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Letter from the Executive Directordear Friends,

conservation means to protect something, especially an environmentally or culturally important place or thing from harm or destruction. through land conservation we permanently protect natural assets from harm or destruction. We do this for a number of reasons including:

• to protect habitat for indigenous plant and animal species to thrive

• to protect our drinking water supplies

• to protect fertile lands for local food production

• to provide places for us to recreate and connect with nature.

Everything we have and everything that keeps us going in life comes from the natural world around us therefore it makes sense to conserve it to the best of our ability.

as a community based non-profit, North Branch Land trust relies exclusively on donations from supporters like you. Whether it is a membership donation, an annual appeal gift, support of one of our fund raising events, or a gift through a bequest, all funds support conservation efforts and all funds stay local. NBLt has no other funding source so your support is critical to accomplishing our land conservation mission. the Land trust does receive grant funding for conservation projects, but these funds are for acquisition only and do not cover any of the administrative costs. through your generosity NBLt has been able to conserve almost 18,000 acres of land to date in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Looking forward, we are excited to report that NBLt has a number of wonderful conservation projects in process and there are many great projects waiting in the wings. our offices have been upgraded and additional staff has been added to help propel the Land trust toward the conservation of the next 18,000 acres. however, all of this comes at a cost and over the next few years NBLt will look to grow its financial base of support to keep pace with its expanding conservation efforts. Northeastern Pennsylvania is a great place in which to live and work and if we work together we can conserve our important natural assets and in turn ensure a lasting legacy for our children and for future generations to come.

thank you,

Paul Lumia Executive director

Mission Statement:The North Branch Land Trust works in

partnership with landowners and their

communities to conserve the natural,

working, and scenic landscapes in

Northeastern Pennsylvania that sustain us.

Cover: Female Wood Duck

Blue Bells

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Year in Review

North Branch Land trust along with its donors, volunteers, staff, and board of directors, is passionate about land and connecting people to it. Boots on the ground!

during the year NBLt offers many different ways for you to connect to the land and the beauty of the great outdoors. Events and activities present the opportunity to celebrate, discover, travel, hike, observe, explore, and conserve the land that we all love.

the annual dinner & auctions, naturalist-led hikes, discovering the secrets of vernal pools and native orchids, going on safari with our conservation partner in south africa, observing the symbiotic relationship of flora and fauna, attending presentations on endangered species, and exploring new locations all give us the chance to feel deeply connected to the land and the need to conserve it.

Please plan on joining any of these opportunities and discover the wonders of our land and nature.

Without love of the land, conservation lacks meaning or purpose for only in a deep and inherent feeling for the land can there be dedication in preserving it.

~ Sigurd F. Olson

Contemplation The Joy of Discovery

Orange Sulfur Butterflies

White Tail FawnGiraffe & Zebra, South Africa

Traveling with NBLT on Safari, South AfricaBoots on the Ground

Exploring in all seasons

Education

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Breaking new groundNorth Branch Land trust is about to embark on the construction of 5.5 miles of hiking and biking trail that will help link the Wyoming Valley to the seven tubs Nature area, Mountain top, White haven, and points south. the map below shows in yellow the portion of trail NBLt will be building. this section of trail represents the final leg of the 165-mile delaware & Lehigh National heritage corridor (d&L) trail traveling from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol in Bucks county Pa.

the trail follows the historic routes of the Lehigh and susquehanna railroad, Lehigh Valley railroad, the Lehigh Navigation, Lehigh canal, and the delaware canal. these rail and canal routes represent our industrial heritage and the transportation of anthracite coal, timber and other natural resources to markets on the east coast. It is the goal of the d&L to complete the entire trail by 2020. NBLt will be working closely with the d&L to complete the local section of this great trail.

Partners on this project include NBLt, the d&L, Earth conservancy, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, the Pennsylvania department of conservation and Natural resources (dcNr), the Luzerne Foundation, the sordoni Family Foundation, PPL utilities, and local municipalities.

the Land trust would like to give special thanks to Earth conservancy for donating land for a portion of the trail as well as helping with land survey and other technical support. NBLt has partnered with Earth conservancy on a number of conservation projects that have resulted in the permanent protection of over 5000 acres of natural lands in Luzerne county.

once complete, the trail will open up wonderful recreation opportunities to thousands living in the Wyoming Valley and will help connect people to nature and our industrial past.

