Interactive Birding Trail to Open at Long Pond Barrens owned by The Nature Conservancy, Monroe

Press release by The Nature Conservancy on 29 May 2025

Long Pond Barrens Birding | Discover the incredible variety of bird species and their unique habitats in the Poconos, made possible through TNC’s conservation efforts. © Katherine Rosenberger

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Pennsylvania announced on May 29th the opening of a new birding trail—the Long Pond Barrens Birding Trail—within its Long Pond Preserve complex in Monroe County. The trail will debut on National Trails Day, June 7, with a free grand opening event that is open to the public.

Two of this trail’s standout features are its interactive audio tour and its community science integration.

Long Pond Barrens | A view of the Long Pond Barrens in fall © Melisa Soysal/TNC

At 10 stations along the trail, visitors can scan QR codes that launch audio recordings about different bird species, bird identification tips, and their habitat use. Trail-goers are also prompted to use the Merlin Bird ID app to record and identify the birds they are witnessing in real-time, and the eBird app to help TNC collect data on the many bird species that frequent the preserve over time. By sharing the collected data on eBird, visitors provide critical information that will guide future conservation efforts.

Dynamic forests like those found at TNC’s Long Pond Barrens are critical for protecting biodiversity, ensuring clean water, providing carbon storage and offering recreational opportunities. – Lori Brennan, Executive Direction, TNC PA/DE

“We are thrilled to bring this interactive birding trail to the community to both educate and engage visitors in meaningful ways,” said Lori Brennan, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The Long Pond Barrens is a vibrant haven for diverse plant and animal life, thanks to TNC’s active stewardship and land management efforts, such as controlled burns, which play a crucial role in improving wildlife habitat and forest health.

Prescribed burn | Prescribed burns are a proven way to restore our forests by improving habitats for native plants and animals and reducing the risk of out-of-control wildfires. © Natasha Whetzel/TNC

New Growth | New growth emerges at the previous site of a prescribed fire. © Melisa Soysal/TNC

The new birding trail is nestled in a unique mesic till barrens habitat, home to many rare plants and animals. Birds featured at the stations along the trail include the Common yellowthroat, Hermit thrush, Chestnut-sided warbler, and Scarlet tanager, among others.

In addition to the Long Pond Barrens, TNC’s Long Pond Preserve complex includes the Hauser Nature Center and Cathy’s Trail with a Universal Access Trail. Long Pond Preserve was recently named the Philadelphia region’s Best Day Trip by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2025 Philly Favorites awards.

The grand opening event will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with TNC staff providing guided tours of the new trail. Registration is encouraged.

TNC’s Long Pond Preserve is open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.