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Twenty years have passed since the Junior Ranger Heritage Express rolled out of the former Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railyards at the Steamtown National Historic Site. Now, more than 1,700 fourth-grade students are getting a chance to relive that magical journey through history woven into the fabric of the Lackawanna Valley. 

“Bringing back the Junior Ranger Heritage Express is now just about history but also inspiring the next generation to cherish our heritage,” explained Owen Worozbyt, director of operations for the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority.  Worozbyt and April Rogato, LHVA executive assistant, applied for a $24,000 grant from the National Park Foundation to revitalize the program. LHVA joined forces with the National Park Service, Northeast Educational Intermediate Unit 19, and the Lackawanna Historical Society to breathe new life into the day-long adventure.

Earlier this year, NPS rangers visited more than 20 schools and engaged students with a basic framework of the program, explaining the importance of railroads, anthracite coal mining, and the textile industry that helped fuel America’s Industrial Revolution. 

Every Thursday and Friday throughout May, groups of students take an in-depth tour of Steamtown, where the rangers guide them through the roundhouse, museum, and restoration/repair facilities. Excitement builds as they board a select train for a trip back into time, complete with costumed characters who step out of history books and provide fascinating context as the story unfolds.

The 90-minute excursion winds its way through former coal mining towns before arriving in Carbondale, the historic home of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company and the first deep-veined anthracite coal mine in the United States. Many youngsters marvel at the resilience of past generations who shaped the region’s history and left an indelible mark on the nation.

“The Heritage Express embodies our commitment to preserving the stories of our past and sharing them with the leaders of tomorrow,” said Joseph Corcoran, LHVA executive director. “This journey back in time is more than just facts and figures — it’s experiencing history in a way that leaves a lasting impression.”

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you a trail-friendly business owner?

We are making it easier than ever for owners of small businesses to tap into a growing market of outdoor enthusiasts. The Lackawanna Heritage Trail-Friendly Business Program equips you with the tools necessary to cultivate stronger relationships with walkers, runners, cyclists, and others.

“The trail provides unlimited opportunities for recreation, alternative routes for transportation and natural pathways to health and well-being,” says Owen Worozbyt, LHVA director of operations, noting a recent study by Urban Partners of Philadelphia found that LRHT users are spending more money on everything from beverages, sandwiches and snack foods to footwear, clothing, and bike supplies.

Participants receive a free guidebook filled with best practices to foster success, including advice on promotions and marketing, business plan development and technical assistance. Business owners also get a “trail-friendly” window cling, and bike pumps and racks, if needed.

“Becoming ‘trail-friendly’ requires a minimal investment that can open a new revenue stream,” Worozbyt explains. “By putting out the welcome mat and adding a few amenities, small businesses can become sought-after destinations to accommodate this largely underserved population.”

More than 44 percent of 600 people who responded to a recent survey typically visited the trail for 1 to 2 hours, while 13 percent said they used it for more than 2 hours at a time. “The trail exists to connect people with communities,” he asserts. “Our goal is to establish a collaborative ‘trail-friendly’ network of enterprises that can meet the needs and embrace the diversity of the trail users they serve.”

For more information, contact April Rogato, arogato@lhva.org or (570) 963-6730 ext. 8200.

 

 

SCRANTON –– Visitors are spending more money on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, propelling Pennsylvania’s surging outdoor economy to even greater heights.

In 2022/23, the LRHT generated a statewide economic impact of $144.2 million, including $106.9 million in Lackawanna County, according to an analysis prepared for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority by Urban Partners of Philadelphia. The report measured direct and indirect economic benefits and noted that spending by trail users increased 26 percent, adjusted for inflation, since the beginning of 2017.

• The direct economic impact of the trail was $95.3 million for Pennsylvania and $78.1 million for Lackawanna County.
• The indirect economic impact was $48.8 million and $28.8 million, respectively.

Those combined impacts created an estimated equivalent of 886 full-time jobs in the state, including 721 jobs in the county, generating $38.4 million in state wages and $26.2 million in county wages. The LRHT produced an estimated $4.5 million in state tax revenues and $666,000 in county tax revenues, according to the report.