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Conservation ProjeCt nearing ComPletionLittle Wilkes-Barre Mountain is situated just to the north of Penobscot Mountain near Nanticoke, Pa in Luzerne county. the 1,131-acre project area is made up of forested ridge tops and valleys and hosts a number of interesting environmental and geological features.

a tributary of Newport creek flows through the property and harbors a good population of native brook trout, our state fish. the mountain helps frame the northern terminus of the anthracite Valley known to us as the Wyoming Valley. the ridge top areas of the property afford wonderful views of the Valley and a good stand of old growth timber still exists.

as part of NBLt’s strategic conservation Plan, it is our intention to try and conserve lands from Mocanaqua to Mountain top along the Penobscot Mountain ridge top. this is a very diverse natural area that is worthy of conservation. this conservation project, along with past completed projects, brings the total lands conserved in this area to over 4,500 acres. all of this acreage is or will be accessible to the public for passive recreation activities.

thank you to our partners on this project! they include funding from Pa department of conservation and Natural resources through the community conservation Partnerships Program (c2P2) grant program, the Pa Bureau of Forestry providing additional funding, and the initial property owner, Earth conservancy, for their willingness to conserve important natural lands in our communities. upon completion of the project the property will be deeded to the Pa Bureau of Forestry.

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Youth CamP and Conservationover three years ago representatives of the YMca approached North Branch Land trust to see if we could develop a conservation plan for the majority of property at their camp Kresge property located in dennison township near White haven, Pa. after much consultation and planning, NBLt came up with a conservation strategy that would permanently protect 650-acres of the camp property while allowing the YMca to realize their development aspirations for the camp facilities.

From an environmental perspective, the camp property has a number of unique features. Yeager Mountain on the property has a rare scrub oak barrens complex which provides habitat for some of Pennsylvania’s more endangered plant and animal species. the lowland areas contain wetlands and small streams and creeks that feed Nescopeck creek, a designated cold water fishery.

the property is also contiguous to state Game Lands and Nescopeck state Park and close to thousands of acres of other protected woodlands. having large blocks of protected land helps maintain habitat for indigenous plant and animal species, provides natural protection for our water supply, and provides healthy recreation opportunities for us all.

a big ‘thank you’ goes out to the Pennsylvania department of conservation and Natural resources for providing grant funding through the community conservation Partnerships Program and to the Board, trustees, and staff of the Wilkes-Barre Family YMca for protecting our natural heritage.

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“”

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.

The winds will blow their own freshness into you ...while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

~ John Muir

Council Cup

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roberta troy of Wyoming, Pa was named NBLt’s 2016 Volunteer of the Year and was recognized at the annual Volunteer appreciation Get-together held at sabatini’s Beer Bar in Exeter, Pa. roberta’s interest and devotion to our environment is evident by the numerous environmental organizations she is involved with and by the many environmental programs she has offered through our public school systems, Wild Birds unlimited, Back Mountain Bloomers, and North Branch Land trust to name a few. roberta is a 15 year member of the North american Butterfly association, is a certified Penn state Master Gardener Volunteer, and she and her husband Bruce have been long time NBLt members. NBLt is lucky to have roberta volunteering her time and sharing her knowledge with us all.

volunteer of the Year

to all nBlt’s volunteersAn extra special THANK YOU to all of NBLT’s dedicated

volunteers! Volunteers are the life blood of the Land

Trust and whether you are attending meetings,

stuffing thousands of envelopes for mailings,

monitoring conserved properties, restoring an old

house and barn, building trails, clearing brush,

leading hikes, or hauling trash, you are most

appreciated! The Land Trust is honored that you are

willing to donate your time, energy, and talents to

NBLT’s land conservation mission.

________

Rain gardens,

butterflies, birds, bugs, and bees

these are a few of her

favorite things.

roberta troy

Blue Curls

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new Board memBers

scott is a graduate of Wyoming semi-nary, Wilkes university, and the uni-versity of Pittsburgh school of den-tal Medicine. he is an adjunct faculty member at temple university Kornberg school of dentistry where he teaches graduate students implant and seda-tion dentistry. scott is an avid outdoor-sman who enjoys hiking, skiing, snow-mobiling, fishing, and training hunting dogs with his dad. he is committed to maintaining the beauty and serenity of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Vince graduated from scranton Prepa-ratory school and the Wharton school of the university of Pennsylvania. he is the cEo of Pure Green consultants LLc in taylor, Pa, an independent en-ergy and environmental consulting company that specializes in develop-ing energy and sustainability plans. he is a member of the Pennsylvania Golf association and the american can-cer society Ball of hope.

NBLT welcomes Dallas, PA native Scott Watkins, D.M.D. and Moosic resident Vincent A. Scarpetta to the Board of Directors

retiring Board memBers

after eight years of service James t. Gorman, Walter “chip” sorber, Matthew sordoni, and Michael Weaver retired from the NBLt Board of directors on december 31, 2016. Jim was a member of the Finance committee and annual dinner committee, chip was a longtime howland Preserve Management committee member and helped maintain NBLt conserved properties, Matt served as vice-chair then board chair for five years, and Mike served as treasurer for four years. the Land trust will miss each of them and greatly appreciates their time and efforts supporting the NBLt mission.

