ABOUT US
Countryside Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust committed to protecting and connecting greenspace in and near the Tunkhannock Creek watershed for the public benefit, now and for future generations.
Countryside Conservancy is a member of the Land Trust Alliance and of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association. Countryside Conservancy is also an accredited land trust through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Countryside Conservancy was established in 1994 by citizens concerned about the loss of distinctive features in our regional landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania. Our non-profit organization works within Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties to preserve lands through cooperative agreements with landowners and through direct acquisition with funding from both public and private resources.
Permanent Protection
To date, the Conservancy has permanently protected nearly 1,500 acres of lands and waters in northeast Pennsylvania. Some lands have been protected through a private agreement with landowners, others through acquisition and ownership by the Conservancy. Lands owned by the Conservancy are open for public education and recreation.
The Conservancy is also working to turn the right-of-way of the former Northern Electric Trolley in Lackawanna and Wyoming counties into a non-motorized recreational trail.
Our Staff
Bill Kern
Executive Director
Executive Director since 2010, he holds a BA in Biology from Ithaca College and an MA in Environmental Studies from Brown University. Prior to joining the Conservancy, he worked for Green Energy Outreach Services (GEOS), a public relations and grassroots organizing firm specializing in the renewable energy industry. As a native of Wyoming County, he enjoys mountain biking, camping and hiking with his wife, Nora, and their dog, F. Spott Fitzgerald.
CHERYL ELLSWORTH
TRAIL COORDINATOR
Cheryl became the Conservancy’s first employee in 1999. She holds an MS in Human Services Administration with extensive administrative experience in non-profit organizations. She has served as project manager for trail improvement projects, feasibility studies, urban forestry projects and greenway planning, and is now leading the Conservancy’s Trolley Trail team. Cheryl resides in Wyoming County with her husband and son.
SHANNON CANTNER
OFFICE MANAGER
A Luzerne County native, Shannon joined the Countryside Conservancy with a strong background in office administration and a great deal of energy and enthusiasm for environmental conservation. When time permits her to be away from her office responsibilities, Shannon can be found spending time in the great outdoors enjoying life to the fullest. Shannon, an active Mom of three children, currently resides in the Clarks Summit area with her family.
Board of Directors
Countryside Conservancy’s Board of Directors is a hard-working, all-volunteer body that carries much of the organization’s workload. Our serving Board members are:
President:
Bill Booth
Bill Booth
Vice President:
Andrew Bell
Treasurer:
Mike Williamson
Secretary:
Kate Crowley
Pat Acker
Bonnie Alco
Kathy Aubrey
Dorrance Belin
Will Chamberlin
Jim Dougherty
Kathleen Graff
Melissa Kirtley
Kim Kost Scanlon
Gretchen Ludders
Matt Mackie
Abby Peck
Elaine Shepard
Bill Tersteeg
Michelle Tierney
Jim Vipond
Countryside Conservancy
We work to keep green spaces green in northeast PA!
We were saddened to learn today of the recent passing of Mr. Don Wydeen, formerly of Dalton. I got to experience his generosity and community mindedness firsthand when back in 2013, the plans for the Trolley Trail came to a screeching halt before we could connect into Dalton. We were ONE property short from bringing the Trolley Trail all the way from Clarks Summit into Dalton when Don and his wife Tina came to the rescue. They graciously allowed the Conservancy to have an easement along the edge of their property in order to get trail users out to South Turnpike Road and continue on to Dalton. This alternate route would require a 240-ft. raised boardwalk through wetlands and Don didn't bat an eye. He saw the potential benefit of the Trolley Trail to the community, and he understood the importance of completing the connection into Dalton. Don put the community before himself and took the chance on an unknown brand new trail. The resulting boardwalk has become one of the most popular features along the Trolley Trail and lets trail users experience the unique wetland ecosystem from above. We don't take landowner generosity lightly especially when it comes to allowing public access, but Don's belief in the Trail and the Conservancy will have a lasting impact on the community for generations of residents. From all of us here at the Conservancy, our condolences to his family and please think about him the next time you walk or ride the boardwalk.
Have you gone for a walk lately? The Countryside Conservancy Trolley Trail was recently enjoyed by community members for a Winter Nature Walk. On Feb. 15, beginning at Church of the Epiphany in Glenburn, walkers were guided down a portion of the Trolley T
Countryside Conservancy continues to put one foot in front of the other
Have you gone for a walk lately? The Countryside Conservancy Trolley Trail was recently enjoyed by community members for a Winter Nature Walk. On Feb. 15, beginning at Church of the Epiphany in Glenburn, walkers were guided down a portion of the Trolley T
abingtonsuburban.com
Photos from Countryside Conservancy's post
Countryside Conservancy Trolley Trail
Looking like a perfect weekend to hit the Trolley Trail and thanks to Eric Simakaski and Troop 251, you can fine-tune your bike during your ride!
Photo credit: Abington Journal & Brad Smith
Photo credit: Abington Journal & Brad Smith
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