Appalachian Trail Community Conservation Collaborative Cohort

The Berks and Schuylkill Land and Water Collaborative represent a group of dedicated local leaders and conservationists, working together to protect the natural beauty of the Tulpehocken and Maiden Creek basins. To accomplish this goal, the team has brought together environmentalists, watershed experts, local government representatives, and community members to ensure the region’s land and water remain healthy and accessible for everyone.

Their work focuses on preserving vital resources, expanding access to outdoor recreation, building lasting resiliency against natural challenges, and fostering a stronger sense of community where residents can safely connect with nature in a landscape built to thrive for generations.

Appalachian Trail Museum, Boiling Springs, PA.

As one of the fastest-growing areas in Pennsylvania, Boiling Springs and South Middleton Township are working diligently to protect important scenic landscapes like the Mountain Creek and Yellow Breeches corridors. A team comprised of local government staff, cultural resource specialists, and conservation partners like Capital RC&D, are working together to balance rapid development with environmental sustainability and stewardship.

By preserving these natural resources and expanding recreation access, the team is ensuring that despite local development, the community remains a resilient place where people can enjoy the outdoors for years to come.

Hawk Rock overlook

Duncannon is a small river town with a big heart, located right at the convergence of the Susquehanna River and the Appalachian Trail. The town is well known for being a welcoming stop for hikers and a proud home for locals, as it blends outdoor recreation, rich history, and small-town charm.

With such a strong connection to its natural environment, the Duncannon team are focused on preserving their landscapes, improving access to the outdoors, and strengthening local identity and pride – to create a space where residents and visitors both can feel at home.

Photo via Port Clinton community team.

The Borough of Port Clinton sits at the convergence of the Schuylkill and Little Schuylkill Rivers, surrounded by a scenic water gap and connected to regional trails like the Appalachian Trail, the Schuylkill River Trail, and the Water Trail.

Shaped by the river and nearby hills, the community is deeply invested in caring for its natural resources, improving access to the river, and preparing for future flooding challenges. The Port Clinton team also hopes to improve resident-visitor relationships and instill a more Trail-friendly culture throughout the community.

Dykeman Manor House

Shippensburg is located in south-central Pennsylvania, at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Local officials, university partners, and conservation advocates are working together to create a Greenway Connector that will extend from the town center through Dykeman Spring Nature Park and ultimately toward Furnace Run. This initiative represents a critical first step toward a broader vision: a continuous greenway linking Michaux and Tuscarora State Forests.

United by a deep appreciation for the area’s natural assets and a commitment to sustainable economic growth, the project partners aim to expand outdoor recreation opportunities while strengthening the community pride that defines Shippensburg.

Cherry Valley at Glen Run Preserve. Photo via Stroud community team.

Stroud Township, located in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, sits among the rolling hills and scenic natural areas long the Pocono Creek. The Township is home to significant natural resources, including the Appalachian Trail, Kittatinny Ridge, and Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

RWith representation from the Township, the Township Planning Commission, and the Pocono Heritage Land Trust, partners are working collaboratively to protect and enhance these assets while informing and educating the broader community about trails, open space, and the regions natural heritage.