Earth Conservancy was formed in 1992 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the reclamation and reutilization of former coal mining lands in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, through partnerships with governmental agencies, educational institutions, area businesses, residents and other conservation organizations.

The impetus for the formation of Earth Conservancy was the desire by area business leaders, higher education institutions and residents, with the support of Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski, to assure that the lands left by the bankruptcy of Blue Coal Corporation would be reclaimed and responsibly reutilized in ways that best served the community. 

After obtaining $14 million in grant funding and an additional $2 million in private loans, Earth Conservancy purchased 16,300 acres of land from the former Blue Coal Corporation, which had declared bankruptcy in the mid 1970s. The land purchase was finalized in 1994, and Earth Conservancy began working to return the lands to productive use.

Earth Conservancy is guided by vision and mission statements that serve as the foundation for our work. The Earth Conservancy Board of Directors developed the statements, which are periodically revisited to ensure that the work of the organization follows the directives contained in the statement and that the statements remain current with evolving societal ideals and needs.

Vision Statement

Earth Conservancy will lead our communities in the reclamation of mine scarred lands and streams, returning strong economic, environmental and social value by creating a well-planned vibrant valley, protected by green ridgetops.

Mission Statement

Earth Conservancy is a nonprofit organization committed to the reclamation and return of 16,000 acres of former coal company-owned land to the region.  It collaborates with local communities, government agencies, education institutions, and the private sector to spearhead the creation and implementation of plans that restore the land’s economic, recreation, residential and ecological value.

To achieve this objective, Earth Conservancy:

1. Develops sustainable land-use plans

2. Commits to provide 10,000 acres for recreation and open space

3. Leads reclamation efforts of mine scarred lands and water resources and guides their reutilization

4. Funds its work through the sale of Conservancy land and other resources and through public and             private sector partners

5. Partners with local communities to achieve our mission

6. Educates the community-at-large on environmental issues, the benefits of reclamation and effective         land-use planning.