXFIELD DESIGN 2011

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Restoration and Education Leads to Community Support

Emmaus Community ParkBOROUGH OF EMMAUS

This restoration project, on a quarter-mile stretch of stream located in the Borough of Emmaus Community Park, was undertaken to demonstrate a number of objectives. The �rst was to re-grade the steep eroding stream banks and plant a native riparian bu�er. The second objective was to establish �sh habitat improvement structures by installing single and double-log cross vanes and stone de�ectors to narrow the low-�ow channel. A �sh ladder was constructed to deepen the �ow on a section of the concrete that was impossible to remove. This allowed �sh to travel both up and downstream through the channel, and also decreased the warming of the water that �owed over the hot concrete that occurred during the warm summer months.

BEFORE

AFTER

Community Park before the stream bank improvements. Note the erosion and lack of vegetation.

Community Park after the restoration. Note the stabilized banks and abundance of vegetation.

All the project’s successes were due to the excellent relationship between the project partners.

During the project construction, several upstream landowners, who were experiencing similar erosion problems, approached the project partners and requested that their properties be included in the restoration. Through a collaborative e�ort with the borough, excess plant and seed materials were used on these properties, extending the project well over 200 feet. The project was further enhanced by the placement of bird boxes that were made by local Boy Scouts. One of the boxes provided a home for a pair of red- tail hawks that raised two young in the new meadow.

Project Components:• Regrading and stabilizing steeply eroded streambanks• Planting of riparian buffer• Installation of fish habitat improvement structures• Decrease thermal water pollution

• Development of a wildflower meadow• New footbridge and walking trail• Educational signage and brochures• Planting of existing gabion basket “eyesores”• Increased wildlife habitat

Besides the stream improvements, other aspects of the project extended into areas of the park that had rarely been used prior to the improvements. One area of mowed turf grass was converted into a wild�ower meadow for bird watchers, in conjunction with the installation of a new footbridge and walking trail. New fencing to protect the native plantings in the high-use area was installed, along with a series of inter-pretive signage to educate the public on the scope of the project. To compliment the project and enhance its educational value, a series of educational signs and brochures were developed by the Lehigh County Conservation District and the Borough of Emmaus for middle school students who use the park as an outdoor classroom. Each year, all eighth grade students in the district use the facility for the Annual Watershed Awareness Day.

All the project’s successes were due to the excellent relationship between the project partners. Collaborating on this project, in addition to the District and the Borough, were Wildlands Conservancy, Delaware RiverKeeper Network and Pinelands (native plant nursery). From the beginning, the Conservation District provided the Borough with a very clear picture of how the process would unfold, so no aspects came as a surprise. In addition, the project had overwhelming positive public support. The project went as planned, with all the original problems addressed in the intended ways. Stream bank erosion has been eliminated, the native plantings are doing well, and the educational aspects of the project have been very successful in informing the community about the stream and its needs.

BOROUGH OF EMMAUS

This site sponsored by Ernst Conservation Seeds9006 Mercer PikeMeadville, PA 16335Tel.: 914-336-2404Fax: 814-336-5191Web: ernstseed.com

• Development of a wildflower meadow• New footbridge and walking trail• Educational signage and brochures• Planting of existing gabion basket “eyesores”• Increased wildlife habitat

A series of interpretive signage were created to educate the public on the scope of the project.

A very special thank you to Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Cooperative Extension and to

Master Gardeners Judy Krasnicke and Carolyn Lidie for organizing our breakfast this morning.

Gratefully, breakfast was partially provided through a donation from Wegman’s.

Green by Design. Educating by Example.

Pool Wildlife SanctuaryEMMAUS, PA

Open year-round to the public, seven days per week from dawn to dusk, the Sanctuary is also home to many of Wildlands Conservancy’s education programs for children and adults.

• substantially reduces rain water run off• creates a habitat for birds and insects• energy efficient• reduces heating and cooling costs • lasts longer than a traditional shingle roof

Advantages of a Green Roof:

The 77.5-acre Pool Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the banks of the Little Lehigh Creek in Emmaus, Pa. In 1975 Leonard Parker Pool, founder of Air Products and Chemcials, Inc., bequeathed the property to Wildlands Conservancy, a local non-pro�t conservation organization, to serve as a nature preserve for the local commu-nity. The Sanctuary serves as the headquarters for Wildlands Conservancy’s o�ces, including the Environmental Education Center. The grounds also feature a pavilion, a bird blind, an arboretum, ponds, nature trails, a collection of native Pennsylvania trees, deep woods and wild�ower meadow.