James T. Gorman

Matthew Sordoni James T. Gorman

Walter “Chip” Sorber

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Donors January 1, 2016-December 31, 2016We extend sincere thanks to the conservation-minded friends whose commitment and support make possible North Branch Land Trust’s efforts to conserve land and connect people to nature in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The donors listed on the following pages provided meaningful support throughout the year.

NORTH BRANCH GUARDIAN$5,000 and upCommunity BankAndrew and Molly CornellEarth ConservancyEndless Mountains Heritage Region, IncEndless Mountains Visitors BureauRobert Grajewski and Susan GaringJames and Florence DePolo FoundationKenneth and Caroline Taylor

Family FoundationKathleen Osberg LeclercLogos Fund of The Luzerne FoundationOne Source Staffing SolutionsPA DCNR Bureau of Rec and ConShoval FoundationSordoni Family Foundation

CONSERVATION SOCIETY $4,999-$2,500AnonymousBerkshire Asset ManagementFloral DesignsChris and Ramah HackettBill and Wilma JamesRichard MaslowMericle Commercial Real Estate ServicesPA Land Trust AssociationPNC BankSundance VacationsFred ValentineDr. William and Patti WatkinsWells Fargo Advisors, LLC

STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY$1,000-$2,499AnonymousCraig BestDan and Sarah BlockJim and Laura DicksonEdith Reynolds Trust

Dan and Annie FiermanGertrude Hawk ChocolatesGolden Business Machines, Inc.Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn, P.C.Huntsville Golf ClubPaul LumiaM & T Charitable FoundationJean E. MieczkowskiMotorWorldPeoples Security Bank and TrustJoseph L. and Patrice PersicoPride Mobility Products Corp.Dr. Norman and Roxanne SchulmanMann and Sandra ShoffnerSimon and Co. JewelersKay Strickland and Tom DelehantyTrey and Christina TaylorThe Allstate FoundationThe Marquis George MacDonald

Foundation, Inc.James and Marie ThomasThrive Wellness CenterTimes PrintingAlan Viani and Jane MorgensternPaul D. WasserottWatkins and Medura Dental CenterMichael and Caitlin WeaverWilkes UniversityDr. Thomas G. and Janis R. WinterMary Ann YonchiukJohn and Maggie Zembruski

BENEFACTOR$500-$999Lissa Bryan-Smith and Richard M. SmithSarah Carr and Durland EdwardsDr. Alfred and Mary CasaleFrank E.P. and Marion ConynghamNina DavidowitzWilliam and Mary DockerayDundee Gardens

Kathleen F. DunsmuirBart and Barbara EckerFirst National Bank of PennsylvaniaCapt. Alan B. Flanagan, USN (Ret)Frank M. HenryFrank and Molly HoegenDavid and Sharon HouriganHumford Equities, Inc.Benjamin R. Jones, IVNell-Ann KapplerStephen B. and Estella KillianKovalchik, Kollar and Co., LLPDr. William Krah IIIAnn R. LewisCarol LizellLuzerne BankLuzerne County Convention and

Visitors BureauThomas and Judith MackDave and Carolyn McLaughlin-SmithScott and Susan MeuserMisericordia UniversityTony and Elaine PalischakLeigh PawlingProcter and Gamble Paper Products Co.Riggs Asset Management CompanyBob and Barb RomananskyRutkoski Fencing, Inc.Nicole Sennett and Michael WilczynskiJames and Susan ShoemakerDrs. Henry F. and Catherine Smith, Jr.Jon SordoniWilliam B. SordoniGary J. and Allyson Swartz, Jr.The Black Horse Foundation, Inc.The Luzerne FoundationThe Straub Family Fund of

The Luzerne FoundationThe Westmoreland ClubTrion Industries, Inc.Marleen Troy

Dr. Carl R. UrbanskiDavid L. Wagner and Elizabeth CecilWBS PenguinsGreg and Mia WeaverWet PaintYuki’s Boutique

LEADER$250-$499John and Beth AciukewiczAnthony and Barbara AnzaloneMargaret Bakker and Rob LewisCindy Beaumariage and Rick MooneyChris and Eileen BlazicEileen Blood-GoldenPatricia BrooksJane ButkovskyDr. Michael and Deborah Klayman CallahanStephen ChronowskiMichael and Meg CramtonIvan and Cheri DavidowitzAllan and Debra DickThomas DorkoJohn and Tina DowdKeith Dorton and Maria LandisMike and Rachael DziakRobert FinlayFirst Keystone Community BankDr. Seth and Carolyn FisherJamie FlackJanet FlackJames and Janice GormanDr. Gretta GrossRobert C. and Nancy Houck

