Years ago, Louise Troutman received a letter in the mail from Pocono Heritage Land Trust (PHLT). They were trying to preserve a piece of property near her home in Monroe County, and they were asking for donations.

Troutman had never heard of PHLT, but she definitely knew the place they were talking about. Everyone in the neighborhood was concerned about it.

“It was a 400-acre piece of property in the middle of other developed areas, and we knew it was just a matter of time before someone went in there and turned it into residential housing,” Troutman remembered. “When we got the letter, I was like, ‘This is so awesome that there’s an organization that’s doing this.’”

She sent in a donation and soon started to volunteer. By 2005, the nonprofit was able to purchase the property and turn it into the Kurmes Paradise Creek Nature Preserve, which is home to two hiking trails.

“It’s an amazing story,” Troutman said. “The person who sold it to the land trust sold it for $800,000 less than the asking price because they would have paid that much in taxes on the property. It was an inheritance situation.”

But the work didn’t stop there. The Kurmes Preserve is just one of the many properties under the care of PHLT. Between their nature preserves and conservation easements, they protect more than 5,000 acres of land.

And the work didn’t stop for Louise either. Volunteering led to seven years on the board. And when the Executive Director position came up in 2018, she leapt at the chance to turn conservation into her career. We sat down to learn more about PHLT’s history, their latest projects and the future of conservation in the Poconos.

A Grassroots Effort to Preserve the Poconos

PHLT works with landowners and local government to conserve Monroe County’s iconic landscapes

PHLT started when a group of Monroe County conservationists realized that the Poconos needed to be protected. The lush forests, crystal-clear streams and rolling mountains were what made the area so special—after all, the natural beauty is what drew tourists to the area for over a century. Yet, these local projects simply weren’t big enough to grab the attention of the national conservation groups. So in 1984, they decided to take matters into their own hands and start PHLT.

As a land trust, the organization works together with landowners and local government. Sometimes, PHLT acquires ownership of the land through a donation or purchase. In other instances, they work with a landowner to form a conservation easement, a voluntary legal agreement to keep the area from being developed.

Mother Nature isn’t the only one that benefits. These conservation efforts improve the quality of life for everyone, whether you live in the Poconos full-time or just come to visit. The protected lands keep our drinking water clean, our forests healthy and our natural resources thriving for generations to come. Not to mention, public preserves provide a much-needed space to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and take in the views.

“As the county population continues to grow, we need more open space,” explained Troutman. “New people are coming in. Those new people and all the other existing people need a place to get outside, recreate in nature and get some solace.”

Explore the Outdoors

PHLT currently has 10 nature preserves that are open to the public

One of PHLT’s most popular preserves is the Fieldstone Farm Tank Creek Nature Preserve in Cresco. The 52-acre property is home to rustic meadows, serene forests and bubbling springs. There’s also a pond, where you can usually spot their resident beaver working on his dam.

“If you take the loop trail about a mile, it goes right along Tank Creek, so it’s really picturesque and pretty,” suggested Troutman, who hits up Fieldstone Farm regularly with her dogs.

But the biggest draw is the stone farmhouse, which was originally built in the 1910s. The ruins rise up out of the forest, just waiting to be discovered by curious hikers.

The Glen Run Nature Preserve in Stroudsburg is another local favorite, especially for mountain biking. The Pocono Bike Club helps maintain four miles of singletrack trails. The switchbacks and steep hills make it an awesome spot for enduro riding. Hikers can also hit the trails for incredible views over Cherry Valley, the Delaware Water Gap and the Kittatinny Ridge beyond.

Like Fieldstone Farm, Glen Run has an important cultural and historical value too. The property was once home to the Churleigh Inn, a massive, Victorian summer resort. Climb up Godfrey Ridge, and you might spot a set of massive marble steps in the middle of the woods—all that remains of the once-opulent summer retreat. The site also offers an excellent overlook of Stroudsburg.

Gaining Ground in Conservation

PHLT network of preserves grows as they to plan exciting new conservation projects

PHLT continues to expand its conservation efforts with projects like the Rail Gap Pocono Creek Nature Preserve near Stroudsburg. This 62-acre property features two trails and the cool, clear Pocono Creek, designated as Class A Wild Trout Waters. Visitors can explore remnants of the Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Railroad, including an old railbed and bridge. Trailheads and parking are available on Shafers Schoolhouse Road, with a smaller lot on Brislin Road.

Troutman hinted that even more projects are on the horizon. “We’re doing work along the Kittatinny Ridge, which has the Appalachian Trail, because it’s a really important birding area. It’s also a really important area for water quality,” she explained. “Some of our other projects are municipal partnerships on some iconic, long-term Pocono properties.”

Get Outside. Get Involved.

Visit PHLT’s preserves, join their events and lend a hand

Troutman is passionate about connecting people with the outdoors and fostering a love for nature. PHLT offers a variety of events to encourage exploration, including guided hikes, educational programs, pollinator walks and more.

Maintaining the preserves takes a lot of effort, and PHLT relies on its dedicated volunteers. Seasonal workdays provide opportunities to help with trail maintenance, invasive plant management and other tasks to keep the preserves thriving. For those who prefer different ways to contribute, PHLT offers roles suited to various skills and interests. Donations and memberships are also invaluable in supporting their mission.