Wildlands Conservancy Celebrates Grand Opening of 187-acre Black River Sanctuary

Press release shared by Wildlands Conservancy on October 23, 2024. Photos and text courtesy of Wildlands Conservancy.

Over 100 individuals gathered to watch scissors cut ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of the Lehigh Valley’s newest nature preserve, Black River Sanctuary, 187 acres situated in Salisbury and Saucon Townships.

“At a time when our region is losing our open space at an alarming rate of more than 2,000 acres a year, Black River Sanctuary stands protected forever because every day citizens decided it was an important, special place” says Christopher Kocher, president of Wildlands Conservancy. “It’s the counterweight we need to ensure everyone in the Lehigh Valley can experience nature nearby.”

Corporate and community groups, elected officials, and members of our giving community, including leadership supporter PPL Foundation, joined us to celebrate the grand opening with special remarks and a guided hiking tour of the preserve.

“At PPL, we are creating the utilities of the future while ensuring we keep energy affordable and reliable for our customers. We’re also focused on supporting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities through partnerships with nonprofits throughout the communities we serve,” says Lissette Santana, president of the PPL Foundation. “The PPL Foundation is proud to partner with the Wildlands to create the Black River Sanctuary, which will serve as a living classroom for students throughout the Lehigh Valley, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students and engaging a new generation in conservation of the environment.”

The 187-acre nature preserve is a convenient retreat for community members living in Allentown and Bethlehem. It offers 7 different trails, totaling more than 3 miles that are now open for hiking, biking, birding, or simply getting outdoors.

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Wildlands acknowledges the support of its giving community, especially the John A. and Margaret Post Foundation, Lehigh Valley Road Runners, PPL Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Rotary Club of Allentown, TC Energy, and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, along with private donations, for making Black River Sanctuary a public nature preserve.

Media Contact: Megan Sciarrino, Director of Communications ([email protected])