570.823.3445 [email protected]

WELCOME TO EARTH CONSERVANCY

Celebrating 30 Years of Mine Land Reclamation, Conservation, & Economic Development in the Wyoming Valley

Founded in 1992, Earth Conservancy (EC) seeks to address the impacts of past anthracite coal mining in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Our work centers on the former holdings of the Blue Coal Corporation, which total nearly 16,500 acres. Explore our website to learn more about our mission, history, and projects. Through the reclamation, restoration, and redevelopment of these mine-scarred sites and impacted watersheds, we hope to contribute to the economic and environmental revitalization of the Wyoming Valley.

OUR WORK

EC’s primary work is reclamation.  We believe through reclamation, both environmental restoration and economic revitalization can occur.  In the last 30 years, over 2,000 acres of mine-scarred lands have been reclaimed and now are available for – or are already in – constructive use.  We also are proud of our efforts to mitigate the damage of abandoned mine drainage in local watersheds.  All of our projects trace back to EC’s overarching plan, one that seeks a more livable community now, and clears the way for positive, progressive change for future generations.

Undulating piles of waste rock in triangular piles. Autumn trees are in background.

RECLAMATION

Constructed stream flowing down grassy hillside towards valley.

WATERSHED RESTORATION

Small creek meanders through wooded area. Low banks are covered with fallen leaves.

RECREATION & GREENSPACE

Elementary-aged students participating in activity on macroinvertebrates / watershed health.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

LATEST HAPPENINGS

Under a white tent set up in a parking lot, a group of seated individuals listens to a man speaking at a podium. A new, large warehouse is behind him. Several columns of orange and white balloons decorate the area.

NEWS & EVENTS

EC continues to make progress on its mission to reclaim, conserve, and revitalize its properties. Our News & Events section offers a look into some of our happenings. And to always be up to date on the latest happenings, come follow us on Facebook!

New stream channel on recently seeded land going under new bridge with warehouse on left-hand side.

NEWSLETTER / ANNUAL REPORT

Get caught up on all our activities from 2022 by reading EC’s annual newsletter. This edition features the story of our recent reconstruction and re-connection of Espy Run to its headwaters, the Hanover Reservoir, and much more!

Google Earth image with parcels to be studied for solar potential outlined and shaded.

PLANNING INITATIVES

New for 2024, our Hanover 7A Recreation Area Master Site Development Plan, prepared by K&W Engineers! The report offers several alternatives for a public recreation area on this 30-acre former strip mining site. We appreciate all those who provided input, and thank the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources for its funding support.