Northampton County approves $225,000 Livable Landscape grants

Northampton County approved $225,000 Livable Landscape grants for four organizations at its June 16 meeting. 

 Livable Landscape grants are open to institutions of higher education, authorized organizations and county municipalities. Eligible projects include land preservation, ecological restoration, acquisition of municipal parks and planning, education and outreach for management of critical habitats, open space and natural areas. 

 County Executive Lamont McClure, Director of Parks & Recreation Bryan Cope and Conservation Coordinator Sherry Acevedo presented the grants for approval. 

The grants include: 

• $ 20,000 to Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation for Henry’s Woods Stream restoration at Jacobsburg Park 
• $100,000 to Wildlands Conservancy for Bushkill Stream restoration in the City of Easton 
• $ 75,000 to the Borough of Tatamy for Trailhead crossings 

• $ 30,000 to East Allen Township to update the township’s Comprehensive Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan 

“It’s important that we support our municipalities in expanding and improving their recreational properties and open space,” McClure said. “The pandemic has shown us how crucial parks and trails are to both the health and well-being of our residents and our wildlife.” 

 “Livable Landscape grants expand opportunities for local recreation as well as giving municipalities the chance to install green infrastructure such as riparian buffers, wildflower meadows and native plants,” Cope said.