The D&L Trail Tenders are gearing up for a big spring.  We are always thrilled to see new faces, so come out for any of the events listed below, support the trail, get a little dirty, and have a great time.  For the veteran tenders out there, get ready for another great season.

Lehigh Valley:

Sat., May 9: 9 a.m. – noon Meet at Lock 43 to clear honeysuckle from the Lehigh River side of trail.

Sat., May 16: 9 a.m. – noon Meet at Lock 43 to clear honeysuckle from the Lehigh River side of trail.

Wed., May 27: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. We will cut and drag honeysuckle and other brush to s city operated chipper/shredder.

Sat., May 30: 9 a.m. – noon Meet at Sand Island to prep area for National Trails Day event June 6. We need a large turnout for this cleanup.

For more information on Lehigh Valley events contact Dennis Scholl at dennis@delawareandlehigh.org.

Easton:

Sat., May 16: 9 a.m. – noon Meet at the canal boat in Hugh Moore Park to rake out the trail perimeter near the canal boat concession and plant grass seed. Please bring rakes.

For more information contact Charlie Supenis at charsupe@msn.com.

Northern Lehigh:

Sat., May 16: 9 a.m. – noon Meet at Slatington Trailhead to travel by car to Lock 25 in Walnuport. Tenders will begin clearing the overflow (bypass) channel at the lock. Please bring loppers and saws.

For more information contact Dean Hower at dean_the_bikeman@hotmail.com.

Carbon County:

Sat., May 16: 9 a.m. – noon Meet at Lehigh Canal Park in Parryville to continue cleanup of the Lock 13 area.

Sat., May 23: 9 a.m. – noon Site to be determined between Parryville and Weissport.

For more information contact Doug Makofka at doug@makofka.org.

Dates to Pencil In:

Sat. June 6:

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. “Travel the Towpath” National Trails Day event in Bethlehem. Contact Dennis Scholl, D&L: dennis@delawareandlehigh.org

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. National Trails Day event in Hugh Moore Park, Easton. Contact Rayne Schnabel, D&L: rayne@delawareandlehigh.org

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. National Trails Day event in Bucks County.  Contact Donna Boone, D&L: donna@delawareandlehigh.org

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. National Trails Day event in Hazelton.  Contact Bob Skulsky: civic@hazletonchamber.org

Friday, June 12: 10 a.m. Weissport Trailhead Dedication.  Contact Sandy Duda, D&L: sandra@delawareandlehigh.org

General questions about the D&L Trail Tenders can be addressed to Outreach Coordinator Dennis Scholl at Dennis@delawareandlehigh.org or 610-923-3548 (ext.225).

This year’s cleanup in St. Michael’s cemetery was a big success, with fifty community members spending the sunny spring day sprucing up this cherished South Bethlehem resource.

Volunteers found less litter than in the past, allowing them to spend more time on raking, clipping, and shoveling activities. One of the most important efforts is filling in the depressions caused by settling or shifting soil. This year Kunsman Paving donated fill that was delivered by Barker and Barker Paving. Ken at Saucon True Value Hardware in Hellertown graciously donated a rake and shovel for the volunteers. Aquafina Water donated enough bottled water to keep everyone hydrated, and a gift certificate from Giant Foods Store in Hellertown provided snacks. Thanks to these businesses for making donations and to Holy Infancy for granting permission to work on the property!

The problems facing the cemetery range from litter and vandalism to the persistent work of weather, weeds, and gravity. Join those community members who have decided to confront this daunting task by committing a few hours here and there to pick up the occasional gum wrapper and soda can or discourage vandalism simply by walking through the cemetery. At a minimum, if you have never been to the cemetery, you need to visit, and see why so many people are devoted to its future.

On May 30, another event will take place at St. Michael’s. Please attend a special Memorial Service at the cemetery at 10:30 a.m. (Rain location at Holy Infancy School, 4th and Webster Streets.) For more information, contact Joan Campion at fleurvictoire@juno.com.