L.R.C.A.
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L.R.C.A.
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Events
  • Donate
  • Members
  • Volunteering
    • Conservation Corps
    • Volunteers
  • The LVC
    • About
    • Special Projects
  • The Watershed
    • River Access
    • History
    • The Lackawanna Watershed
    • Invasive Species
    • River Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Reference & Publications
  • Press

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

We are a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This means we are tax-exempt and your donations to our organization are tax deductible. 

About the lrca

Canoeing on the Lackawanna River

Our History

Created by local citizens in 1987, the LRCA serves to promote the restoration and conservation of the Lackawanna River and its watershed resources in Northeast PA. As a non profit and non-political organization, the LRCA has been promoting the River and its watershed through Watershed Management Programs, educational outreach, community events, consensus building and partnerships. Our mission expands the entire length of the Lackawanna River Watershed, which starts in Union Dale, flows down through Carbondale, through Scranton, past Old Forge, and ends in Duryea where it drains into the Susquehanna River.

Our Mission

The mission of the LRCA is to involve citizens of the Lackawanna River watershed with conservation and stewardship of the River, its tributaries, and water resources. The LRCA works pro-actively with other non profit organizations, community groups, and public agencies to plan and promote projects and fundraising events that will enhance the Lackawanna River Watershed and support local communities. 

Fall picture of the Lackawanna River

Our Goals

 1.  Clean up the River environment  
2.  Aid in the development of the 40-mile Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
3. Create partnerships among government, businesses & community groups to promote conservation & recreation
4. Establish partnerships with schools, universities, and the general public to promote environmental and conservation education
5. Advocate for the conservation of open space and natural habitat throughout the watershed

LRCA STAFF & Board of directors

Executive Director

Bernard McGurl is the Executive Director of the LRCA for 30 years running, and is one of the co-founding members. During his three decades of work through the LRCA, Bernie has helped transform the Lackawanna River into the sparkling, Class A Trout fishery it is today. He has won many prestigious awards, such as the Thomas P. Shelburne Leadership Award and the 2019 Man of the Year Award by the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Program Manager

Missy Welshko-Williams joined the LRCA staff in January 2021.

Board of Directors

Officers:  

Joe Wechsler (President); Bob Savakinus (Vice President);

Sara Melick (Secretary); Paul Davis (Treasurer)


Directors:

Emily Balduff, David K. Brown, Paul Chimock,

 Joyce Hatala, Lexie Kelly, John Morrow, 

Matt Schultz, Frank Wahl

Our Events & Programs

RiverFest

Water Camp

ShiverFest

Kayak on the Lackawanna River

Our biggest & most popular fundraising event, RiverFest, happens annually on the fourth Saturday in September. This event includes the Duck-A-Thon. As well as craft vendors, music, food & beverages, and educational and environmental activities on Sweeney's Beach in Scranton.

ShiverFest

Water Camp

ShiverFest

Shiver Fest on the Lackawanna River

Each year, we host a colder version of RiverFest on the Saturday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.




2022 ShiverFest Flyer

Water Camp

Water Camp

Rain Barrel Workshops

Every year, we collaborate with Pennsylvania American Water Company to host a 4-day camp for kids ages 7-11. We teach them about the water cycle, pollution, recycling, water habitats, and how they can be stewards to the Lackawanna River watershed.

Rain Barrel Workshops

Rain Barrel Workshops

Rain Barrel Workshops

River Fest booth

Twice a year we host a Do-It-Yourself rain barrel workshop where we educate attendees on water conservation, stormwater runoff, pollution, the benefits of rain barrels, and stewardship.

Fundraising

Rain Barrel Workshops

Fundraising

We have a variety of fundraising events we plan throughout the year, such as silent art auctions, dine-outs, watershed tours, presentations, and more.

Clean-Ups

Rain Barrel Workshops

Fundraising

Volunteers Cleanup The Lackawanna River

With the help of volunteers, we have done many clean-ups along the Lackawanna River collecting tons of waste ranging from small pieces of plastic to giant heavy machinery tires. Our clean ups occur throughout the Watershed, most frequently in Scranton and Old Forge near the Old Forge Bore Hole.

Copyright © 2023 L.R.C.A. - All Rights Reserved.

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