Lehigh Valley Woman Leads Local National Heritage Corridor

Self-described small-town girl Claire W. Sadler has lived across multiple regions in eastern Pennsylvania, from the Poconos to the suburbs of Philadelphia, and has spent the past decade in the Lehigh Valley. Sadler has long been involved in initiatives supporting the Valley’s outdoor recreation and rich history, serving as a board member for Discover Lehigh Valley and formerly serving as a member and chair of the Northampton County Open Space Advisory Board. She now leads the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in Easton, which preserves the historic 165-plus-mile D&L Trail, connecting residents to the trail’s industrial heritage as well as the natural beauty of the outdoors.

We spoke with Sadler about her work with the National Heritage Corridor, her proudest accomplishments and some of her favorite activities and resources in Easton.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: How long have you lived in the Lehigh Valley, and what made you decide to get more involved in giving back to the region?

Sadler: I’ve been a resident of the Lehigh Valley for over 10 years, and I’ve been involved in my community's outdoor recreation, environmental and watershed quality issues as well as preserving and celebrating our industrial heritage. While I’ve been interested in these issues for my entire career, they have taken on more meaning since I’ve become a mother. It’s important to me that my two young children have access to nature, clean waterways to explore and ways to learn about the history of our towns.

Patch: You’ve been recognized for your work in several local initiatives, even being named one of the Lehigh Valley’s 40 Under 40 in 2022. What does that mean to you?

Sadler: It was fun being recognized among the Lehigh Valley’s 40 Under 40, but I’m most proud of my professional achievements that provide benefit to our community – leading the branding of THE LINK Trail Network in 2018, guiding the National Canal Museum operations through the COVID pandemic and adding miles to the D&L Trail to inch it closer to being the longest multi-use trail in Pennsylvania.

Being trusted to serve as the Executive Director of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. since 2021 has been an honor. I care deeply for the organization’s mission and team. It has been rewarding for me to build team camaraderie with staff outings to help connect us with our community and nature, as well as to explore new ideas as we work towards preserving, interpreting and celebrating the rich heritage of the Corridor for generations to come.

Patch: Can you tell us about some your favorite community projects you’re currently involved in?

Sadler: It’s really great doing community cleanups with my children, now 4 and 6 years old. It’s a great way to get to know neighbors near and far, as well as teach my kids about the importance of enjoying and preserving the outdoors.

Patch: What's one thing you wish others knew about the D&L Trail?

Sadler: It takes a lot of coordination and resources to take care of the D&L Trail from Wilkes-Barre to Bristol – even though it is a free resource available to all, we need volunteers and members to help take care of it and support its upkeep.

Patch: What do you love most about being part of the Lehigh Valley?

Sadler: I love the variety of opportunities available in and around where I work (Easton) and live (Bethlehem). For example, all in one weekend around Easton, you can travel back in time on our mule-drawn canal boat ride at the National Canal Museum mid-day, grab food at the Easton Public Market, take in a show at the State Theatre in the evening and do a sunrise hike on the Appalachian Trail along the Kittatinny Ridge the next morning. And to top that off, the people that make up the community are usually so kind, helpful and proud of this region!

Patch: Are there any other community resources in Easton you wish readers knew about?

Sadler: If you’ve never heard of the small but mighty National Canal Museum, come visit to learn more about the canals of America, especially the canals that fueled industry here in the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. It has a mix of hands-on exhibits to appeal to all generations, as well as one of the last mule-drawn canal boats in the country. You’ll meet Hank and George, our beloved mules that pull the canal boat tours, and you’ll see how the mule traffic of the canal’s heyday has transitioned to multiple recreation opportunities along the D&L Trail.

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