Across the Lackawanna Valley, the story of our region continues to be written, not just in books or archives, but in communities, classrooms, trails, and shared public spaces.

This spring, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is proud to support that ongoing story through more than $29,000 in Partnership Grant funding, awarded to organizations that bring our heritage to life in meaningful and creative ways.

These projects reflect what makes the Lackawanna Valley unique: a deep connection to place, a respect for history, and a commitment to building something lasting for future generations.

From festivals and public art to education and preservation, this year’s grant recipients represent a diverse cross-section of partners working to interpret and celebrate our region’s industrial, cultural, and community heritage.

Among the projects receiving support:

• The Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates will host the “Arts on Fire” Industrial Arts Festival 2026, bringing history, craftsmanship, and community together in a dynamic public setting.
• Anthracite Trolleys Inc. will continue the restoration of historic trolley car 790, preserving a tangible link to the region’s transportation legacy.
• The Dunmore School District will engage students through a summer camp program, “Exploring the History of NEPA,” fostering place-based learning for the next generation.
• Lackawanna County 4-H will host “Clover Games,” encouraging youth participation and community connection.
• The Marywood University STARS Program will present “Raices y Voces,” (Roots and Voices) empowering young people to honor and share their cultural heritage through creative storytelling.
• Moosic Borough will highlight local identity through “Moosic – An All-American Borough.”
• The North Pocono Cultural Society will document regional stories through “Stories of North Pocono: An America 250 Community Heritage Project.”
• The Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority will host “Celebrate America, Happy 250th,” connecting recreation with national heritage.
• Scranton Tomorrow will bring the city’s narrative to life through “Song of the City.”
• The United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA will enhance community access and identity through the “Pine Brook- Green Ridge Community Gateway at Capouse Center.”
• The Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association (WVIA) will produce “A Collector’s Story in Pictures: Art of the Anthracite Coal Industry,” capturing the visual legacy of the coal era.

Together, these projects demonstrate the power of partnership. They connect people to place, strengthen communities, and ensure that the heritage of the Lackawanna Valley is not only preserved, but actively experienced.

At LHVA, this work is at the heart of our mission. Through the stewardship of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the broader Heritage Area, we are not only preserving the past, we are creating new ways for people to experience it. From trail corridors built on former rail lines to community programs that bring history into the present, every project we support helps connect people to the places, stories, and landscapes that define northeastern Pennsylvania.

Because in the Lackawanna Valley, heritage is not something you just learn about. It is something you can walk, ride, and experience every day.

SCRANTON — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is accepting applications for the first round of its 2026 Partnership Grants, offering up to $5,000 to support projects that celebrate the region’s heritage, arts, culture, education, and community life. The application deadline is March 6, 2026. Grant awards require a matching cash contribution.

The Partnership Grants Program is open to nonprofit organizations, schools, civic groups, and municipalities with project ideas—big or small—that bring local history, culture, creativity, and community stories to life across the Heritage Area.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the creativity and passion of our partners,” said LHVA Executive Director Joseph Corcoran. “These grants help turn good ideas into meaningful projects — from public art and cultural events to educational programs and heritage celebrations that strengthen our communities.”

In recent years, Partnership Grants have supported initiatives led by organizations such as the Lackawanna Historical Society, Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science & Art, and the Electric City Trolley Museum, along with community-focused projects with Lackawanna County Parks & Recreation and the Dunmore School District. Funded projects have included exhibits, cultural programming, educational initiatives, community events, and public-facing activities that engage residents and visitors alike.

Organizations interested in applying or learning more about Partnership Grants are encouraged to contact April Rogato at arogato@lhva.org. Additional information and application materials are available at www.LHVA.org.

SCRANTON — This spring, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) is planting more than trees — it’s planting a legacy. As part of America 250 PA, LHVA, in partnership with the Lackawanna County Conservation District, is launching a native tree and habitat restoration project along one of the most heavily used sections of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, between the 7th Avenue and Broadway Trailheads.

---

250 Native Trees and Shrubs for America 250

The project will bring  250 native trees and shrubs to the trail corridor, symbolizing the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and reflecting the forested landscape that would have existed in northeastern Pennsylvania at that time.

Planned plantings include mountain laurel, rhododendron, eastern white pine, and American chestnut — a once-dominant species that was nearly wiped out in the early 20th century by chestnut blight.

---

Honoring the Past, Growing for the Future

“America 250 gives us a chance to think about what kind of legacy we want to leave behind,” said Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “By restoring a native landscape along this trail, we’re honoring the land as it existed at the nation’s founding and creating something that will continue to grow and tell that story long after this anniversary year.”

---

Powered by Volunteers and Community Partners

The effort will be powered by volunteers from the public and private sectors, along with participants from local educational institutions, underscoring the community-driven nature of the project.

“This is what stewardship looks like,” said John Morrow, LHVA Volunteer Coordinator. “People showing up, putting their hands in the soil, and leaving something behind that will outlast the day.”

---

Environmental Benefits Along the River Corridor

Beyond its symbolic value, the project delivers important environmental benefits. Trees and shrubs planted along river corridors help filter stormwater runoff, reduce erosion, and create essential habitat for wildlife.

By strengthening this natural buffer along the Lackawanna River, the project supports long-term water quality while enhancing the trail as both a recreational and environmental asset.

