Twenty-five years ago, Congress recognized what the people of the Lackawanna Valley had long understood: this region tells one of America’s most remarkable stories.

In 2000, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley was formally designated as a National Heritage Area, affirming the Valley’s role in shaping the nation’s industrial history, immigrant experience, and environmental rebirth.

Today, as we celebrate our silver anniversary, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) continues to honor that legacy through stewardship, trail development, community partnerships, and the preservation of our shared heritage.

A Heritage Area with a Purpose

The National Heritage Area program recognizes places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a landscape worthy of national acknowledgement. Few regions embody that mission more clearly than the Lackawanna Valley — a place where anthracite coal powered America’s rise, where railroads connected communities, and where hardworking families shaped a cultural heritage that still defines Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley became Pennsylvania’s first designated heritage area in 1991. And since 2000, LHVA has served as the region’s leading national agency for telling these stories, expanding access to outdoor recreation, and strengthening the connection between people and place.

The Authority Behind the Work

As the state-designated managing entity for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area, LHVA is responsible for:

• Development of the 70-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
• Securing and managing state and federal grants
• Holding and administering easements and rights-of-way
• Overseeing engineering and capital construction
• Maintaining public access to the river corridor
• Delivering heritage tourism programs for schools, families, and visitors

This unique responsibility sets LHVA apart from other community organizations, with statutory authority, technical capacity, and land control required to build, maintain, and expand trail infrastructure.

Every mile of trail, every bridge, every overlook, every educational program — each reflects LHVA’s long-term commitment to the Valley’s future.

25 Years of Trail Building and Community Impact

Over the past quarter century, LHVA has worked with dozens of municipalities, state agencies, schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to bring transformative projects to life. These efforts have:

• Reconnected communities to their river
• Created construction and engineering jobs
• Supported downtown revitalization
• Increased recreational access for families
• Preserved historic sites
• Improved health, mobility, and quality of life

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail — once a vision — now spans 70 miles from Pittston to Simpson, linking more than 30 communities with parks, playgrounds, historic sites, and natural landscapes. The trail has become one of the region’s most beloved and heavily used public assets.

A Model of Partnership

Heritage Areas thrive on collaboration, and LHVA’s success is rooted in strong relationships with:

• The National Park Service
• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
• PennDOT
• Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
• County and municipal governments
• Local conservation groups
• Educational institutions
• Arts, cultural, and historical organizations

These partnerships advance every mile of trail, every environmental restoration, every interpretive program, and every heritage tourism event.

Honoring Our Past, Building Our Future

As LHVA celebrates 25 years as a National Heritage Area, the work is far from finished. Major initiatives now underway — including multimodal trail connections, environmental education programs, wetland restoration, improved recreational access, and new interpretive exhibits — will shape the next generation of outdoor recreation and heritage tourism in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The story of the Lackawanna Valley continues to evolve, and LHVA remains committed to ensuring that story is told with accuracy, authenticity, and pride — while delivering real, on-the-ground improvements to the places we call home.

About the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is the region’s designated management entity for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area and the steward of the 70-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. LHVA manages easements, secures and administers state and federal grants, and oversees all capital, engineering, and public-access improvements along the trail corridor. In partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, LHVA delivers projects and programs that preserve the Valley’s history, strengthen communities, and expand access to outdoor recreation.

CARBONDALE — On a crisp October morning, the next generation of trail stewards rolled up their sleeves along the Lackawanna River. Fifty seventh- and eighth-grade students from Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School traded their classroom desks for work gloves and shovels, spending Career Exploration Day restoring the John Street Trailhead on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Under the guidance of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA), students planted 50 young pin oaks through DCNR’s Keystone 10 Million Trees program and used the NeighborWorks NEPA Mobile Toolkit to cut back invasive bamboo and clear river views. The hands-on work revealed more than just the landscape—it uncovered the story of their own community.

Before the cleanup, LHVA Operations Director Owen Worozbyt guided students along the trail, sharing how the once-abandoned Delaware & Hudson rail corridor and its 116-year-old bridge have been transformed into a vibrant community space that blends history, recreation, and conservation.  “It’s amazing how many kids live just a few blocks away and have never been down to the river,” Worozbyt said. “Once they see it, you can tell it changes how they think about their hometown. That’s what this day is really about— helping them see the connection between where they live and the landscape that shaped it.”

