Alana Jacko, a dedicated environmental conservationist and Communications Director at the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, recently shared her insights and experiences with a class at Bucknell University. As a Bucknell alumna with a BA in English and studio art, and a master’s degree in literary studies focusing on national parks, Jacko brings a unique blend of artistic, literary, and environmental expertise to her role.
During her talk, Jacko emphasized the importance of greenways – conserved corridors of undeveloped land that combine natural, historical, and cultural features. She highlighted the Susquehanna Greenway as a prime example, a project that merges greenspace with parkways to create a multifaceted environmental asset. “Susquehanna greenway will be the longest in Pennsylvania,” she noted, stretching over 500 miles and working in partnership with neighboring states like Maryland and New York.
Jacko, an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, reflected on the benefits of greenways, citing their impact on health, environmental protection, property value, and local revenue. “They really boost the local economy,” she stated. The Susquehanna Greenway, a physical entity spanning a significant part of the state, offers diverse activities from boating and sailing to exploring its rich geology and history, including landmarks like the first railroad in Danville and the scenic Endless Mountains in New York.
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, a non-profit organization, engages in various projects focused on trails, river towns, and educational outreach. Jacko highlighted the interactive map available on their website and talked about annual events like the cleanup month in April and the photo contest from May to July, designed to engage all age groups. “We’re really for paddling, that’s our primary focus,” she mentioned, discussing paddling booklets and other resources available through their online shop.
When asked why she chose to work for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership, Jacko shared her lifelong passion for the outdoors and writing. “It was a happy coincidence,” she said, reflecting on her childhood around the Susquehanna River and her desire to combine her skills and interests. Her impact is evident in the tabling events she organizes at fairs and festivals, where she engages with people unfamiliar with the greenway, exciting them about trails and paddling opportunities.
Discussing the relationship between greenways and sustainability, Jacko remarked, “They’re all about building connections.” She sees the potential for collaboration between Bucknell’s greenway and the larger Susquehanna Greenway, acknowledging the extensive work ahead. Funded mainly by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the organization, despite its small team of three full-time staff, one part-time member, and seasonal interns, is always bustling with activity and overlapping projects.
Jacko’s visit to Bucknell’s Greenway class not only illuminated the multifaceted nature of greenways but also showcased the pivotal role they play in connecting communities, preserving natural landscapes, and fostering sustainable development. Her personal journey and commitment to environmental conservation serve as an inspiration for future generations to explore and protect the natural world around them.
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