DR. RUTH PATRICK EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD Presented to
For providing accessible, high quality education about watershed systems, water quality, habitat health, and the ways human activities influence the Delaware River Basin.
Wildlands Conservancy’s community education programs are designed to immerse residents directly in the lands and waters of the Lehigh River Watershed, part of the Delaware River Basin. As the region’s leading land trust, Wildlands uses protected nature preserves, restored habitats, wetlands, riparian corridors, and headwater streams as living classrooms. Each year, we engage thousands of participants in hands on, place based learning that deepens understanding of watershed systems, water quality, habitat health, and the ecological impacts of human activity.
Wildlands Conservancy provides a vital service within the Lehigh River watershed through their land preservation efforts and robust community education programming. Through their programs, Wildlands has built so many amazing opportunities for citizens and students to connect with nature at locations throughout the basin. The next generation of water advocates get inspired through the hands-on, fun learning experiences created by this dedicated team,” said Liesel Gross, CEO Lehigh County Authority.
Receiving the 2026 Dr. Ruth Patrick Excellence in Education Award is a meaningful recognition of Wildlands Conservancy’s commitment to environmental education. We are grateful to be considered for this award and for the recognition of our work,” said Nicole Landis, Senior Community Engagement Specialist Wildlands Conservancy. “We believe that fostering curiosity, stewardship, and access to nature empowers individuals and communities to care for our shared natural resources, and we are deeply grateful to our educators, partners, volunteers, and community who make this work possible every day.
Our programs are intentionally accessible—almost all are free of charge and include complimentary use of equipment such as canoes, bicycles, and snowshoes. Offerings range from wildlife and habitat field research, to recreation based watershed exploration like paddling and biking, to stewardship focused conversations and forest ecology programs. By bringing people onto the land and into the water, Wildlands fosters meaningful connections between residents and the natural resources of the Delaware River Basin, inspiring long term stewardship and community engagement.
