Press launch by The Nature Conservancy on 29 Could 2025
Lengthy Pond Barrens Birding | Uncover the unbelievable number of fowl species and their distinctive habitats within the Poconos, made doable by means of TNC’s conservation efforts. © Katherine Rosenberger
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Pennsylvania introduced on Could twenty ninth the opening of a brand new birding path—the Lengthy Pond Barrens Birding Path—inside its Lengthy Pond Protect advanced in Monroe County. The path will debut on Nationwide Trails Day, June 7, with a free grand opening occasion that’s open to the general public.
Two of this path’s standout options are its interactive audio tour and its group science integration.
Lengthy Pond Barrens | A view of the Lengthy Pond Barrens in fall © Melisa Soysal/TNC
At 10 stations alongside the path, guests can scan QR codes that launch audio recordings about completely different fowl species, fowl identification suggestions, and their habitat use. Path-goers are additionally prompted to make use of the Merlin Chook ID app to report and determine the birds they’re witnessing in real-time, and the eBird app to assist TNC acquire knowledge on the numerous fowl species that frequent the protect over time. By sharing the collected knowledge on eBird, guests present vital info that may information future conservation efforts.
Dynamic forests like these discovered at TNC’s Lengthy Pond Barrens are vital for shielding biodiversity, making certain clear water, offering carbon storage and providing leisure alternatives. – Lori Brennan, Government Course, TNC PA/DE
“We’re thrilled to convey this interactive birding path to the group to each educate and interact guests in significant methods,” stated Lori Brennan, Government Director of The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
The Lengthy Pond Barrens is a vibrant haven for numerous plant and animal life, because of TNC’s energetic stewardship and land administration efforts, comparable to managed burns, which play an important function in bettering wildlife habitat and forest well being.
Prescribed burn | Prescribed burns are a confirmed option to restore our forests by bettering habitats for native vegetation and animals and decreasing the chance of out-of-control wildfires. © Natasha Whetzel/TNC
New Development | New development emerges on the earlier website of a prescribed hearth. © Melisa Soysal/TNC
The brand new birding path is nestled in a singular mesic until barrens habitat, residence to many uncommon vegetation and animals. Birds featured on the stations alongside the path embrace the Frequent yellowthroat, Hermit thrush, Chestnut-sided warbler, and Scarlet tanager, amongst others.
Along with the Lengthy Pond Barrens, TNC’s Lengthy Pond Protect advanced consists of the Hauser Nature Middle and Cathy’s Path with a Common Entry Path. Lengthy Pond Protect was not too long ago named the Philadelphia area’s Greatest Day Journey by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2025 Philly Favorites awards.
The grand opening occasion will happen on Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with TNC workers offering guided excursions of the brand new path. Registration is inspired.
TNC’s Lengthy Pond Protect is open to the general public 12 months a yr from dawn to sundown.
About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a world conservation group devoted to conserving the lands and waters on which all life relies upon. Guided by science, we create modern, on-the-ground options to our world’s hardest challenges in order that nature and folks can thrive collectively. We’re tackling local weather change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, offering meals and water sustainably and serving to make cities extra sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a long-lasting distinction all over the world in 81 international locations and territories (40 by direct conservation impression and 41 by means of companions) by means of a collaborative strategy that engages native communities, governments, the non-public sector, and different companions.
