Carolyn's Cause: EPCAMR

Hello! This is Carolyn Phillips! If you've been keeping up with my recent activities, you'll know that I've started working with the nonprofit Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR). As an environmental science major, I'm all for EPCAMR's cause. Counting my first day with EPCAMR on February 25th and the last day of this fundraiser, June 5th, I've been with EPCAMR for 100 days. During this time, I've come to learn that this organization is pivotal in our local coal communities, working for the past 30 years to improve landscapes and lives.

You may not know the organization by name, but you've definitely seen some of their ongoing projects. 

Have you seen orange creeks polluted by mine discharge? EPCAMR monitors these streams and partners with groups like Trout Unlimited to restore stream habitats for our native trout and other aquatic life! 

Have you enjoyed new recreational green space in Swoyersville in an area that was once covered by a massive culm bank? EPCAMR partnered with several local, state, and federal groups to reclaim 7 acres of that abandoned mine property to turn it into a valuable asset for the community.

Have you noticed spots where the ground is sinking over the years as old mine tunnels cave in underground? Mine subsidence can result in sinkholes that cause property damage. EPCAMR scans and digitizes paper mine maps to pinpoint the locations of underground mines, so affected areas can be covered by Pennsylvania's Mine Subsidence Insurance Program. 

EPCAMR also gets involved with the community by organizing cleanups with its volunteers and hosting educational events for students to boost awareness for its cause.

This little-known group does so much great stuff, I can't write about it all here. EPCAMR's work has a positive influence on people and places not only in the 16 counties it serves, but also on communities far downstream—all the way to the Chesapeake Bay.

Donations of any amount are appreciated. In fact, during the NEPA Gives fundraising campaign, even a donation $10 or $20 can help to unlock matching grants and win additional cash prizes for EPCAMR.

Please donate to this fundraising campaign between 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, and 7 p.m. Friday, June 5. 

Thank you for caring and donating to this cause! If you cannot make a monetary donation at this time, EPCAMR is always grateful for a donation of your time as a volunteer! You can learn more by visiting EPCAMR's website today!