DRPWS Update

On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, around noon, there was an accident involving a propane truck crossing the bridge into Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary (3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, Pa). The bridge collapsed while the propane truck was crossing the bridge to enter the property.

There were no injuries, and there was no environmental damage. The vehicle was removed from the property later that evening. Wildlands staff remained on site to work with emergency personnel.

Sanctuary Access & Programs

Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary is closed until further notice. The public is encouraged to explore our 13 other nature preserves.

There is no public access to the Sanctuary at this time.

Community and environmental education programs scheduled to take place at the Sanctuary are being handled case-by-case and registrants will receive direct correspondence from education staff.

Access Restoration Plans & Related Information

Bridge construction commenced in early August and was anticipated to take place through September.  

Significant rain events, coupled with the challenges of a large-scale construction project, have presented setbacks to completing the bridge prior to October.  

We hear you. We’re disappointed that the project is delayed, too. 

All of us want the new bridge to be complete and to be back at the sanctuary to walk, watch birds, peep foliage, or stroll the boardwalk along the Little Lehigh Creek.  

Sooner rather than later, we’ll be back at the sanctuary. We promise.  

We can assure you that construction is moving forward.  Late last week, iron work was put in place by a crane over the creek.  

This is the first time since the accident involving the propane truck on April 29, 2025, that the bridge has looked more like a bridge.  

We wanted to share it with you because it‘s very exciting and promising to see this progress.  

We’ve been documenting the project’s progress through time lapse video and drone footage so we can look back on this unprecedented time in our organization’s history, see how far we’ve come, and remember how you, the community, stood by us.  

Immediately following construction demobilization, prior to reopening, we will regrade the parking area that was occupied with heavy equipment and materials to ensure a safe and even surface upon your return. 

Currently, Orchid Place is closed to non-local traffic.   

• Non-local motorists and pedestrians must avoid the area at this time.  It is a very active construction site.  

• Attempts to access the sanctuary jeopardizes personal safety, the safety of the construction crew, and essential Wildlands Conservancy personnel.  

• Attempts to access the sanctuary could result in additional project setbacks.  

The sanctuary remains closed to the public until further notice.  

There is no public access currently, and we continue to encourage you to explore our 13 other nature preserves, including Brenner-Penfield Emmaus Preserve that officially opened on October 14, 2026.  

Your support helps keep our nature preserves safe, open, and accessible for all who call our region home.   

Status of Settlement  

As of today, no final settlement has been reached yet with Sharp Energy’s parent company, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.  

We appreciate you more than ever.  

We know now more than ever that the Lehigh Valley needs nature right here at home. Living disconnected from the sanctuary really solidified that for us and the community.  

We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation as we continue moving our mission forward and working tirelessly to welcome you back to Dorothy Rider Pool Wildlife Sanctuary, sooner than later, by way of an all-new bridge that will be better for both visitors and the environment.  

Behind the scenes, we’re getting ready to roll out the green carpet. And you can help.  

A big part of building our way back to the place we love goes beyond the new bridge that’s underway. We’ve been using this time to square away housekeeping projects to help us roll out the green carpet when you return. And we could really use your help.  

Your support today will help us replant the construction site, revitalize infrastructure like the barn, pavilions, benches, plus have the tools we need to maintain the trails that’ll be getting lots of foot traffic again soon.  

Work to build an all-new home for our education animal ambassadors is moving forward, too, and wild ones—feathered, furry, and not—would greatly benefit from your generosity today, in any amount. 

Thank You, Emergency Responders

On behalf of our board and staff, I want to express my deep gratitude to the fire, police, all emergency personnel, township, local and state officials, Yocum Towing & Recovery, and everyone who responded quickly and remained at the scene to ensure the safety of the community, those involved, and the natural environment.