In April of 2003 Wildlands Conser-vancy completed construction of its Environmental Education Center. The building was designed with many “green” features including an innovative green or living-roof design-one of the �rst of its kind in the Lehigh Valley. The green roof was designed by American Hydro-tech and was constructed by Tomco. The sedum plugs used for planting were provided by Emory Knoll Farms. Community partners, volun-teers and sta� helped with the planting of the roof.

Pool Wildlife Sanctuary

Six trails, ranging in length from one-tenth to three quarters of a mile, wind through the Sanctuary:

• The Urban Forest Trail passes through an arboretum, part of the Conservancy's urban forest demonstration project • The Woodland Loop Trail features eastern deciduous forest • The Backyard Conservation Trail demonstrates methods to attract wildlife to your back yard• The Pennsylvania Tree Identi�cation Trail highlights bark patterns and other characteristics • Pheasant Run Trail is a popular home for songbirds • Floodplain Trail crosses the Little Lehigh Creek to enter the habitats created by a �ve-year �ood plain

Advantages of a Green Roof:

Animal Ambassadors:

The Pool Wildlife Sanctuary is one of eleven preserves owned and maintained by Wildlands Conservancy. Visitors to the preserve can enjoy various hiking trails and the wildlife that call it home. Wildlands Conservancy hosts many of its environmental education programs at the Sanctuary year-round.

The Environmental Education Center is home to some incredible animals whose physical conditions will not allow their release back into the wild. These amazing animals have taught tens of thousands of students about animal behaviors, introduced beginning birders to avian physiology and have served as advocates for the preservation of all animal species. Through educational outreach, the menagerie animals promote understanding and responsible stewardship of our region.

Some of the animals that have a home at the Environmental Education Center are “Rembrandt,” the Barred Owl, “Ghost,” a female albino kingsnake, “Bramble” the Bearded Dragon and “Stinky” the brown phase skunk, among others.

Recreation and Environmental ProtectionJordan Creek Greenway

City of Allentown, Townships of Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Washington, Weisenberg, and Whitehall.

LynnTownship

HeidelbergTownship

WeisenbergTownship

LowhillTownship

WashingtonTownship

NorthWhitehallTownship

UpperMacungieTownship

SouthWhitehallTownship

LehighTownship

AllenTownship

WhitehallTownship

City ofAllentown

HanoverTownship

East AllenTownship

MooreTownship

NorthamptonBorough

CoplayBorough North

CatasauquaBorough

CatasauquaBorough

SlatingtonBorough

WalnutportBorough

PA Route 309

PA Route 309

PA Route 309

Golden

Key

Road

PA Route

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I -78

US Route 22

MacArthur

Road

OldPost

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LehighDrive

PA

Rout e

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Kings

Highway

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY

BERKS COUNTY

CARBON COUNTY

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Northeast

Extension

Pennsylvania Turnpike

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MAP 2.5

Jordan Creek GreenwayWoodlands & Natural Areas

0 7,000 14,000Feet

Sources;Lehigh Valley Planning Commission - 2008 and PASDA.

Maps prepared by URDC.

Proposed Jordan Creek Greenway Trail

Jordan Creek Watershed

Natural Areas - Bertsch Creek Seep- New York Tunnel- Rextown Quarry Site- Rextown Ponds- Lehigh Furnace Gap- Trout Run Woods- Jordan Valley Marsh- Blue Mountain- Leaser Lake Woods

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10111213141516

- Helfrich Springs Cave- Crackersport Ponds- Jordan Creek Slopes- Trexler Hollow- Clearview Road Riverbank Site- Rockdale Cliffs- Walnutport Canal Site

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Woodlands

The Jordan Creek Greenway and Trail is designed to develop a continuous greenway corridor to connect existing protected open spaces while providing environmental and recreational bene�ts to the community. When completed, the greenway and trail will connect the City of Allentown to the Trexler Nature Preserve and ultimately to the Appalachian Trail by means of a multi-use recreational trail and a protected greenway corridor.

— a continous greenway corridor.