By the end of the day, students had left their mark not only on the trailhead but also on their understanding of how local heritage and the environment connect. Their work reflects LHVA’s mission to inspire stewardship through education, community engagement, and hands-on experience.

Construction is moving forward on the new Lackawanna River boat launch at the John Street Trailhead in Carbondale — an exciting step toward reconnecting the community with its riverfront.

Crews from Stafursky Paving Company are shaping the site, laying a solid foundation that will soon become an ADA-accessible ramp leading paddlers directly into the Lackawanna River. The project, managed by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, marks the first phase of a larger effort with the Lackawanna River Conservation Association to establish a state-designated Lackawanna River Water Trail.

Once completed, this launch will offer a dedicated four-mile paddling route from Carbondale to LHVA’s upcoming river access point in Mayfield, opening up scenic stretches of the river that have been largely hidden for generations. Paddlers will be able to experience a rare view of the Lackawanna — winding through wooded banks, historic bridges, and landscapes that once powered America’s Industrial Revolution.

This transformation reflects Carbondale’s evolution — from its roots in coal and rail to a community that celebrates recreation, conservation, and outdoor adventure.

By 2026, LHVA expects to see the first kayaks and canoes glide down this revitalized section of river, symbolizing a new chapter in the valley’s story — where the sounds of nature replace the echoes of the mines, and the river once again becomes a place for everyone to explore and enjoy.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is more than just a pathway for walkers, runners, and cyclists — it is a community treasure, cared for by the people who love it most. Recently, two inspiring stories of stewardship showed just how much volunteer spirit keeps the trail strong, safe, and beautiful.

Peggy and Joe Pesta: Clearing the Way

Peggy and Joe don’t just enjoy the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail; they actively give back to it. When they came across a downed tree blocking the Elm Street section of the trail, they didn’t hesitate to act. With broom and saw in hand, they cleared the debris, swept the path, and restored safe passage for fellow trail users. Their efforts are a shining example of how individual initiative and care can make an immediate difference.

Scranton Prep Students: A Day of Service

On the same weekend, an energetic group of Scranton Prep students rolled up their sleeves and tackled a different challenge. Armed with gloves, rakes, and determination, the students spent their Saturday morning removing litter, hauling out discarded tires, and cleaning up debris along the trail. Every trash bag filled and every tire removed helps protect the health of the river, preserve habitat for wildlife, and ensure that this green corridor remains inviting for all.

Their teamwork and commitment not only improved the trail’s appearance but also reinforced the value of giving back to the community.

Join the Volunteer Family 🌟

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail depends on the dedication of volunteers like Peggy, Joe, and these students. Their hard work shows that stewardship is a shared responsibility — one that builds stronger connections between people, nature, and place.

If you’d like to join our volunteer efforts, we’d love to have you! Please contact John Morrow, Volunteer, Special Events, and Trail Coordinator, at jmorrow@lhva.org.

Twenty enthusiastic youngsters laced up their sneakers and hit the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail this week as part of the Pennsylvania American Water Camp, a hands-on environmental education program that gives young people a chance to explore the region’s natural resources.

During a scenic trail hike from the Valley Community Library to the Blakely Recreation Complex and Condella Park in Olyphant, campers got a front-row look at how history, conservation, and recreation intersect. Leading the way was Owen Worozbyt, LRHT Director of Operations, who introduced the group to the story behind the trail’s unique path.

“These trails used to be active rail lines,” Worozbyt explained, pointing out remnants of the region’s industrial past. “Now they’ve been transformed into spaces for walking, biking, and connecting with nature — all while preserving the heritage of the Lackawanna Valley.”

The hike was part of a series of outdoor learning experiences included in this year’s Water Camp program, which welcomed 20 participants from across Lackawanna County. Throughout the week, campers explored the river’s ecosystem, learned about watershed protection, and engaged with local experts in forestry, wildlife, and environmental science.

Worozbyt’s walk-and-talk gave campers a deeper understanding of how the LRHT came to be — from railbed to greenway — and why rail-trail conversions matter for both people and the planet. The hike also served as an opportunity to experience how revitalized infrastructure can support active lifestyles and stronger communities.

