10/20/2026
⚠️ UPDATE ON BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION AT DOROTHY RIDER POOL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ⚠️
Bridge construction commenced in early August and was anticipated to take place through September.
Significant rain events, coupled with the challenges of a large-scale construction project, have presented setbacks to completing the bridge prior to October.
We hear you. We’re disappointed that the project is delayed, too.
All of us want the new bridge to be complete and to be back at the sanctuary to walk, watch birds, peep foliage, or stroll the boardwalk along the Little Lehigh Creek.
𝗦𝗼𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘄𝗲'𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆. 𝗪𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲.
We can assure you that construction is moving forward. Late last week, iron work was put in place by a crane over the creek.
This is the first time since the accident involving the propane truck on April 29, 2025, that the bridge has looked more like a bridge.
We wanted to share it with you because it‘s very exciting and promising to see this progress.
We’ve been documenting the project’s progress through time lapse video and drone footage so we can look back on this unprecedented time in our organization's history, see how far we've come, and remember how you, the community, stood by us.
Immediately following construction demobilization, prior to reopening, we will regrade the parking area that was occupied with heavy equipment and materials to ensure a safe and even surface upon your return.
𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆, 𝗢𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗼𝗻-𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰.
⚠️ Non-local motorists and pedestrians must avoid the area at this time. It is a very active construction site.
⚠️ Attempts to access the sanctuary jeopardize personal safety, the safety of the construction crew, and essential Wildlands Conservancy personnel.
⚠️ Attempts to access the sanctuary could result in additional project setbacks.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲.
There is no public access currently, and we continue to encourage you to explore our 13 other nature preserves, including Brenner-Penfield Emmaus Preserve that officially opened on October 14, 2026.
Your support helps keep our nature preserves safe, open, and accessible for all who call our region home.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
As of today, no final settlement has been reached yet with Sharp Energy’s parent company, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.
𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿.
We know now more than ever that the Lehigh Valley needs nature right here at home. Living disconnected from the sanctuary really solidified that for us and the community.
We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we continue moving our mission forward and working tirelessly to welcome you back to Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, sooner rather than later, by way of an all-new bridge that will be better for both visitors and the environment.
𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀, 𝘄𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗲𝘁. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽.
A big part of building our way back to the place we love goes beyond the new bridge that's underway. We've been using this time to square away housekeeping projects to help us roll out the green carpet when you return. And we could really use your help.
Your support today will help us replant the construction site, revitalizing infrastructure like the barn, pavilions, benches, plus have the tools we need to maintain the trails that’ll be getting lots of foot traffic again soon.
Work to build an all-new home for our education animal ambassadors is moving forward, too, and wild ones—feathered, furry, and not—would greatly benefit from your generosity today, in any amount.
🔗 wildlandspa.org/donate