A key regional initiative under the leadership of Wildlands Conservancy, the completion of this project depends upon a collaboration of conservation organizations, government agencies, individuals, local businesses and the following municipalities: City of Allentown, Townships of Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, North Whitehall, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Washing-ton, Weisenberg, and Whitehall.

In 2008, Wildlands Conservancy completed the Jordan Creek GreenwayFeasibility Study and since then has

been working with a steering committee made up of municipal representatives, landowners and government agencies. In 2010, Whitehall Township received grants to complete design and engineer-ing, as well as construction of the �rst section of trail between Allentown’s Jordan Park and Lehigh County’s Jordan Creek Parkway.

Working Together on an Ambitious Plan

The proposed greenway, �nanced through private donations and public funding, will preserve land in numerous townships, protect wildlife habitat, allow for stream-bank restoration work to improve water quality and provide an opportunity for residents to experience nature through an outdoor classroom. The greenway will allow for the protection of high value conservation lands in the Jordan Creek watershed and provide numerous recreational opportunities for the community.

This plan creates a 12.8-mile trail system — linking the Trexler Nature Preserve to South Whitehall's Covered Bridge Park to Allentown's Jordan Creek Meadows Park.

Crackersport Ponds

Helfrich Springs Cave

Jordan Creek Slopes

Trexler HollowLeaser Lake Woods

Blue Mountain Clearview Road Riverbank Site

Transformation from industry to Greenway and Recreation

Ironton Rail TrailWHITEHALL, COPLAY, AND NORTH WHITEHALL

The former Ironton Railroad has been transformed to provide a safe, year-round recreational opportunity for local residents and visitors.

Natural, historic and industrial sites:

• Remnants of a bygone era - a machine shop - a firehouse - a wooden railroad car• Saylor Cement Museum in Coplay• Scenic Lehigh River• Historic Lehigh County Troxell-Steckel House

heads westward forming a unique 5.5-mile loop on itself before running under MacArthur Road (Rt. 145).

The wide, flat, gentle grade of the trail combined with easy access provides an outdoor recreation opportunity for people of all ages and physical abilities. The Ironton Rail-Trail promotes family recreation and improves the quality oflife for local residents.

Here you’ll find open space to enjoy nature, observe wildlife, and increase environmental awareness.

A part of the Rails-to-Trails movement sweeping the nation, the Ironton Rail-Trail was developed by the munici-palities of Whitehall, Coplay, and North Whitehall. This regional spur of the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is one of most popular multi-use trails in the Lehigh Valley.

The 9.2-mile trail follows the Coplay Creek eastward from North Whitehall through the 110-acre Whitehall Parkway to where the Creek flows into the Lehigh River. Here the trail turns north along the river to Coplay where it

The Ironton Railroad began operation on May 24th, 1860 to connect the iron ore mines near Ironton with the Lehigh Valley Railroad. In 1882 the railroad was purchased by the Thomas Iron Works to transport coal, iron ore, and limestone. As the iron industry waned, the Ironton Railroad owed its survival to shipping the products of the local cement mills. The railroad was abandoned in 1984. Purchased in 1996 from Conrail, the Ironton Rail-Trail preserves an important part of Lehigh Valley history.

The IRT Oversight Commission is composed of representatives of the three municipalities responsible for the development and maintenance of the trail. The IRT is made possible through the efforts of many volunteers who contribute time and resources to help develop and maintain the trail.

IRT

Conservation, Education and Research

Lehigh Gap Nature Center (LGNC)SLATINGTON, PA

About half of the land was completely barren and part of the Palmerton Superfund site until 2003 when the Nature Center began re-vegetating the site with native prairie grasses. The refuge includes upland forest, ponds, wetlands, almost 3 miles of Lehigh River edge, and about 400 acres of restored grassland. LGNC supports conservation and research activities at their own refuge and advocates for protection of the Kittatinny Ridge. A schedule of public programs and events at the Nature Center can be found at http://lgnc.org.

LGNC is a privately owned and operated environmental education center and 750-acre wildlife refuge that is open to the public free of charge.

Ecological restoration and re-use of a former Superfund site

Lehigh Gap Nature Center is the only Superfund site in the nation that has been rehabili-tated and turned into an environmental education and community nature center. The typical Superfund site is fenced and guarded with “Danger, Do Not Enter” signs. This Superfund site says “Visitors Welcome.”