James and Eileen HoysonRichard M. and Ruth Hughes IIIJerry and Marian Hiester IdecInterMetro IndustriesGeorge IsaacsMaribeth JonesTerry and Wendy JonesSteve and Robin KaminsteinBill and Christine KammererJosh and Liz KatylMarcy L. KatzinJoe and Pete KneidingerKaren LabbateJohn W. and Elizabeth LloydMary Martin and Bill BarberDebbie MaseychikMcCarthy Tire ServiceMCR ProductionsJohn and Mary MetzGerard and Catherine MihalickScott and Marilyn MillingtonMohegan Sun at Pocono DownsMorda Kotch and Associates PCMorgan Stanley Employee DonationsThomas and Andrea MoscaJoseph and Rose Marie PanzittaThe Parsons FamilyPlastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and

Skin Care Center of NEPARailRidersJim ReinoRingneck Ridge Inc.Vince and Eileen ScarpettaTom Sherwood

Widow Skimmer

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Brock and Tara SiegelThomas E. and Karen SoxStephen TarenBruce and Roberta TroyUGI Penn Natural Gas, Inc.Valley Aviation, Inc.Dr. Scott and Kelley WatkinsMarcia Wazeter and Albert JesikiewiczKathleen WilliamsMarguerite WoelfelYudichak Family Lighthouse Fund of

The Luzerne Foundation

PATRON$100-$2493 SistersActon Technologies, Inc.Jean AdamsPeter AlbanoAmerican Legion Post 781Assured Partners of NEPAAndrew M. AugustineAura SalonKermit and Sally AyresBaby Vogue BoutiqueSenator Lisa BakerBalance Yoga and WellnessKathi BankesBassler Equipment Co.Benchmark MortageBenco Family FoundationBenevity Community Impact FundFrank and Carol BevevinoDavid and Phyllis Billings

Paul and Donna BooksteinBorton Lawson Engineering, Inc.Borwick’s Performance Hi-FideltyDonna Broda KuliczkowskiAnthony T.P. BrooksbukaBill and Carole BurakPeter and Lesa ButeraCANTEEN 900Charles R. and Elizabeth CarmaltRobert L. CarsonLee Case and Graysha HarrisDonald J. and Rose Ann CaseyJoan CashinThomas and Patricia Finan CastellanoCentral Clay Products, IncEd and Jen CiarimboliJohn and Rachel CoatesRob CoburnLawrence CohenGreg and Marcia ColemanWilliam H. and Christina L. ConynghamCook’s PharmacyBill and Ruth CorcoranDr. Douglas and Kathleen CoslettAndy and Marsha CostelloJohn and Patricia CremerJames and Kate CrowleyDanko’s All American FitnessBill DantonaJoe and Sandy DarlingGeorge and Carol DaruDavidowitz FoundationDiane Davies and Sara ThompsonPhil and Judy DeckerDr. Patrick J. DeGennaroJay and Valerie DelaneyJohn and Patti Della RosaJoseph and Nan DeMarcoWilliam and Mary DockerayBrian DoranGreg and Carol J. DoudsBarry H. Dyller and Lesa GelbBill and Audrey C. EberhardtRichard EckmanLouise Edwards and Gary Johnston

Embellish Home AccentsEndless Mountain OutfittersEberhard and Mary Louise FaberPaula Fall and Brian GettigDr. Herbert FellermanDaniel J. SantanielloThomas J. and Barbara H. FieldJudd B. and Dianne FitzeAlex FlackJames and Elizabeth FlanneryRyan and Katie FloodJoan S. FosterDr. Louis and Nancy FreedmanJames and Dawn GaudinoGeorge Burger and Sons Inc.Walt and Marilyn GlogowskiSherry GoldweinJohn and Patricia GrahamRobert H. and Deborah GrahamThomas and Judith HallJack and Jean HanishJimmy and Beth HarkinsLinda HarrisGeorge HartHarveys Lake Veterinary ClinicWilbur F. HayesLouise S. HazeltineStacy Herb and Ryan NessWilliam E. Hine, Jr.Anne and Frouke Holmes-de QuillettesHoneyhole Longbeards Chapter NWTFTed and Patty HornHoward and Julianne Daly

Charitable Gift FundCarol HussaLeonard M. and Lita InsalacoIrem Country Club Pro ShopJack Williams Tire Company, Inc.Wendell and Kathy JonesKalinosky Landscaping IncJohn KaminskiBill, Kim and Kaelee KaneClayton and Theresa KarambelasMarcella KellyGerard KippAnthony J. and Vivian Korch

