Join us for a visit to Timber Hill Farm in Paradise Township, a 100-year-old farm protected with a conservation easement, put in place by second-generation owner, Edie Stevens, back in 1999. On this outing, we’ll be exploring and learning about vernal pools – a unique type of wetland habitat that is typically a small, shallow water body. Vernal pools, even in their impermanence, play an important role.
This hike will be led by Environmental Educators, Brittney Coleman and Derek Lederer, from Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center. Brittney is also a BWA Board Member!
This hike is suitable for all ages and abilities but please wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget your water bottle and a light snack!
Directions and details will be emailed to all registrants prior to the day of the hike.
On Conservation Easements:
People throughout Monroe County, if interested, can also protect their land this way. Some landowners have large farms they want to see preserved. Others have land along a stream they want to protect. And there are those who may have forested land they want to manage for timber, maintain for animal and bird habitat, or to provide a family retreat. A conservation easement can work for all of them.
With a conservation easement, a landowner gives or sells development rights to a land trust. They still own the land and can pass it on to heirs — whether to sell or donate the development rights depends on each owner’s circumstances, and often provides tax benefits. The land trust’s job is to protect the land in perpetuity.
For information on conservation easements, contact Pocono Heritage Land Trust via phlt.org or call 570-424-1514. Founded more than 25 years ago, PHLT is a local land trust, the steward of more than 4,000 acres in Monroe County. Wildlands Conservancy holds the easement on Timber Hill Farm. See wildlandspa.org or call 610-965-4397.
