Since our creation in 1994 the Delaware Highlands Conservancy has helped protect thousands of acres throughout the Upper Delaware River region. Over 3,500 acres of that land is protected with land preservation agreements called conservation easements. With a conservation easement, the landowner continues to own the land, but puts restrictions on the property ensuring all future owners are bound by the same stewardship goals the current owner advocates. The restrictions are based on the owners' requirements and desires, but usually restrict future subdivision and development of the property. Although there is a financial incentive, landowners partner with us to ensure the valuable land they love - with its scenic vistas, beautiful forests, pristine waters, and productive farms - remains for future generations.

In addition to working with individual landowners, we run a variety of educational events providing stewardship tools and information. The public is invited to all of these well-publicized events. Our suite of programs continues to expand, providing local residents with the conservation tools and innovative solutions to help protect the natural fabric of the area. Programs like enhancing backyard habitat, creating wetlands, understanding fresh water mussels, protecting your drinking water and controlling invasive plants take place in various locations throughout the region, or even right on the river. Other programs take place at our small nature center at the Butterfly Barn.

The Butterfly Barn is an active center for study and conservation of the Monarch Butterfly. Since 1996 naturalist Ed Wesely and Delaware Highlands Conservancy founder Barbara Yeaman have rescued Monarch Butterfly eggs and caterpillars from threatened habitats and reared them in the Butterfly Barn. With the help of local school children, they've nurtured and released over 2,000 adult monarchs.

The Conservancy is now accepting applications for a Land Protection Intern. This position is part-time (hours flexible), pays $10.00/hour and is based in our office in Hawley, PA. Some travel throughout Wayne County will be required. Preference will be given to University students with a focus on Environmental Studies. Please submit your resume and letter of inquiry to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, P.O. Box 218, Hawley, PA, 18428.

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Land Protection Intern

Job Description:

• Assist in preparing "Baseline Documentation" for properties newly protected with Land Preservation Agreements. This work entails developing a natural inventory of the land, photographing areas of special concern, and mapping the photo sites, documenting boundaries with GPS coordinates, producing a series of maps; and assembling other pertinent data about the property.
• Organizing and overseeing the monitoring activities. Once a year each property must be visited to ensure that the terms of the agreement continue to be upheld. This entails contacting each landowner for permission to visit at a particular time, coordinating the visit with an interested volunteer, walking the property, noting any problems found, completing the monitoring form with information about each property, and advising the Land Protection Chair of any concerns. Finally a letter is drafted to the landowner with the results of the monitoring.
• Mapping the Wayne County properties under easement, together with other protected lands (local, county, state or federally owned). This entails researching county state and federal records, and overlaying this information on topographic and aerial maps of Wayne County. Analyzing the resulting maps to assess areas of particular concern and vulnerability. Then working with other conservation organizations to determine priority areas for protection.
• Reaching out to owners of lands adjacent to protected lands or other priority areas for protection. Providing summary information on conservation options available and inviting them to a program to learn more. This entails research into county tax records to identify names and addresses of adjacent land owners, drafting letters to them and working with the Executive Director, host a series of public forums on Conservation Options.
• Placing Delaware Highlands Conservancy signs at easement property boundaries to provide information to neighbors about easement properties and their protections. This entails drafting letters to easement owners for permission to place the signs, traveling to each property, and posting the signs.
• Providing general support to landowners and the general public on the conservation options available that will protect the natural riches that abound in the Upper Delaware River Region.

For more information, visit the website at www.delawarehighlands.org or contact the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at info@delawarehighlands.org or 570-226-3164.

Submit resume and letter of interest to the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at P.O. Box 218, Hawley, PA 18428