EASTON – As the local leader for Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) is preparing to disburse $75,000 as part of the 2022 Lehigh Valley Greenways Mini Grant Program. The online application period is now open and runs through March 21 at 4:00 p.m.
Lehigh Valley Greenways mini grants are intended to inspire collaboration to carry out ready-to-go, single-year projects that protect and promote the natural resources of the Lehigh Valley and advance the goals of Lehigh Valley Greenways. Land conservation and restoration, outdoor recreation and trail connections, community revitalization, and local education and outreach are among Greenway goals.
Priorities for the 2022 grant round are:
- (Municipalities) Adopt model ordinances and/or an official map to protect natural resources and improve bicycle/pedestrian connections.
- Implement ecological restoration projects (ex. stream habitat improvements, riparian buffers, native grass/wildflower meadows, rain gardens, no-mow areas along streams and in public parks).
- Host educational events, trainings and workshops that advance the goals of Lehigh Valley Greenways and involve an inclusive audience.
- Improve THE LINK, Lehigh Valley’s growing multi-use trail network (ex. close trail gaps, install safety and directional signage, create safe road crossings, add trail amenities).
- Incorporate climate change adaptation strategies into all relevant projects
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, municipalities, municipal agencies, county conservation districts, and educational institutions (colleges, universities, school districts). Projects must be located within Lehigh or Northampton County. Grant requests should be a minimum of $1,000 and maximum of $10,000 with total project costs at least double the grant request.
Interested applicants can review full mini grant guidelines and fill out the online application at https://lvgreenways.org/mini-grants/apply-for-a-mini-grant/.
All applicants are required to meet with Brit Kondravy, Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape External Lead, virtually or in-person before applying, (in less they or a representative attended March 10 pre-application meeting).
The grant program is part of the Lehigh Valley Greenways partnership, one of eight Conservation Landscapes in Pennsylvania. The grants are funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Environmental Stewardship Fund and administered by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. Lehigh Valley Greenways mini grant funds may not be used to match other DCNR funded grant projects.
For more information, please use the Contact Us form within the Lehigh Valley Greenways website.