Kovalchik, CPA, David A. Kovalchik, CPAJoe KozichKronick, Kalada, Berdy, and Co.Allen KropiewnickiJohn J. and Jill V. KrystonDr. William J. and Nancie KrywickiKurlancheek Home FurnishingsRonne Kurlancheek and Joel ZitofskyPaul and Kathy LantzBob and Jan LarmouthNikki LaVendaPatrick LaydenLe Manhattan BistroBob and Shirley LeitnerLinde CorporationLockard Surveying and MappingAndy and Ruth Ann LogueJim LuceM & T BankJoseph MacialekPeter and Cindy MaillouxMainstreet GalleriesConor and Ellen MaloneHoward L. MantleMarquis Art and FrameMartin’s RestaurantNancy and Bob MayerC E McLaughlinKris Medic and Bruce Thomason

Gretchen MelnykMelt Hot YogaGeorge and Jane MerollaJeannie MikushGuthrie MitchellDave and Denise MooreMountain BeverageDr. Phil and Rev. Barbara MuntzelNahas and Donahue OrthodonticsNawrocki ImportsBarry and Marilyn O’BoyleJoe O’ConnorThomas M. OgorzalekNick and Sue OuellettePA State Fox and Coyote Hunters Assoc., Inc.Edward and Judy PalkaPanzitta Enterprises, Inc.Shep PawlingAnne PelakPerennial PointRobert A. PicconeArt and Sandy PicconeKen and Nancy Kaiser PidcockKathy PodminickDan and Jean PopePaul and Rachelle PryorRadiation Medicine Specialists of

Northeast PA., P.C.Rainbow Jewelers

Eastern Gartersnake

Rainbow over Hillside

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Charles and Mary Annette RawlsHarry and Liz ReichSandy Rhodes and Julie A. DostalJames P. Ridolfi and Marguerite GlaserJames and Barbara RogersBobbi-Jo RomanishanJ. David and Joan RoskosMichael and Mary RostoPhillip RothMarshall and Anne RumbaughTheron I. and Pam RussellRustiqueSa-ka-ri Salon and SpaCarlo and Jill SaporitoWilma A. SchiererAnnette SchultzCharlie and Helen Schwarz

Maya ShikhmanWendy ShortzMatthew SciabacucchiBonnie SilvettiPaul and Millie SlocumJane Smedley and William AnzaloneAlan Snelson and Dr. Donna AyersSpace and Time Professional OrganizersDr. George F. and Cathy Speace IISprau and Clements DentistryRobert Stanley and Wilhelmina HailstoneBobbie SteeverMatt and Jill StretanskiStrive MultisportStudio MJoe and Keiko StusnickAmber Summers KrugRonald and Mary Ann SwankSharon TemplinThe Glen Summit CompanyThe Lodge at WoodlochThe Upstairs GalleryBarbara A. Toczko-Maculloch and

George MacullochMichael Tomalis and Theresa GatuskyMichael Tonkin and Estelle StevensTrinity ArtisansBrian and Chelsey TupperUnited Way of Wyoming ValleyStephen and Yvette VaneskoRobert and Irene WendoloskiAlixandra L.C. WestbrookBruce and Gert WhippleBob and Maureen Whipple

Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAGary and Denise WilliamsRick Williams and Linda CaseyRobert and Jeanette WilliamsEric and Anne WoelfelMarguerite D. WoelfelJim and Rebecca WolfeCraig and Karen YarrishSuzanne M. Young

ADVOCATE$50-$99Allen H. and Margaret W. AlexanderJo M. AyersBack Mountain Bloomers Garden ClubHeather BalesterCarol BaltimoreCharles M. and Denny BarberBartolai WineryDavid BassBear Creek InneBeckwith MaplesDorrance R. and Susan BelinBistro on the AvenueJudge A. Richard and Rosemary CaputoRita CheskiewiczChic Chic MarketplaceM. Clark and Rita ConlonJanet A. ConserGeorge and Maureen ConynghamCreekside GardensIngrid CroninDave and Roberta DanielsLady Deborah DeBilly dit

Courville BeauxventsDr. Wayne and Bonnie DombroskiMark DruminJanine DymondJoseph and Marguerite EagenSanford and Maryann EvansF. M. Kirby Center for the Performing ArtsAdam FerrucciTina FioraniEd and Georgeann FreyLinda GearhartJoe and Steve Germick