“The economic vitality of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a reflection of myriad additions and improvements made as we continue to increase accessibility and close gaps within the trail system,” said Joseph J. Corcoran, LHVA executive director. He cited recent developments at the Marvine Trail in Green Ridge/North End and Dickson City Trail, the Lackawanna Avenue Connector in Scranton and trail extensions at the Carbondale Riverwalk and D&H Rail Trail in Simpson. Combined with the D&H Rail-Trail, the LRHT spans nearly 70 miles in four counties of northeastern Pennsylvania.

The analysis found that only 5.5 percent of 600 people who responded to a user survey did not purchase any sundries on their trail trips — a significant decline from 53.3 percent in 2016 — indicating much more spending over the seven-years. Popular items were water/beverages, meals, sandwiches, and snacks. All told, the average trail user spent $23.73, adjusted for inflation, which was $14.12 higher than in 2016.

While 25.1 percent of respondents did not purchase non-consumable goods related to trail usage – compared to 29.1 percent in 2016 – trail users who did buy something spent mostly on footwear, clothing, bicycles, and bike supplies. Spending averaged $536.17, adjusted for inflation, up significantly from $337.72 in 2016.

There were approximately 231,000 visits to the LRHT in 2022/23, a decline of 27 percent which researchers partially attributed to the addition of new electric trail counters that did not exist in 2016, as well as other factors.

“We have witnessed COVID changing household habits and routines due to different work, school, and travel patterns. It is possible that trail usage reflects those changes,” said Chris Lankenau, principal of Urban Partners.

Not surprisingly, most trail users live in Lackawanna County. Usage still favors women (50.7 percent) to men (46.5 percent). More than 44 percent used the trail for 1-2 hours, a slight drop from 2016, but those who used the trail for more than 2 hours increased from nine percent to 13 percent. “More than two hours would be an especially long walk or run,” said Lankenau. “The survey does indicate that bike usage increased since 2016, so that may be a factor.”

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources values Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy at more than $13.6 billion, accounting for 152,000 jobs and 1.6 percent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

“We are thrilled that people, even in cost-conscious times, are prioritizing the value of creating unique user experiences on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail,” said Owen Worozbyt, LHVA director of operations. He noted the LRHT will soon unveil a trail-friendly business plan with cost-effective strategies to help owners of small businesses attract more trail users passing close to their doors.

 “Our investments are reaping tangible and intangible benefits for trail users and businesses who contribute to the growing outdoor economy in this vibrant northeastern corner of Pennsylvania,” he said.

SCRANTON – Is your organization dedicated to enhancing our region’s quality of life by contributing to a rich mosaic of abundant natural resources and thriving cultural, recreational, and historic treasures?

The Lackawanna Heritage Valley is seeking partners who share a passion to inform, educate or entertain residents and visitors alike through a variety of community-oriented projects. LHV’s Partnership Grant program offers up to $5,000 for eligible initiatives submitted by nonprofit and civic groups, schools, and governmental entities.

“Our selection process involves a thorough evaluation based on the project’s potential to create positive change within the National and State Heritage Area,” said April Rogato, LHV executive assistant. She noted the program requires a dollar-for-dollar match of the requested amount and applications are due by March 1^st.

Some past recipients include the Anthracite Heritage Museum, Scranton Jazz Festival, First Friday Scranton, Waverly Community House, the Tripp House, Lackawanna Historical Society, and Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art.

A tipsheet on how to submit a successful application is available by contacting Ms. Rogato at the LHV office, 213 Railroad Ave., Scranton, arogato@lhva.org or (570) 963-6730 ext. 8200.

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail will host a “First Day-First People’s” Walk to usher in the New Year with the Rev. Rebecca A. Barnes, Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Scranton.

The January 1st journey of renewal begins at noon from the Elm Street trailhead in South Scranton and continues to the Six Nations Amphitheater. The two-mile, ADA-accessible stretch of trail pays tribute to local Native American history with a sculpture of a Haudenosaunee fisherman-chief and stone carvings of animals. Most of the trail’s surface is paved and well-suited for a moderately paced two-hour round trip. The event will include a service to honor the indigenous peoples who came to Scranton before it became Scranton.

