Lehigh Valley Greenways Initiative (LVGI) Mini-Grants

Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program

Geographic Scope: Lehigh and Northampton counties, Pennsylvania

Focus Areas:

• Conservation and restoration projects
• Trail and greenway connections
• Urban forestry programs
• Watershed management and conservation planning
• Native plant restoration
• Environmental education and outreach
• Land use ordinances and open space planning

Award Range: Typically $2,500 to $40,000 for mini-grants (maximum $20,000 for block grants)

Eligible Applicants:

• Local municipalities
• Non-profit organizations
• Conservation districts
• Government agencies

Project Goals:

• Advance land conservation
• Create trail and greenway connections
• Revitalize communities and urban areas
• Provide sound land use practices
• Promote recreation and conservation activities

Contact Information:

• Sherry Acevedo, Resource Conservation Specialist
• Phone: 610-923-3548 ext. 226
• Email: sherry@delawareandlehigh.org
• Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
• 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road
• Easton, PA 18042

Background: LVGI was established to promote recreation and conservation activities in the Lehigh Valley. Since the D&L began administering LVGI grants, over $1.3 million has been provided for local initiatives. The program has funded projects ranging from trail construction and surfacing to wetland restoration and urban forestry programs.

Application Process

Deadline: December 23, 2010 (historical example; check website for current deadlines)

Pre-Application Meeting:

• Opportunity to discuss potential projects with staff
• Recommended for applicants
• Contact Sherry Acevedo to confirm attendance

Required Materials:

1. Grant Application form
2. Grant Instructions and Guidelines document
3. LVG Fact Sheet

Application Focus Areas:

• Projects supporting land conservation
• Trail and greenway connections
• Community revitalization
• Sound land use practices
• Protection of valued natural resource sub-landscapes

Selection Criteria:

• Priority given to projects with strategic approaches to conservation
• Connection to valued natural resource sub-landscapes
• Advancement of overall LVG goals

Contact for Questions:

• Sherry Acevedo
• Phone: 610-923-3548 (x226)
• Email: sherry@delawareandlehigh.org