Maureen Givnin-HaasJean GoncharRich and Bonnie GowerRobert and Evelyn HagenEllie Harding and David BirchlerTammy HarrisDr. Jon and Beverly HartFather John HartmanWoody HaydtRodney HeckertBeverly JohnsonWesley KellerErick and Darlene KershnerKevin’s Bar and RestaurantLance and Sandra KittelsonJohn and Jennifer KolessarWilliam and Catherine KuklinskiDr. Paul and Alice Rae KutishMichael and Patricia M. LastGary and Benedetta LawrenceMarie LewisDr. William and Becky LoftusMegan LupekDr. Michael A. and Tina MacDowellMattern’s Flora and FurnishingsSandy McGovernBernadette McHughMetz Culinary ManagementMidway Garden CenterPalmira Gregory MillerCindy Post MitchellJames S. and Mary Ann S. MurphyVirginia MurphyPatricia NeishelRussell G. Newell

Verlon and Mary Lou NicholsNick of TimeAlex and Ann NobileJim O’ConnellConstance OrchardVance Packard and Bonnie SmithGene PelletierMichele PhillipsPizza PerfectReeves Rent-A-John, Inc.Virginia G. RiversDonald Rood and Beverly MasonStephen and Adina RosenthalBill and Joanne RunnerJack F. and Alice Sallada, Jr.Tammy Schane and Vincent HaasRoberta SchmiedSue SchmitthennerDan ScottJohn and Mary Jo ShalanskiDaniel and Bonnie ShaneJames and Robin ShedlauskasShoozeJoe and Rose SlusarkBob and Ellen SmithJean SmithRebecca F. SmithBrent and Jill SnowdonSocial Fabric CollectiveDal SperrazzaRichard D. and Marilyn StarkJulie McCarthy StrzeletzSusan Charnetski Interior DesignSusquehanna Brewing Co.The Beaumont Inn

Ruby Crowned Kinglet

Swallow Tail Butterfly on Coneflower

American Bull Frog

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Lenny TrolioTwigs Restaurant and CafeCarl Urbanski and Martha ShipeFred ValentineBob and Catherine VelekerNick VerbanicVerve Vertu Art StudioRichard WardDr. Brian E. WhitmanWild Birds UnlimitedCharles WrobelRaymond Youngblood

SPONSOR$30-$49Russ AndrewsDr. Joseph and Maureen AnistranskiNancy BakerJohn and Sandra BensingerJohn and Darlene BeroMichael BertramTim BoyleMike BurnsideAllison CarpenterFrances CavanaughRylan Coker and Rebecca LaneBarbara Craig, RSMDwight and Molly DavisSuzanne Druffner

Christine ErbFire and Ice on Toby’s CreekJeanette GodlewskiDick Goldberg and Rosemary ChromeyMichael M. GondellJohn KekerMichael LoGrandeJanice LohmannMarianne LurieBonaventure MagrysVictoria MartinJohn and Doris McQuadeBob MercandoOverbrook Pub and GrilleChristine OwensSusan PettyPhilip and Molly PiazzaRobert J. and Mary Ann PrymusBob QuarteroniJudy ReapLinda Jo RobbinsBeverly RobertsMichele Schasberger and Michael PolgarJames ShoemakerTheresa StewartJoanne TarasAdrienne VanishRuth WhalenCharlene WildesAli and Doug WilsonJim Witinski

STUDENT$25Richard P. and Jan AbramowitzDonald and Nancy AlonzoBarbara BarnesBarbara BradleyDiva’s Nails SpaCarole ErtleyJohn and Mary Kopicki Guthrie Mitchell Insurance AgencyRay and Julie IwanowskiJoanne KovalCharlie and Marion Boyle Petrillo

Megan PrynnKevin and Adele ReillySteve SantiniSeasons RestaurantBarry and Shirley TrievelHelen Westenheffer

SUPPORTERUnder $25Bill and Margaret AllenTammy AmicoMarcia AnosFred BalesterJoan BlossMichael and Lois BrooksKathryn ByrnesDiane CebulaRay ClarkeNicole DelevanCatherine ElwellJudith FellinHerb FlyteJohn FredericksRobert FreemanMichele GalentyBob and Barbara GallagherPatricia GallagherMarty and Lynn GeorgeNadine GinocchettiGoodShopSandra GoodwinCarol GrabowskiLucia HarkenreaderBill JosephCharles F. and Leah Kappler, IVJeanne KapralJohn and Mary KopickiAndrea KoskoConstance KozelJoe and Karen KutishJeannette LevanKathryn LietzScott and Jill LindeBethanne McAndrewBonnie McGeehanSandy McGrady

Andrea MeduraMark and Sandra MellasBrian and Karen MohnMegan MouldDiane OlsonKen OsieckiClark RileyChristian RiveraColleen SaltmerJack SchieberDavid SchinalyJoan Schooley and Fred WillauerMichael ScottCharlotte SevercoolDon Sherwood