Lehigh Gap Nature Center (LGNC) was born in 2003 when the former Wildlife Information Center purchased 750 acres on the Kittatinny Ridge in Lehigh and Carbon counties. While there is some excellent habitat on the refuge (including wetlands and ponds that host River Otters), about 400 acres of the refuge were a barren wasteland of rock and metal contaminated mineral soil, with no topsoil and devoid of life. Using innovative methods and native prairie grasses, LGNC in partner-ship with U.S. EPA and CBS Operations (the responsible party under the Superfund law) re-vegetated the barren lands and createdan environmental education and community nature center.

BEFORE

AFTER

This site sponsored by Alvin H. Butz, Inc.

Invasive Species ManagementSeveral invasive species, especially butter�y bush and tree-of-heaven threaten to take over the grassland. These and other invasive species are managed as part of the restoration process with support form CBS Operations. Integrated Pest Management practices are employed with any herbicide use sprayed or painted directly onto the individual plant using the least toxic kind of herbicide possible.

Green BuildingLGNC’s visitor and education building includes many “green” design features including:• Super-insulated walls and ceilings• Geothermal Heat Pump HVAC and D-superheater water heater• High efficiency lighting with occupancy sensors• State of the art stream discharge sewage treatment system• Reuse of existing building• CollidEscape on windows to prevent bird strikes.• Green construction materials - Hardy board siding (composite made from cement and waste products) - Spray cellulose insulation is recycled newspaper - Low and no VOC paints - Slate from local quarry on lobby �oor - Carpeting with 100% recycled backing and 35% recycled �ber - Dolomite tile in library - Trex composite decking made from wood waste - On-site boulders used in landscaping - Educational habitat gardens with 100% native plants

They also are trying to raise money for a photovoltaic system to generate electricity. With the carbon sequestration going on the grassland and the highly efficient building, a solar array would move the Nature Center toward its goal of a carbon neutral operation.

ALVIN H. BUTZ, INC.CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Habitat Garden Landscaping One of the �rst things visitors to LGNC notice is that there is no mowed grass around the buildings. The grounds are designed as habitat and are planted with 100% native plants. There is also a large pond next to the visitor and education building. Gravel paths meander through the gardens and around the ponds so visitors can enjoy the �owers, butter�ies, hummingbirds, bees, �sh, and frogs in these habitats. No fertilizers and pesticides are employed here, no watering is needed after the plants are established, and the weeding is carried out by LGNC volunteers.

Blue Grosbeak

BEFORE

Trexler Nature PreserveLOWHILL AND NORTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP

General Harry C. Trexler (1854-1933) contributed a great deal to the growth and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley during his lifetime. In 1906, Gen. Trexler began purchasing farms, eventually 36 in all, consisting of 1,108 acres, in the hill country of Lowhill and North Whitehall townships to create a game preserve to protect bison, elk, and white-tailed deer.

This game preserve was transferred to Lehigh County by General Trexler in his 1933 will, and it became the Trexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve. During its early years, The Trexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve was best known as the home of the Zoo.

Today the Trexler Nature Preserve, formerly known as the Trexler-Lehigh County Game Preserve is open daily and o�ers all residents of the Lehigh County a chance to experience nature in one of the most unique settings in Pennsylvania. With over 20 miles of trails open for walking, hiking, and jogging, Mt biking, �shing, picnicking, nature watching, wading in the Jordan creek, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and as of last year, the Trexler Environmental Education Center where you can experience green building and energy Tec knowledge at work.

A unique place — many o�ortuniti�.

Here in the hill country ofNorth Central Lehigh County nests The Trexler Nature Preserve, a remarkable tract of land that o�ers spectacular views, unique recreational opportunities, and a rich history of the region.

“If a trip through my preserve has opened to you a little wider the great outdoors, and nature has revealed something you may not before have seen or known, I shall feel repaid in my e�orts to help conserve in its proper setting some of our wildlife." - General Harry C. Trexler (1854 - 1933)

This site sponsored by Nestle Waters North America.Many thanks to Nestle who also supplied water for today’s event.

Special thanks to Tom Gettings of Wildlands Camservancy for his photographs.

Bringing People and Nature Together…Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery

Native Plants evolved in the area, and are uniquely adapted to the soils and climate. Non-native plants were introduced from other countries or regions.

