OUR WORK
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For 30 years, Earth Conservancy has worked to reclaim and conserve the abandoned mine lands of the former Blue Coal Corporation to improve the economy and quality of life in the lower Wyoming Valley.
LAND USE PLANNING
Land use planning is the process of managing land development that aligns with the needs and goals of a community or region in an efficient, just, and sustainable way. For EC, this means working with stakeholders to envision new uses for mine-scarred properties, thinking in both big-picture and site-specific terms.
ABANDONED MINE LAND RECLAMATION
Abandoned mine lands (AML) are lands and waters adversely impacted by pre-1977 coal mining operations. Reclamation is the process of addressing the hazards and environmental degradation these lands present. Problems may include culm banks and mine spoils, highwalls, pits, stream obstructions, and watershed impacts.
WATERSHED RESTORATION
Abandoned mine lands create significant challenges to water quality, flow, and ecology in an impacted watershed. Restoration efforts typically involve a combination of rebuilding damaged stream channels, improving infrastructure, and restoring habitat. Additionally, treatment systems may be constructed to treat acid mine drainage (AMD).
RECREATION & GREENSPACE
Greenspaces are areas intentionally created or preserved to provide a natural environment within a developed area, offering benefits to individuals, communities, and the environment. Oftentimes, they include space for a variety of recreational activities. From the beginning, EC has been committed to allocating 10,000 of its 16,500 acres for greenspace purposes.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Education and outreach are core to EC’s mission, allowing us to educate the public about our work and as well as environmental issues and sustainable practices, more broadly. Learning happens both formally in professional and academic settings ( conferences, schools, colleges) and informal settings through various activities and programs in the community.