GIFTS IN MEMORIALContributions were made in memory of the following:Michael J. McEvoyEdward F. Sutherland

Heather SinkiewiczGeorge B. and Andrea SordoniJohn and Sharon StevensJanet StrishJames and Shirley StrohlJan TeitsworthThe Atrium RestaurantRob and Rosemary VargoJerome H. WeinbergerTom and Janet WhitefieldJennifer WilliamsKyle WilliamsMolly WrightJessica Zielen

MATCHING GIFTSThe following organizations matched contributions from members:Benevity Community Impact FundMorgan Stanley Employee Donations

NBLT makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of these listings. If you find an omission or a misspelling, please excuse our error and contact us at romanansky@nblt.org or

call 570-310-1781 to update our records for future donor listings.

Clear Wing Hummingbird Moth on Valmont Bog Orchid

Bear Creek Preserve

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2016 Board of direCtors & staff

COMMITTEES Annual Dinner Stacy Fay & Maggie Zembruski, Dinner Co-ChairsJames T. Shoemaker, Master of Ceremonies Lissa Bryan-SmithKathleen Dunsmuir James Gorman Joshua Katyl Terri Kosakowski Karen Labbate Paul Lumia Olivia Lumia Barbara Toczko-Maculloch Cathy McHugh Marilyn Millington Amanda Ouellette Barbara Romanansky Bobbi-Jo Romanishan Rebecca Smith Jill Snowdon Scott Watkins Maureen Whipple Lena Williams Bulk Mailing Volunteers Sarah Carr Suzanne Druffner Sister Constance Kozel Carol Lizell Jan Lohmann Constance Orchard Elaine Palischak Tony Palischak Eugene Pelletier Paul Pryor Rachelle Pryor Mary Annette Rawls Bobbie Schmied Bruce Troy Gary Williams

Event Planning Charlene Wildes, ChairAllan Dick Deb Dick Paula Fall Tina Fiorani Brian Gettig Ellie Harding Jim Ridolfi Barbara Romanansky Finance Michael Weaver, Chair James DePolo James Gorman Paul Lumia Ellen Parmenteri Matthew Sordoni Howland Preserve Management David Buck, ChairSarah Carr Rylan Coker Jeff Fleming Jr. Jeff Fleming Sr. Paul Lumia Raymond Massacesi Mark Mellas Colleen Nardoni Anthony Palischak Barbara Romanansky Walter “Chip” Sorber Sharon Templin Maureen Whipple Bob Whipple Ali Wilson Doug Wilson Edward Zygmunt

Staff Paul Lumia, Executive Director Rylan Coker, Land Protection & Stewardship Coordinator Barbara Romanansky, Director of Development Ellen Parmenteri/Maureen Whipple, Office Administrator

Land Rylan Coker, ChairSarah Carr Elizabeth Eckman Lloyd Tina Fiorani Ellen Parmenteri Brian Stahl D. Kay Strickland Marketing Christina Dilks Taylor, ChairJohn Bartorillo Kathy Bozinski Will Conyngham Paul Lumia Nicholas Ouellette Barbara Romanansky James Shoemaker Picton Wildlife Sanctuary Management Tina Fiorani, Chair Dave Birchler Allan Dick Deb Dick Paula Fall Brian Gettig Mike Gondell Ellie Harding Patty Horn Ted Horn Jim Ridolfi Bob Romanansky Charlene Wildes Ray Youngblood Risk Management Committee D. Kay Strickland, ChairRylan Coker Stacey Fay Guthrie Mitchell Scott Watkins, DMD

2016 annual rePort

Sustainability Board Development James T. Shoemaker, ChairWilliam Conyngham James DePolo Paul Lumia Guthrie Mitchell Nicolas Ouellette Barbara Romanansky Matthew Sordoni Christina Dilks Taylor Michael Weaver Taste the Local Harvest Barbara Romanansky, Chair Terri Kosalowski Paul Lumia Cathy McHugh Maureen Whipple VolunteerProperty Monitors John Bessinger Sandy Bessinger Cindy Beaumariage Tom Delehanty David Estep Paula Fall Tina Fiorani Brian Gettig Mike Gondell Dave Jenkins Kate Jenkins Megan Lupek Bob Romanansky D. Kay Strickland Mike Tonkin Edward Zygmunt

BOARD OF DIRECTORS James T. Shoemaker, ChairChristina Dilks Taylor, Vice ChairMichael D. Weaver, TreasurerD. Kay Strickland, Secretary

James DePolo Stacey Fay James T. Gorman Joshua D. Katyl Elizabeth Eckman Lloyd

Guthrie Mitchell Nicholas G. Ouellette Walter “Chip” Sorber Matthew Sordoni Vincent Scarpetta