“The beauty of nature is awe-inspiring and found in abundance along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail,’ said Owen Worozbyt, director of operations for the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Valley Authority. “This is a terrific way to start the New Year by getting outside, enjoying nature — and with the help of Mother Barnes — gaining a greater appreciation of nature’s gifts and a stronger sense of gratitude for our local heritage.”

Mother Barnes is a graduate of the General Theological Seminary, New York City, where she earned a Master of Divinity (Cum Laude) and a Master of Sacred Theology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and German from Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City. She is particularly drawn to social justice ministry, outreach, pastoral care, contemplative spirituality, and prayer.

“It is in giving that we receive.”

Since 1947, the Marine Corps and Toys for Tots have been making a difference in the lives of American families. A few years ago, Lackawanna Heritage Valley extended this thoughtful campaign to the Santa Train, where children and their families are encouraged to bring an unwrapped new toy when they visit Saint Nick along his stops throughout the Lackawanna Valley.
Created by Marine Corps Reserve Major Bill Hendricks and his wife, Diane, Toys for Tots became a national community action program in 1948. Hendricks worked for Warner Brothers Studios and got Walt Disney to design a poster featuring a miniature three-car train that became the iconic logo. Today, the Toys for Tots Foundation, founded in 1991, continues to run and support the program. It’s a heartwarming example of how compassion and community spirit can create magic during the holiday season.
The Santa Train started capturing the imaginations of local children in 1996. After taking a two-year respite during the pandemic, the train returned last year and will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
On Saturday, December 2nd, Santa, and his jolly caravan of merrymakers will be rolling along the historic Delaware and Hudson rail line in the upper and mid-valley communities before reaching its final destination at the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. While some special anniversary surprises are in store, children can participate in the gift of giving by bringing an unwrapped new toy to any of the passenger station drop boxes. The train schedule: 10:30 AM at, Carbondale; 11:35 AM at Archbald; 12:20 PM at Jessup; 1 p.m. at Olyphant; 1:45 PM at Dickson City; and 3 PM at Steamtown. At each stop, Santa will greet the children, and families are encouraged to assemble at their respective train stations before the scheduled arrival times. 

 

 

 

 

SCRANTON – The most wonderful time of the year is almost here, and so is the beloved Santa Train! Join us for the 25th anniversary of this free family event that brings magic and joy through the Lackawanna Valley on Saturday, December 2nd.
The Santa Train will travel along the historic Delaware & Hudson railroad line, stopping at six stations to greet children and families with special silver anniversary surprises. Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and other characters will distribute candy, gifts, and holiday cheer. The train will feature live entertainment by Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars, Franko the Great, Ryan Cornelius the Balloon Wizard, a special guest appearance by the Brown Initiative, the Valley View High School Band, and Champ, the mascot of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders.
A holiday tradition since 1996, the Santa Train took a two-year hiatus but made a triumphant post-pandemic return in 2022 with hundreds of families and children in attendance. The train will arrive in Carbondale at 10:30 AM; Archbald at 11:20 AM; Jessup at noon; Olyphant at 12:45 PM; Dickson City at 1:30 PM, and its final destination, the Steamtown National Historic Site, at 3 p.m.
Beyond its popularity as a festive celebration, the Santa Train is a way of honoring the region’s rich heritage, shaped in large part by the railroad industry. With its origins in Carbondale, the D&H was one of the most important railroads in the country, connecting local coal mines with markets in New York and across the Atlantic seaboard. The Steamtown NHS in Scranton preserves and showcases the history and legacy of steam locomotives with exhibits, demonstrations, and excursions.
The Santa Train is a communitywide effort made possible by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, Steamtown NHS, Delaware/Lackawanna Railroad, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Rail Authority, Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, Carbondale Business Association, City of Carbondale, the boroughs of Archbald, Jessup, and Jessup 21st Century Association, Dickson City, Olyphant, and the City of Scranton.
Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: Peoples Security Bank, Community Bank N.A., NBT Bank, Honesdale National Bank, Rotary Club of Scranton, North Penn Charitable Foundation, Quinn’s Market and Propst Transportation and Lackawanna County.