---

A Living Legacy That Will Outlast the Anniversary

While not every tree planted will survive, many are expected to grow for generations. Some may still be standing when the nation marks its 300th anniversary, serving as a living reminder that heritage conservation is not just about looking back — it’s about caring for the future.

Located along one of the trail’s most active stretches, the project will provide trail users with a visible, place-based connection to the landscapes that shaped early American life. Additional volunteer planting days and educational activities are planned throughout the spring.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is part of a national story of connection, renewal, and community pride in the latest edition of Heart & Soul, a publication of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas highlighting how heritage corridors across the country bring people together for the common good. Tracing a historic river and rail corridor, the LRHT follows pathways first used by Indigenous peoples and later shaped by the railroads that powered the region’s industrial rise. Today, those same routes have been reclaimed as a 70-mile multi-use trail, offering opportunities for walking, biking, running, and outdoor exploration alongside a river that tells a story of resilience and renewal.

As featured in Heart & Soul, the Trail reflects how National Heritage Areas transform historic infrastructure into vibrant public spaces. Once dominated by rail lines and heavy industry, the corridor now connects communities from Carbondale to Scranton through restored bridges, riverfront access, and scenic trail segments that invite residents and visitors alike to experience the landscape at a human pace.

The Trail also serves as a living classroom and gathering place. It links to nationally significant sites like Steamtown National Historic Site, where the region’s railroading legacy still comes alive, and supports educational programs, heritage tourism, and seasonal traditions that strengthen community identity. Each holiday season, the Santa Train builds on this shared corridor to unite communities in a celebration of Christmas in a Small Town—a reminder that heritage is not only preserved but lived.

By weaving together history, recreation, education, and stewardship, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail embodies the spirit highlighted in Heart & Soul: places where past and present meet, and where local stories contribute to a broader national narrative. Along the Trail, the echoes of footpaths, rail lines, and river currents continue to guide new generations—proving that the journey of discovery is never truly finished.

A new 12-hole, heritage-themed disc golf course at McDade Park is expected to be ready for play this spring, further expanding outdoor recreation opportunities in Lackawanna County. The project was supported by the Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area through its Partnership Grant Program, which helps local partners develop projects that connect recreation, heritage, and community.

Lackawanna County officials announced plans for the course last April, generating excitement among local disc golfers and fans of the sport, which saw rapid growth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The course is located within the county-owned park and is designed as an accessible, all-ages amenity.

“Projects like this are a great example of how outdoor recreation and heritage interpretation can work hand in hand,” said Joseph Corcoran, executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. “Through our Partnership Grant Program, we’re able to support local initiatives that activate public spaces, celebrate the region’s character, and encourage people to experience our parks in new ways.”

Corcoran noted that the course also aligns with broader efforts tied to America 250 PA and place-based learning. “As we approach the nation’s 250th anniversary, it’s important to create opportunities for young people to learn about their communities through direct experience,” he said. “Projects like this introduce youth to local landscapes and stories in an informal, hands-on way, helping build a sense of place, stewardship, and connection that can last well beyond a single visit.”

Unlike traditional golf, which uses clubs and balls, disc golf is played by throwing specialized discs toward elevated metal baskets. Players aim to complete each hole in as few throws as possible, making the sport accessible for beginners while remaining engaging for experienced players.

County officials have emphasized that the new course complements an already robust network of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the region. By incorporating heritage themes into the course design, the project also reflects the broader mission of the Heritage Area to promote place-based experiences that highlight the Lackawanna Valley’s cultural and natural resources.

The disc golf course at McDade Park is anticipated to open later this spring, offering residents and visitors another way to enjoy the county’s parks and outdoor spaces.

OLYPHANT — The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) is preparing to launch one of its most significant projects to date: a new pedestrian bridge and trail extension that will link Olyphant and Dickson City along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Estimated at nearly $2 million, the project will create a continuous network between a new Olyphant trail segment and the mile-long Dickson City Trail completed in 2021. At the heart of the effort is a 200-foot pedestrian bridge—the longest LHVA has ever constructed—which will span the river and close a critical gap in the Mid Valley trail system.

A new trailhead on South Valley Avenue will offer parking for about a dozen vehicles. From there, a 0.8-mile paved trail will follow the natural corridor of Eddy Creek before connecting to several streets in Olyphant. In addition to extending the regional trail, this segment will provide residents with a new walking loop close to home.

Engineers are now conducting geotechnical testing to determine the safest and most stable location for the bridge. A former mining bridge once crossed the river at this point, but its collapse several years ago required a complete rethinking of the design.

Funding includes more than $1.6 million from PennDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program and $200,000 from DCED’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program for design work. While current estimates align with available funding, LHVA expects the final cost could reach the $2 million mark.

Owen Worozbyt, LHVA Director of Operations, says the real power of the project lies in how it brings communities together. “These trails are stitching the Valley back into one connected landscape,” he said. “People will be able to walk or bike from community to community in a way that feels natural, safe, and enjoyable.”

He added that environmental restoration is a key part of the work. “Every time we build a trail, we’re also healing a piece of land that’s been overlooked for decades. Trails introduce people to the river again—and that changes how we care for it.”

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 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 30 miles from Pittston to Simpson and joins with the D&H Rail Trail to link 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.