With sunshine overhead and curiosity leading the way, campers left with more than just steps counted. They gained a new appreciation for the land beneath their feet — and the legacy that continues to shape it.

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) is pleased to welcome a team of enthusiastic teens from the Pennsylvania CareerLink / Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board Summer Jobs Program. On their first day, the crew hit the ground running, helping to clean, landscape, and beautify the LHVA headquarters and the nearby Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

This kick-off marks the beginning of a summer-long partnership designed to provide local youth with meaningful work experience, job training, and the chance to give back to their community. Over the coming weeks, these young workers will support trail maintenance and beautification efforts —developing valuable life and job skills along the way.

“We’re excited to launch another season of hands-on learning and service,” said LHVA Executive Director Joseph Corcoran. “These teens bring energy, drive, and a sense of pride to everything they do. It’s rewarding to watch them grow while helping to care for one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s greatest outdoor resources.”

To help the team stay hydrated and motivated during their work, Mary Kolessar, executive director of DiscoverNEPA, generously donated ceramic water bottles for each participant. Her thoughtful gesture was a welcome boost as the crew tackled their first projects under the summer sun.

LHVA is proud to partner with CareerLink and the Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board to make this program possible. As the season unfolds, these teens will continue to play an important role in preserving and improving the trail system for all to enjoy — proving that hard work, community spirit, and a little summer sunshine can go a long way.

SCRANTON — Excitement filled the air at Steamtown National Historic Site as the Heritage Express rolled out once again, carrying a new generation of young explorers on an unforgettable journey through Northeastern Pennsylvania’s rich history. Students from Our Lady of Peace, St. Clare/St. Paul, and McNichols Plaza were the first classrooms of the season to climb aboard this one-of-a-kind educational adventure.

Brought back to life by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley last year, the Heritage Express program has quickly reclaimed its place as a local favorite with educators and students. Designed to make history come alive for fourth-grade students, the program immerses them in the sights, sounds, and stories of the past. Riding vintage railcars, students experience firsthand the role of the railroad in shaping the region, while costumed interpreters share fascinating tales of anthracite miners, railroad workers, and textile laborers who built communities and powered industries.

Beyond the train ride, students explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, meet park rangers, and participate in hands-on activities that ignite curiosity and imagination. The day’s events culminated in a special ceremony led by Steamtown Superintendent Jeremy Komasz, who proudly inducted the students as official National Historic Site Junior Rangers. With a raised right hand and beaming smiles, each child took the pledge to explore, learn about, and protect our nation’s heritage.

As the Heritage Express chugged back into the station, it left more than just steam in its wake—it sparked inspiration, pride, and a deeper connection to the region’s past. For these fourth graders, the adventure marked the beginning of a lifelong journey as stewards of history.

The Heritage Express continues throughout the spring, reaching hundreds more students and reminding all that history isn’t just something to read—it’s something to experience.

This program would not be possible without support from LHV’s valued partners at the National Park Service, Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19 and the Lackawanna Historical Society.

SCRANTON — On a sunny Sunday afternoon, members of the Lackawanna Valley Trout Unlimited (LVTU) chapter gathered at Parker Street Landing along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to honor the life and legacy of late board member Mike Kashuba. With the gentle sounds of the river flowing nearby, a tree was planted and a bench dedicated in Mike’s memory—fitting tributes to a man who deeply loved this river, this trail, and this community.

Mike was more than an advocate for clean water and conservation—he was a steward of the land, a friend to all who shared his passion, and a tireless supporter of LVTU’s mission. He spent countless hours walking the trail, volunteering at cleanups, casting a line in his favorite fishing spots, and mentoring new anglers. His knowledge, humor, and quiet leadership left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

For Mike, the Lackawanna River was not just a place to fish—it was a living symbol of renewal and resilience. The trail was his path to reflection, action, and connection. His commitment to preserving this natural treasure helped inspire others to care, to act, and to believe in the power of community.

As the newly planted tree grows and the bench offers rest to future trail users, Mike’s spirit will live on. 

To memorialize a loved one with a bench or tree along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, contact April Rogato at arogato@lhva.org.