Annual Letter from Tom Minnick, Mokoma Conservancy President – January 2026
Dear Friends of the Mokoma Conservancy,
As the Mokoma Conservancy wraps up its 24th year, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation for your continued support and confidence in our Board of Trustees. The commitment of you, our valued members, dedicated volunteers, and the Board of Trustees has contributed significantly to our financial stability and sustained healthy membership levels.
The Board and I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mary Kay Kennedy for her nine years of dedicated service as a Board of Trustee member. During much of that time, she has served as our Activity Director and fulfilled the role of Vice President. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors; her presence will be greatly missed.
We are pleased to welcome Sarah Johnson as our newest Board Member. Sarah serves as DCNR’s Forest Health Specialist for northcentral Pennsylvania, supporting the Susquehannock, Tioga, Tiadaghton, and Loyalsock State Forests. She is already well acquainted with the Conservancy, and we look forward to benefiting from her expertise.
2025 has been another vibrant and active year for the Conservancy. Here are some key highlights:
After nearly a year of effort, we have finalized a new five-year strategic plan and established five Standing Committees. You can view the 4 newly established Strategic Priorities on our website.
We hosted a successful Spring Trail Workday, where volunteers cleaned and groomed trails in the Conklin Run and Elklick Run Wilderness Areas following a harsh winter.
Studies and grant applications were submitted, including one for another Golden-winged Warbler project, the creation of a pollinator field at the five-acre meadow on the Elklick property, and funding from the Pennsylvania Woodland Resilience Enhancement Network (PWREN) in collaboration with LMA and the Heim Conservancy. Stay tuned for updates throughout the year.
In addition, we are updating our Forest Management Plan to cover Elklick Run and continue to monitor threats such as Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, Beech Leaf Disease, and invasive species like barberry, honeysuckle, and Japanese knotweed.
The Activities Committee once again delivered a range of engaging recreational and educational programs this year, including the new October Walk in Penns Woods. We continually seek fresh program ideas and are excited to announce several new activities planned for 2026 our 25th Anniversary year.
This year’s annual Summer Sizzler was held at the Lake Mokoma picnic pavilion, drawing a great crowd and proving to be both successful and enjoyable for everyone involved. Our appreciation goes out to the Lake Mokoma Association, Laporte Volunteer Fire Company, dedicated volunteers, and all attendees. Special thanks to Eileen Minnick, event chair, and everyone who contributed to its success. Be sure to mark your calendar for July 18th—the 25th Anniversary Summer Sizzler, where we will honor past presidents and others. The event will return to Lake Mokoma; watch for further updates as the date approaches.
Excitingly, the Mokoma Conservancy celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. Many special events are being planned for the year, with details being finalized now. For the full schedule, stay tuned to our website, Facebook, and emails. Updates will be available within the month.
Finally, it is annual membership renewal time. Please review and renew online at the Website (Mokomaconservancy.org) or click here for a printable form and return it to Mokoma Conservancy P.O. Box 220 Laporte, Pa. 18626 with your check. If you were not a member in 2025, we hope you will join us as a new member. Don’t forget – a Mokoma Conservancy membership makes a nice gift for your family members and friends! The Mokoma Conservancy is a 501(c)3 charitable organization so your contribution is tax deductible. All annual membership levels can be viewed on the website
Please spread the word about the Mokoma Conservancy and invite others to join our membership and mission. You can find up to date information on our website. www.MokomaConservancy.org or follow us on Facebook.
Thank you for a wonderful year. On behalf of the Board, I wish you and your family a healthy and prosperous new year!
Sincerely,
Thomas Minnick