Lehigh County Conservation District

June is Great Outdoors Month! 🌲☀️

Across Pennsylvania, conservation districts are helping protect the natural resources that make our outdoor spaces healthy, beautiful, and accessible for everyone. From clean streams and thriving forests to trails, parks, farms, and wildlife habitat, conservation work supports the places we all enjoy.

This month, take time to get outside — hike a trail, paddle a creek, plant a native garden, visit a local park, or simply enjoy the beauty of Pennsylvania’s natural landscapes.

The Blacklegged tick is a major concern in Lehigh County because it can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and other tick-borne infections to humans.

Ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and along trails. After spending time outdoors, it’s important to be checking yourself for ticks.

For more information on the blacklegged tick, please visit the following website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/bureau-of-labs/vector-management/ticks/blacklegged-tick

🌼Honoring Our Heroes This Memorial Day🌼

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, let us take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day!

Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢

These slow-moving creatures play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems—but they face growing threats from habitat loss, road traffic, and pollution.

You can help protect turtles in your community by:
🐢 Watching for turtles crossing roads (and helping them safely in the direction they’re headed)
🐢 Protecting wetlands and streamside habitats
🐢 Leaving turtles in the wild—never take them home

In Pennsylvania, there are over 5 million pet dogs and cats. Five million pets means millions of pounds of waste every single day! This waste can make its way into our lakes, streams, and rivers, polluting them and possibly harming fish, promoting w**d and algae growth, and making the water unsafe for drinking and swimming.

Below is some helpful guidance on how to properly dispose of pet waste.

Happy World Bee Day! 🐝

Bees and other pollinators are essential to Pennsylvania’s agriculture, ecosystems, and food supply. From orchards and farms to backyard gardens, these small but mighty creatures help keep our landscapes thriving.

But pollinators face growing challenges—from habitat loss to pesticide exposure. That’s where conservation makes a difference.

Across the Commonwealth, conservation districts are working with landowners and communities to:
🌼 Plant native pollinator habitats
🌼 Promote sustainable land management practices
🌼 Protect clean water and healthy soil

You can help, too! Consider planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use, and creating a pollinator-friendly space at home.

Together, we can protect Pennsylvania’s pollinators—and the vital role they play in our everyday lives.

Happy World Migratory Bird Day! 🐦🌎

Each year, millions of birds travel incredible distances across continents—passing through and nesting right here in Pennsylvania. From vibrant warblers to majestic raptors, these species rely on healthy habitats along their journey.

But migratory birds face growing challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

Conservation districts across Pennsylvania are working to protect the forests, wetlands, and waterways that birds depend on—helping ensure safe places to rest, feed, and raise their young.

You can help, too:
🌿 Plant native trees and shrubs
🌿 Reduce outdoor light pollution during migration seasons
🌿 Keep cats indoors to protect wildlife
🌿 Support local conservation efforts

Together, we can help keep Pennsylvania a welcoming stop along the migratory flyway.

May is Garden for Wildlife Month 🌿🦋

This month is all about turning our yards, gardens, and community spaces into thriving habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Even small actions can make a big impact. By planting native species, reducing lawn space, and providing food, water, and shelter, we can create connected habitats that support biodiversity across the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania conservation districts encourage landowners and communities to:
🌼 Plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees
🐝 Support pollinators like bees and butterflies
🐦 Provide shelter and safe nesting areas for birds
💧 Reduce chemical use and protect clean water

Together, we can help every garden become part of a larger network of healthy habitats to support wildlife.

May is American Wetlands Month! 💧🌿

Wetlands are some of Pennsylvania’s most valuable natural resources—filtering pollutants, reducing flooding, recharging groundwater, and providing critical habitat for wildlife.

Across the Commonwealth, conservation districts work to:
🌱 Protect and restore wetland habitats
🌱 Support sustainable land use practices
🌱 Educate communities about the importance of clean water

You can help by respecting wetland areas, planting native vegetation, and supporting local conservation efforts.

Together, we can protect Pennsylvania’s wetlands—and the benefits they provide for generations to come.