Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape 2023 Mini-Grant Awards
Appalachian Mountain Club
SHCL Grant: $2,287
Project Total: $4,574
AMC coordinated with Quakertown Borough and their Parks Sustainability Coordinator to purchase a bike rack, bike repair station, and bench at Cedar Grove Park on Roan Tree Drive in Quakertown, PA, a location west of the Highlands Trail in Pennsylvania. This enhances the park amenities further connecting residents to their local parks, green spaces, and trails. Cedar Grove Park is undergoing renovations, focused on community connections and becoming a green and sustainable park.
National Audubon Society
SHCL Grant: $2,200
Project Total: $4,400
A riparian buffer along 1600’ of the Perkiomen Creek was created. The project will reduce bank erosion and sediment transport and protect downstream drinking water intakes. The planting plan includes 678 trees and 1,050 live stakes.
Three hundred restoration size trees were planted with fencing to protect them from deer browse, and mulch rings were secured with landscape staples at the base of each tree. Before the planting day, staff prepared the planting area by mowing, removing invasives, auguring tree holes and receiving and staging the trees by their respective augured holes. This installation was done along approximately 800 LF of the project area. Native tree species installed include Tulip Poplar and River Birch. The riparian buffer was planted at a density of 1 tree/225 square feet. Additionally, 300 seedlings were planted; species planted were Black Willow, Buttonbush, River Birch, Sandbar Willow, Silky Dogwood and Willow, Smooth Alder, and Spicebush. The installation was completed with the help of 65 volunteers from the community and Villanova University over six hours. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Resource Conservation and Development Conservation Planting Trailer was also utilized as part of this installation.
Birdsboro Borough Parks and Recreation
SHCL Grant: $500
Project Total: $1,000
The proceeds from this grant were used to construct twelve picnic tables for Pavilion #1 at Birdsboro’s Rustic Park.
Bucks County Parks and Recreation
SHCL Grant: $7,500
Project Total: $14,000
This project continued a decade plus collaboration with Bucks County Conservation District to control invasive European Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) in Lake Towhee. The conditions at the lake have turned around, providing improved habitat and water access for recreational users. By managing the population of reproducing plants, decreased export of nutlets downstream offers Lake Nockamixon a modest, but improving, level of protection from infestation.
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust
SHCL Grant: $15,000
Project Total: $30,000
CRPT Installed an eco-friendly living wall ramp, the project created a crucial ADA-compliant access path into the newly restored Glasgow Grove. Connecting the public to the Manatawny Creek, the Grove was revitalized in response to a need for formal outdoor event space identified in the “Plan for Compatible Economic Development of the Middle Schuylkill.” The deliverable was the construction of a Grow Wall ramp and path to provide access into Glasgow Grove and Manatawny Creek, including drip irrigation system and electric for pathway lighting. We were able to utilize reclaimed brick pavers in the project.
French and Pickering Conservation Trust
SHCL Grant: $7,215
Project Total: $14,430
French & Pickering developed, equipped, and launched its inaugural Conservation Corps. The conservation Corps will assist with stewardship activities at French & Pickering’s Bentley and Templin Woods preserves, as well as smaller fee-owned parcels.
French & Pickering developed an application and training framework and solicited applications to participate. A group of 12 volunteers were selected and received Initial training at the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve. Training topics included common plant ID, both native and invasive, tree planting, stewardship, trail construction and safe use of both hand-held and power equipment. This grant also enabled the purchase of a complement of handheld and power equipment for use in field, as well as safety supplies and first aid.
Green Allies Arboretum Edible Plant Forest Trail Project
SHCL Grant: $3,500
Project Total: $7,000
We formed a student-led planning team for the trail and tree locations. A map was created to guide the work. Numerous volunteers helped the students remove limbs and clear the area. Everything was accomplished through our teams of both student and adult volunteers, guided by the trained student leaders. The groups were able to complete the planting of the trees and shrubs, add a herbaceous layer and complete the following: Constructed the 210-foot-long trail; Connect the trail to two other popular trails for more visitor access; planted over 40 native fruit and nut-bearing trees and shrubs, added native edible ground cover to several areas; a bench and trellis; and created and posted signs identifying the trees and shrubs.
Our Town Foundation
SHCL Grant: $3,380
Project Total: $6,760
The Historic Hamburg PA Visitors Guide was updated, and 12,000 copies were reprinted. They are distributed throughout the region including PA Welcome Centers, Visitor’s Bureau offices, tourist attractions, hospitality sites throughout the region, and local businesses. They are also placed in brochure holders located at several Hamburg trailheads to entice trail users to walk into the historic downtown to grab a bite to eat and visit the local shops; thereby increasing the economic vitality of the community.
The guide provides extensive information on the area to entice visitors to extend a potential day trip into a multi-day visit. The guide also serves as a tool to educate and connect residents to all the natural, cultural, scenic, and outdoor recreational resources available locally to them.
Rodale Institute
SHCL Grant: $3,968
Project Total: $7,936
The new Rodale Institute signage is larger and more modern, replacing a smaller sign in disrepair. Because of its size, this new sign helps visitors find the main office more easily. Rodale Institute’s main office is the heart of our farm, a hub where visitors and guests begin their exploration of our nearly 400-acre facility in Berks County open to the public as a destination for inspiration. Whether it’s learning about the longest running side-by-side trial of conventional and organic agriculture or simply walking in our organic apple orchard, the campus holds boundless opportunities for guests to interact and learn in the outdoors.
Schuylkill River Greenway Sojourn Mentee Program
SHCL Grant: $2,500
Project Total: $5,000
In 2023, the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape mini grant program funded the opportunity for over twenty young people to experience the Sojourn firsthand. We hosted youth on three different days of the Sojourn from three different local community groups. Funding paid for the kayak rental and safety equipment for each participant, a Sojourn t-shirt, water bottles, day bags, and on river water cannons.
On Tuesday, we partnered with Star City Boxing from Reading, PA. Star City Boxing paddled with us from Gibraltar to Pottstown – a total of 14 miles. They participated in our lunch time program presenting to the group on their mission and the role they play for young people in Reading. Star City Boxing had a great time on the river and expressed interest in coming again next year for the 2024 Sojourn.
On Wednesday, we hosted a group of young people from the Pottstown YWCA. They paddled with us from Pottstown to Mont Clare – a total of 17 miles. This group did a great job managing a cooler and damp day on the river but had a great day nonetheless.
Valley Forge National Historical Site
SHCL Grant: $15,000
Project Total: $30,000
The Maurice Stephens House on the Grand Parade of the Valley Forge National Historical Park will serve as the Valley Forge Park Alliance’s new headquarters. A large part of the property’s historic reuse is protecting the area’s substantial native biodiversity.
Denver Borough
SHCL Grant: $10,750
Project Total: $21,500
The borough installed 900 feet of a park trail with a surveillance system. This was installed on a new trail in the Denver Park Annex Greenway. Cameras were installed on light poles and the barn for user safety and monitoring videos.
West Nantmeal Township Park Trail
SHCL Grant: $11,500
Project Total: $23,000
A new walking trail was extended to an existing trail for over 400 feet with two park benches.