Several conservation, trail, and park improvement projects in Berks County will move forward with the help of more than $39,000 in funding awarded through the 2026 Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini-Grant Program.
The Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape announced that it awarded $97,941 to 12 projects across its six-county region. The grants, ranging from $640 to $15,000, support initiatives focused on natural resource conservation, outdoor recreation, land stewardship, and community engagement.
Five of the funded projects are located in Berks County, while another regional trail planning effort includes work in Bern Township.
Berks Nature received $10,264 to construct a sustainable stone staircase connecting two trails at Neversink Mountain Preserve. The project is intended to improve trail connectivity and provide safer access for visitors.
The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust was awarded $12,500 for improvements to its park area, including the installation of interpretive plaques, benches with ADA-compliant seating, and complementary landscaping.
The Dreibelbis Farm Historical Society received $640 to remove invasive plant species, including Japanese knotweed, from the Historic Dreibelbis Farm property.
Our Town Foundation in Hamburg was awarded $11,474 to install wayfinding signage directing pedestrians and cyclists into downtown Hamburg. The project also includes the creation of native habitat gardens.
South Heidelberg Township received $4,736 to conduct a feasibility study examining the conversion of more than 21 acres of township-maintained lawn into meadow. The study will evaluate costs, design options, and recommendations for the project.
In addition, Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area received a $15,000 grant for a trail study in Bern Township. The project will examine two state-owned coal desilting impoundments to develop a potential alignment for approximately 2.5 miles of new off-road trail for future public use.
Across the region, the grant program received 25 applications, with 12 projects selected for funding. According to the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape, the program supports projects that connect people with the outdoors, encourage nature-based tourism, promote conservation of land and waterways, and strengthen regional partnerships.
“We are thrilled to support these community-driven efforts that align with the Schuylkill Highlands’ vision of a connected, sustainable, and accessible landscape,” said Estelle Wynn Dolan, Schuylkill Highlands program manager. “These projects will have a lasting impact on the region’s ecological health and quality of life, as well as providing residents and visitors with access to our outdoor resources.”
The Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program and is administered by Natural Lands. The reimbursement grant program is available to eligible municipalities, nonprofit organizations, watershed associations, and other qualifying groups across the Schuylkill Highlands region.