Gary J. Swartz, Jr. Marleen A. Troy, Ph.D., P.E. Scott Watkins, DMD John L. Zembruski, Esq

Rebecca Smith, Outreach Coordinator Laura Solomon, Land Steward Associate Lena Williams, Social Media & Communication Associate

Financial InformationNorth Branch Land Trust financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with standards established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for external financial reporting by non-profit organizations. The charts below provide a breakdown of where our operating funds come from and how they are spent. As a community based non-profit, the Trust relies heavily on contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations within its service area. The Trust staff spends the majority of its time and resources on land conservation projects and education and outreach activities. All funds raised stay local!

ReVeNUe BY SOURceContributed Support 70.71%Earned Revenues 15.47%Special Events 13.82% TOTAL 100.00%

exPeNSeS BY TYPeProgram Services 77.98%Administrative 13.12%Fundraising 8.90% TOTAL 100.00%

At year end 2016, North Branch Land Trust assets stood at about 5.5 million dollars, almost 70% of which are non-liquid land assets and assets set aside to monitor and defend conserved lands.Currently the Trust has a modest endowment to help fund the organization’s operations. However, this endowment is not large enough to support the entire budget and additional funds must be raised on an annual basis. It is the goal of the North Branch Land Trust staff and Board of Directors to grow this endowment to a level that will support a robust conservation budget and the advancement of the Trust’s land conservation mission in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Thank you for your continued support!

Contributed SupportEarned RevenuesSpecial Events

Program ServicesAdministrativeFundraising

Exploring Thomas Darling Preserve

2016 A N N UA L R E P O R T   ❘   N O R T H B R A N C H L A N D T R U S T       15

For more information send an email to info@NBLT.org or call our office (570) 310-1781

Membership in North Branch Land Trust Helps Conserve What Matters Most!Renew your membership, become a member or give a gift membership today!

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIESLeadership Levels❑ North Branch Guardian ......................... $5,000❑ Conservation Society ................ $2,500-$4,999❑ Stewardship Society ................. $1,000-$2,499❑ Benefactor....................................... $500-$999❑ Leader ............................................. $250-$499Supporting Levels❑ Patron ............................................. $100-$249❑ Advocate ............................................. $50-$99❑ Sponsor .............................................. $35-$49Membership runs from July 1 to June 30

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMDoes your company have a matching gift program? Please check box if your matching gift form is enclosed: ❑

❑ Please remove my name from your mailing list.

YOUR CONTACT INFORMATIONName(s): _______________________________________________Address:________________________________________________City, State, Zip: ___________________________________________Phone: _________________________________________________Email: __________________________________________________

GIFT MEMBERSHIP RECIPIENTAddress:________________________________________________City, State, Zip: __________________________________________Phone: _________________________________________________Email: _________________________________________________For additional gift memberships, write their contact information on a separate paper.North Branch Land Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Department of State. Call (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Make check payable to North Branch Land Trust251 Huntsville-Idetown Road, Dallas, PA 18612 or,to make an online payment, visit www.nblt.org

North Branch Land Trust251 Huntsville-Idetown Road

Dallas, PA 18612 Phone: (570) 310-1781

Fax: (570) 310-1791 Email: info@NBLT.org

Website: www.NBLT.org

PRINTED BY LLEWELLYN & McKANE, INC.

“”

Conservation has to become an absolute

priority, because if we lose nature that’s

the end of us. We can’t live without it.~ Jane Goodall

Ricketts Glen

PHOTO CREDITS:MIKE BURNSIDE

Page 13: NLT’s Bear Creek Preserve

RYLAN COKER Page 11: Eastern Garter Snake

TINA FIORANI Page 3: The Joy of Discovery, Boots to the Ground,

Exploring in all seasons, Education

JIM HOYSON Front Cover: Female Wood Duck

INTERNET Page 6: Council Cup

ALLISON MASLOW Page 11: Rainbow over Hillside

NBLT Page 2: Bluebells

Page 3: Traveling with NBLT on Safari, South Africa Page 7: Blue Curls;

Page 12: Ruby Crowned Kinglet Bullfrog

RICH PRIES Page 3: White Tail Fawn;

Page 10: Widow Skimmer; Back Cover: Great Blue Heron

BARB ROMANANSKY Page 3: Giraffes & Zebras, South Africa

Address Service Requested

251 Huntsville-Idetown Road Dallas, PA 18612

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Those who contemplate the beauty of the

earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. ~ Rachel Carson”

Non-Profit Org.US POSTAGE

P A I DDallas, PA

Permit No. 12

Great Blue Heron