Lehigh Gap Nature Center

The Lehigh Gap Nature Center, www.lgnc.org, is a non-profit, member run organization dedicated in preserving wildlife and habitat through conservation, education, and research for the benefit of the earth and all its inhabitants. In 2002, this organization purchased over 750 acres on the Kittatinny Ridge to the west of the Lehigh River between the towns of Slatington and Palmerton. Once damaged by industrial pollution, this area has been replanted with beautiful native grasses and contains three ponds, forested slopes, cliffs, and wetlands. 

The Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge consists of over 750 acres of varied habitat.  The trail system threads through these habitats and provides visitors with over 13 miles of hiking trails. Trails are open from dawn to dusk and appeal to various skill levels and interests.  Great views and the public is always welcome. Recreational activites include hiking, wildlife watching, and photography is permitted.

A new visitor center and education building named the Osprey House was dedicated on July 16, 2010, and is now open to the public. The new building includes a visitor lobby, an information station and WBU gift shop, a mutipurpose great hall, research library, a classroom/laboratory, and restrooms. Wild Birds Unlimited is excited to be a part of LGNC and thrilled to continue sharing the hobby of backyard feeding with the Slatington area.

Directions from Allentown: Take Rt. 309 north to Rt. 873. From the traffic light at the intersection of Main Street and Rt. 873 in Slatington, go north on Rt. 873 for 1.7 miles to Paint Mill Road (unmarked), making a sharp angle to your right. Bear right onto Paint Mill Road and go 0.4 miles crossing under Rt. 873 Lehigh River bridge to where the road ends at the Osprey House.