LOWHILL TOWNSHIP

Responding to a Changing Marketplace:Proprietors Louise Schaefer and Susan Tantsits recognized that many people were seeking a retail source of native plants in the Lehigh Valley. Several organizations were o�ering popular native plant sales each spring, but there was no source for year-round purchase of a wide selection of native plants. Some local nurseries o�ered a select group of native plants, but to use them exclusively in their landscape, a home gardener had to do a lot of research to �gure out which plants o�ered were truly natives. To make it easier for the public and to �ll this need, Schaefer and Tantsits built their business on several guiding principles:

• Offering only plants that are native to the mid-Atlantic region• Maintaining a wide selection of high-quality trees, shrubs, and perennials• Stocking only nursery propagated plants; they do not collect any plants from the wild• Educating their customers about native plants and other conservation issues• Partnering with others in the community to serve as an example of good stewardship

Native Plant Bene�ts:• Are well adapted to local environmental conditions• Often require less water, fertilizer and pest management intervention• Provide familiar sources of food and shelter for wildlife• Contribute to overall health of natural communities • Can provide four seasons of ornamental interest in landscapes

Small Business Development:Economic development is important to sustainable communities. Edge of the Woods has provided much economic stimulus through this business venture by providing jobs for their employees, by purchasing materials and supplies to set up their nursery and sales lot and through the sales and other taxes that have been generated. They have also put 10 acres of preserved farm land into nursery produc-tion and maintain it as green, open space.

LOWHILL TOWNSHIP

Outreach and Educational Mission:Edge of the Woods is using a unique system of informational signs within the nursery to help customers �nd the perfect plant for their goals and needs. These signs include educational information to help the public know suitable uses for speci�c plants and how those plants bene�t wildlife and the environment.

In addition to the education that takes place at the nursery, Schaefer and Tantsits will consult as speakers for community groups, or as personal advisors on your landscape grounds. Many nursery owners consider this kind of consultation to be too time consum-ing to be profitable, but Edge of the Woods knows education is critical to encourage more people to plant natives.

Edge of the Woods is also proud of their unique "Bring Life to Our Landscape Habitat" program. Through this program, community groups can apply for consultation and donations to habitat gardens in public places. Funding is competitive and limited, but this program has helped extend their educational mission in the community, and demonstrates the commitment Edge of the Woods has made to local, sustainable landscapes.

Other native plant sources: for a list of native plant sources in the mid-Atlantic go to:http://www.pawild�ower.org/web-links/4-native-plant-sources http://www.md�ora.org/publications/nurseries.html

www.edgeofthewoodsnursery.com

This site sponsored by Hanover Engineering Associates, Inc.Special thanks to Hanover Engineering Associates for their third year of sponsorship of a LV Sustainable Lands Partnership program!

Naturalized Basin Brings Aesthetic, Ecologic and Economic Gains

Penn’s Meadow

The Penns Meadow’s basin has been re-vegetated entirely with Pennsylvania native plants, grasses, and trees. Among the trees planted are sweet gum, swamp white oak, red maple, and silky dogwood. Several di�erent wild�ower mixes have also been planted. Over the next several years, the meadow areas will become a blaze of color during the spring, summer and fall seasons.   This new,  colorful backdrop is expected to increase values of nearby homes; thus, providing economic bene�t in addition to the many environmental boons.  The township will also save money on fuel and sta� time by greatly minimizing the amount of area needed to be frequently mowed.

LOWER MACUNGIE TOWNSHIP

Over the next several years, the meadow areas will become a

blaze of color during the spring, summer and fall

seasons.

This site sponsored by Keystone Consulting Engineers, Inc.

BEFORE

AFTER

Lower Macungie Township, Keystone Engineer-ing, and the Lehigh County Conservation District transformed an existing 8-acre mowed stormwater basin in the Penn’s Meadows Subdivision into a naturalized area designed to boost aesthetics and provide ecological bene�ts.  The completed project contains trails meandering through wild�ower meadows, woodland areas, and wetlands; as the vegeta-tion grows, a young forest will become estab-lished in the upper portion of the basin, while the lower portion contains wetlands and a permanent pond.  The pond and wetlands create critical habitat for amphibians and birds while protecting the water quality of the Little Lehigh Creek, the drinking water source for the City of Allentown.

This project was funded by a $100,000 grant from Pennvest, matched by signi�cant contribu-tions from Keystone Engineering, Lower Macungie Township, and Hilltop Excavating.