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The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Home Contact How We Work Places We Protect News Room Upcoming Events Volunteer Ways of Giving |
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Cherry Valley © Harold Malde DirectionsProperties in Cherry Valley are not open to the public due to the fragile nature of the habitat. Contact the Conservancy’s office in Long Pond in inquire about visiting the area. ContactThe Nature Conservancy |
Cherry Creek meanders through woodlands and pastures, carving a path through a rural landscape before emptying into the Delaware River. Along the way, the creek hugs the Kittatiny Ridge, which represents a globally important flyway for birds of prey, including bald eagles and broad-wing hawks. During autumn, visitors hike the Appalachian Trail to Wolf Rocks or another scenic vista to witness the raptors and numerous neo-tropical migratory birds during their annual migration.
The Cherry Valley area also harbors several federally endangered species, including northeastern bulrush and dwarf wedge mussel. It may even contain the best existing habitat for the small whorled pogonia, a rare orchid with a historic range spanning from the Midwest into Canada.
While several generations of local landowners have thoughtfully cared for Cherry Valley’s clean water and natural resources, their efforts have not been able to keep up with the rapid pace of development in Monroe County. In order to attract the resources needed to conserve Cherry Valley, The Nature Conservancy joined a consortium of local organizations and landowners organized by the Friends of Cherry Valley to establish a national wildlife refuge that would protect this critical wildlife corridor. With community backing, members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation introduced legislation mandating an assessment of Cherry Valley properties for potential inclusion the nation’s system of national wildlife refuges. If passed, the federal government could move forward in acquiring land and easements—from willing sellers—to establish Pennsylvania’s third national wildlife refuge.
Size: 30,000 acres
Location: Monroe County, one mile from the town of Stroudsburg
What You’ll See
Hillside seeps and limestone fens. Bat hibernaculum. Raptors, including bald eagles, osprey and broad-wing hawks. Breeding population of cerulean warblers and other neo-tropical migratory birds. Federally endangered northeastern bulrush and dwarf wedge mussel. State endangered grass-of-Parnassus. Small whorled pogonia. American eels.
Threats
Residential development and non-native vegetation, including purple loosestrife and phragmites.
Action
Supporting local efforts to gain passage of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge study. Pursuing additional land acquisition opportunities to expand the project and establish a wildlife corridor that links the area to nearby protected areas.
Milestones
Protection of 2,000 contiguous acres through the purchase of land or conservation easements. Completion of a biological inventory of plants and animals.
Partners
Friends of Cherry Valley, Monroe County Conservation District, Monroe County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, Pocono Heritage Land Trust, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Brodhead Watershed Association, local municipalities
Things To Do
Take a scenic drive from the Delaware Water Gap to Saylorsburg. Hike to Wolf Rocks, a renowned segment of the Appalachian Trail. Pursue additional recreational pastimes including golfing, horseback riding, hunting and fishing.
