About the lrca
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 nonprofit 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 spans 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 proactively with other nonprofit 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.
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
Tara B. Jones joined the LRCA staff in May 2023. Tara earned her BS in Earth Science from California State University, Dominguez Hills, in May 2022. Prior to finishing her undergraduate degree, she had a 15-year career as a court reporter, including eight years as an official court reporter for the Southern District of New York. A proud native Scrantonian, Tara is thrilled for the opportunity to lead the LRCA into a new era.
Senior Project Manager
Bernard McGurl was the Executive Director of the LRCA for 32 years, 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 began to volunteer on a regular basis with the LRCA in the fall of 2020 and joined the staff in January of 2021 as Program Manager. Missy previously worked at Tobyhanna Army Depot as a Clerk Typist and Travel Coordinator. Missy is an experienced educational advocate and election worker.
Board of Directors
Officers:
Paul Davis (President); Joe Wechsler (Vice President);
Sara Melick (Secretary); Hurlow Rowlands (Treasurer)
Directors:
Emily Arcaro; Craig Beavers; David K. Brown, Esq.;
Ray Ceccotti; Paul Chimock; Stacy Cognetti;
Joyce Hatala; Sara McDonald; Bruce Reddock;
Robert Savakinus; Tim Wolff
Our Events & Programs
ShiverFest
Water Camp
ShiverFest
Each year, we host a colder version of RiverFest on the Saturday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.
RiverFest
Water Camp
ShiverFest
Our biggest & most popular fundraising event, RiverFest, happens annually on the fourth Saturday in September. This event includes the Duck-A-Thon, craft vendors, music, food & beverages, and educational and environmental activities on Sweeney's Beach in Scranton.
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
We host Do-It-Yourself rain barrel workshops 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 basket raffles, dine-outs, watershed tours, presentations, and more.
Cleanups
Rain Barrel Workshops
Fundraising
With the help of volunteers, we have done many cleanups 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.