NORTHAMPTON, Pa. — Northampton County's Park and Recreation Division will celebrate a golden jubilee for itself and significant mile markers for partners with a special commemoration event.
From 4 to 8 p.m. June 10, Northampton County Park and Recreation Division will hold the Greenways Jamboree Celebration at Wayne A. Grube Memorial County Park.
The free event will mark the division's 50th anniversary, in tandem with the 20th anniversary of the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Partnership and the 28th Annual Lehigh River Sojourn.
Organizers are encouraging the community to come out and join the LVG partners to connect with conservation and recreation groups which will have information, giveaways and merchandise.
"I know our efforts today will continue the efforts of the past 50 years.”Northampton County Parks and Recreation Superintendent Bryan Cope
“I’m honored to continue the efforts of land preservation, park development, environmental restoration, regional trails and education within Northampton County,” Parks and Recreation Superintendent Bryan Cope said.
“Our efforts continue to improve the quality of life within the County, preserve our natural resources, and promote an outdoor recreation economy.
"While preserving the significant environmentally sensitive areas within and around the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers, the Kittatinny Ridge, and the PA Highlands, we also provide recreational and healthy living initiatives.
"I know our efforts today will continue the efforts of the past 50 years.”
Food, music and beer
While visitors they take in all that valuable information, they also can indulge in tacos, burgers and other refreshments from GrubNight, Uno Taqueria, and Sweet Scoops food trucks.
Also there will be New Trail Brewing, which will feature the LVG 20th Anniversary Hazy IPA beer.
State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Dunn, County Executive Lamont G. McClure and Wildlands Conservancy President Christopher Kocher will speak beginning at 5:30 p.m.
There will be live music from the Billy Bauer Band will start at 6 p.m.
The event will coincide with Wildlands Conservancy’s 28th Annual Lehigh River Sojourn, with Sojourners camping at Wayne A. Grube Memorial County Park, maintained by Northampton County Parks and Recreation.
Lehigh River Sojourn details
The Sojourn will run June 8-11 and feature a guided paddling trip on the river, beginning with whitewater rafting in the Poconos on the first day, followed by canoeing in Jim Thorpe on day two, followed by more canoeing in Northampton County on day three and even more in Easton on day four.
Passes for day one run $89, while those for days two through four will cost $69 for adults and $49 for children.
Tickets will cover catered lunches, all equipment, safety and paddling instruction, shuttle transportation, education presentations, overnight camping, and meals.
“Each day boasts a different get-outdoors experience on the water with unique views and experiences."The Lehigh River Sojourn website
Visitors also can bring their own canoes and kayaks, which the group will shuttle, as well.
“Each day boasts a different get-outdoors experience on the water with unique views and experiences," the Sojourn website states.
"Sojourn this year includes educational programming each day from our neighbors in conservation and environmental education, camping at various parks, and even special events.”
Lehigh Valley Greenways was founded in 2004 and is one of eight Conservation Landscapes in Pennsylvania.
Supported by the DCNR, the partnership includes more than 25 local organizations and municipal partners in Lehigh and Northampton Counties dedicated to the conservation and connection to natural resources.
LVG aims to bring about a vision in which Lehigh Valley communities are connected to greenways, trails, and outdoor experiences, “resulting in stronger local economies and improved public health, green infrastructure and natural resources.”
