The Friends of Vosburg Neck State Park, Inc
Official non-profit status established: 3/31/2016
Volunteer Group Founded: 4/2013
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is run by a board of volunteers who support, assist, and promote the vision and activities of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) on the park property that lies five miles west of Tunkhannock, PA.
The Friends of Vosburg Neck State Park (FoVNSP) consist of motivated people who understand the value and benefit of the Park and share a common vision for preserving, maintaining, enhancing, and making the historic and spectacular 669-acre tract accessible to the public.
The Vosburg Neck State Park along with the 298-acre Camp Lackawanna, which is protected by conservation easement through North Branch Land Trust, create an almost 1000-acre contiguous tract of green space on the Vosburg Neck. The Vosburg Neck, located in Wyoming County, is one of the largest oxbows of the Susquehanna River and is said by many, including DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, to be one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire Susquehanna River.
Prior to 2022, Wyoming County was one of the only counties in Pennsylvania without a state or county park. Formerly known as Friends of Howland Preserve, FoVNSP had long envisioned providing the passive recreational feel of a state park for public enjoyment. The lure of historical landmarks including remnants of the old North Branch Canal system, an old railroad bed, miles of immigrant built stone walls, an all but forgotten old township road running through the center of the property, a cemetery dating to the late 1700s, and three historic structures, combined with all the outdoor activities and environmental qualities one could hope for, you can envisage the draw for potential visitors to this property.
When rumors started swirling that DCNR and PA Senator Lisa Baker's office were in full persuit of this as a state park, our volunteer group was very excited! In the Fall of 2022, former Governor Tom Wolf's and DCNR officially announced that the Howland Preserve was to be named one of Pennsylvania's newest State Parks.
Official non-profit status established: 3/31/2016
Volunteer Group Founded: 4/2013
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is run by a board of volunteers who support, assist, and promote the vision and activities of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) on the park property that lies five miles west of Tunkhannock, PA.
The Friends of Vosburg Neck State Park (FoVNSP) consist of motivated people who understand the value and benefit of the Park and share a common vision for preserving, maintaining, enhancing, and making the historic and spectacular 669-acre tract accessible to the public.
The Vosburg Neck State Park along with the 298-acre Camp Lackawanna, which is protected by conservation easement through North Branch Land Trust, create an almost 1000-acre contiguous tract of green space on the Vosburg Neck. The Vosburg Neck, located in Wyoming County, is one of the largest oxbows of the Susquehanna River and is said by many, including DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, to be one of the most beautiful stretches of the entire Susquehanna River.
Prior to 2022, Wyoming County was one of the only counties in Pennsylvania without a state or county park. Formerly known as Friends of Howland Preserve, FoVNSP had long envisioned providing the passive recreational feel of a state park for public enjoyment. The lure of historical landmarks including remnants of the old North Branch Canal system, an old railroad bed, miles of immigrant built stone walls, an all but forgotten old township road running through the center of the property, a cemetery dating to the late 1700s, and three historic structures, combined with all the outdoor activities and environmental qualities one could hope for, you can envisage the draw for potential visitors to this property.
When rumors started swirling that DCNR and PA Senator Lisa Baker's office were in full persuit of this as a state park, our volunteer group was very excited! In the Fall of 2022, former Governor Tom Wolf's and DCNR officially announced that the Howland Preserve was to be named one of Pennsylvania's newest State Parks.
The Howland Preserve - Since 2006
At the end of Ernest E. Howland’s life, he faced a decision about the future of Riverside Farm on the Vosburg Neck, just north of Tunkhannock, Wyoming County. Mr. Howland returned to the farm from Manhattan to take care of his failing mother, and then chose to stay on the property after his mother’s death out of a sense of responsibility to his parents’ legacy. His parents purchased Riverside Farm in 1941.
Mr. Howland chose to leave his estate, including Riverside Farm, to North Branch Land Trust. Our mission, reputation, and record of accomplishment must have appealed to him. Mr. Howland’s and his parents’ legacy is now our responsibility. On June 10, 2006, North Branch Land Trust announced that the 669-acre property would be known as the Howland Preserve. Its features include almost two miles of riparian forest along the Susquehanna River, mature conifer plantations, and mixed forests.
Prior to the property purchase by DCNR in 2022, North Branch Land Trust and its Friends of Howland Preserve Board developed the working plan for the 669-acre property. There is a riverside parking area, non-motorized boat launch, picnic area at the river and hiking trails. The Preserve is located adjacent to the conserved Camp Lackawanna property. North Branch Land Trust will be forever grateful to Ernest E. Howland for his foresight, and generosity.
Mr. Howland chose to leave his estate, including Riverside Farm, to North Branch Land Trust. Our mission, reputation, and record of accomplishment must have appealed to him. Mr. Howland’s and his parents’ legacy is now our responsibility. On June 10, 2006, North Branch Land Trust announced that the 669-acre property would be known as the Howland Preserve. Its features include almost two miles of riparian forest along the Susquehanna River, mature conifer plantations, and mixed forests.
Prior to the property purchase by DCNR in 2022, North Branch Land Trust and its Friends of Howland Preserve Board developed the working plan for the 669-acre property. There is a riverside parking area, non-motorized boat launch, picnic area at the river and hiking trails. The Preserve is located adjacent to the conserved Camp Lackawanna property. North Branch Land Trust will be forever grateful to Ernest E. Howland for his foresight, and generosity.
