Mission Statement

The mission of the Buck Hill Conservation Foundation is the preservation and protection of land through acquisition or conservation easement, stewardship and education. The primary focus is on land in close proximity to Buck Hill and Barrett Township.

   More than a century ago, the founders of the Buck Hill Falls community acquired a large tract of Pocono woodland, both as a place they and their families could enjoy and as a legacy for future generations. Buck Hill Falls residents are the inheritors and stewards of that invaluable legacy that today comprises about 4,600 acres, much of it land that cannot be disposed of without Buck Hill Falls Company shareholder approval. The land is located between Pennsylvania State Game Lands and other extensive private landholdings, including Skytop. In fast-growing Monroe County, these open spaces provide outdoor recreation for surrounding residents and animal corridors and habitat for black bear, wild turkey, and other woodland animals. As the community's centennial approached, a number of community members saw the need for more active and vigilant efforts to preserve this heritage, and created the Buck Hill Conservation Foundation, a taxexempt non-profit organization.

Since then, the Foundation's membership has grown to include a sizeable number of dedicated Buck Hillers, and the positive results of the Foundation's work are visible to all, including:

• Purchasing a conservation easement from the Buck Hill Falls Company to protect the scenic central Falls, Glen, and Jenkins Woods areas against future development, assuring their natural preservation in perpetuity;
• Applying for and gaining designation, by Pennsylvania State authorities, of Buck Hill Creek as a waterway of "exceptional value";
• Facilitating the construction of a handsome new stair tower to the base of the Falls;
• Mapping, blazing, sign-posting, and enhancing the community's network of walking trails; launching an Adopt-a-Trail program for ongoing care by Buck Hill families; and organizing nature walks and organized hikes, both on Buck Hill property and in nearby areas of interest;
• Providing for the employment of a part-time ranger who monitors Buck Hill's largely undeveloped property year-round;
• Launching programs to address the infestation of hemlock-threatening woolly adelgid and educating the community about threats to the environment;
• Working with other conservation organizations and governmental agencies to monitor development, ensuring that open space is preserved and that environmentally sensitive areas are not harmed;
• Encouraging the community to participate in organized Family Work Days, for trail maintenance and other projects;
• Contributing to education programs for children enrolled in the summertime Camp Club that are open to the whole community.

This work goes on twelve months a year. Its current and future success depends wholly upon the generous and consistent support of members, year after year. Please join your Buck Hill neighbors in becoming a member of the Buck Hill Conservation Foundation and contributing annually to support our mission.


We look forward to your participation.

Board of Trustees

Gail Rose (President)
Bill Dordelman (Vice-President)
Peter Shriver (Treasurer)
Bruce Finley (Secretary)
Randy Canonico
Ezra Delaney
Frank Donnelly
Craig Harrison
Jock Miller
Chris Mitchell
Dave Mittereder
Marie Powers
Judy Stillenger
Martin Watkins
Tom Widing
Frank May (President-Emeritus)

Buck Hill Conservation Foundation
P. O. Box 350 
Buck Hill Falls, PA   18323