The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has received an environmental partnership award for its leadership in conservation and historic preservation.

The Northeast Environmental Partners, comprised of Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PPL Corp., Procter & Gamble Paper Products Co., and Wilkes University, announced the awards earlier this week.

The partnership honored the D & L Corridor for forming strong partnerships with local entities to not only complete the 165-mile D&L Trail, but also to create a regional network of interconnected multi-use trails in the Lehigh Valley.

The ability to form and maintain unique partnerships is what allows for increased support for complicated projects, according to the partnership.

The D&L has built relationships with organizations in five counties and more than 50 municipalities to connect the D&L Trail and preserve the heritage of the region. They are a leader in conservation, recreation, and historic preservation in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Awards will be presented at the 28th Annual Evening for Northeast Pennsylvania’s Environment on Oct. 25 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort.

Other recipients are:

• Don Baylor, Monroe County, for his leading role in various conservation efforts throughout Monroe County.

Baylor partnered with numerous organizations to protect the streams of Monroe County and in turn those of the Delaware River Watershed.

He collected biological data, conducted studies for environmental projects, acted as a liaison and facilitator between private groups, environmental organizations and government entities. His service to numerous non-profit organizations has led to collaboration among many groups allowing for cross pollination of environmental efforts and greater successes than any of these groups could have achieved individually.

• The 24th Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award will be presented to Craig Todd, Monroe County. Todd is being honored for his more than 35 years of dedication and commitment to the environment.

Todd has spent his entire career working toward protecting the natural resources of Monroe County and northeastern Pennsylvania. His work ethic and drive allowed the Monroe County Conservation District to cooperate with numerous local and state agencies as well as the business community. Throughout his tenure he partnered with organizations to work on protecting the local environment while utilizing smart growth initiatives.

Todd initiated conservation partnerships, worked cooperatively with conservation partners at all levels, and was instrumental in protecting the resources of Monroe County, the Delaware River Basin, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He led projects and initiatives that changed the way conservation practices are carried out on all levels.

Under his tenure, Todd worked locally with other agencies in Monroe County on planning, agricultural land and open space preservation, stormwater management, water quality studies, litter control and beautification, and worked with businesses and economic development organizations to promote smart growth and development while maintaining a strong and compliant resource conservation program.

• Leggett and Platt, Incorporated – Branch 0383 Luzerne County, for the development of an environmental management system to implement environmental sustainability practices, encourage employee involvement, and establish partnerships with the community to achieve their sustainability goals.

• Patriots Cove, Wyoming County, is a wild native brook trout sanctuary specifically designed to provide optimal habitat features to restore, preserve, and protect a threatened fish species. Patriots Cove partnered with the Wyoming County Conservation District and local volunteers to install log structures for trout habitat, remove log jams and trash in the waterways, and conduct water quality sampling. More importantly, Patriots Cove is a place for veterans and first responders injured in the line of duty to fish and reconnect with nature.

• The Emerging Environmental Leader Award will be presented to Dinah DiMeolo, Wyoming County, for demonstrating leadership, initiative, and dedication to protecting and promoting a healthy environment. Dinah is currently a student at the Tunkhannock Area School District.

For more information on the awards dinner or to receive an invitation, contact PEC at 570-718-6507 or visit the website at www.pecpa.org and click on “events.”