Trash Clean-up at Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain

Volunteers help remove tires from the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve. Photo © Molly T. Anderson/TNC

Date:
Sunday, December 20, 2009

Time:
9:00 am

Overview:
Located in Lackawanna and Wayne counties, Moosic Mountain provides sweeping views of Pennsylvania’s northeastern corner and represents one of the best locations in the state for ridge-top heath barrens. Contrary to its name, the Moosic Mountain “barrens” comprise a healthy mosaic of stunted pine and oak forest dominated by huckleberry, blueberry and other low-lying shrubs that attract a broad array of birds, butterflies and moths – including the globally rare sallow moth and barrens buckmoth.

Because of its location on a cool, windy mountain ridge, the wildlife inhabiting Moosic Mountain has not been as well documented as other natural areas in Pennsylvania. However, the area has not remained immune to the development pressures and lack of fire that has led to a decline in these unique habitats across the state.

In 2001, The Nature Conservancy purchased 1,200 acres in the heart of the Moosic Mountain that were
slated to become a business park. With support from the state of Pennsylvania, the business park was
relocated to a former industrial site located along the Susquehanna River. Not only did this redevelopment project protect sensitive habitat on this unspoiled mountaintop, it contributed to cleaner waters that feed into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This “public-private partnership” also created 5,000 jobs. Today the Conservancy works with state government and local partners to foster compatible uses and a sense of ownership among bird watchers, sportsmen and other community groups interested in protecting Moosic Mountain’s ecological resources.

The objective of this workday will be to remove trash along the dirt trails on the newly acquired part of the preserve.

Suggestions:
Wear boots suitable for walking over uneven and wet terrain. Leather gloves will also be
useful. Additional supplies will be provided. Snacks and water will also be provided. At this time of the year, it’s always best to dress warm and in layers. Please note there are no restroom facilities at this preserve.

Registration:
Please let us know if you plan to come so we know to expect you and can update you on any last minute changes. Contact Molly Anderson at molly_anderson@tnc.org or at (717) 232-6001, extension 117. If you need to reach someone on the day of the workday, please call Molly Anderson on her cell phone at (717) 418-9518.

Directions:
From I-81, take exit #187 for Carbondale/Route 6. Once on Route 6, go just over four miles and take Exit #3 for Jessup. Travel south on Moosic Lake Road/Route 247 for about two miles and the entrance to the parking area will be on your left. For directions from alternative routes, please contact Molly Anderson at (717) 232-6001, extension 117 or molly_anderson@tnc.org.

*For more volunteering opportunities in Pennsylvania, please check out our full workday schedule.