National Geographic is seeking nominations in Northampton and Warren counties for inclusion on an interactive website and map of geotourism sites near the Delaware River.
The Delaware River's banks and surrounding areas are awash with scenic beauty and fun activities that make it a popular destination for tourists.
The National Geographic Society, in coordination with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and several other groups, are seeking nominations for historic, cultural and natural sites near the Delaware River, as well as businesses and activities that represent the region's unique character, heritage and beauty.
The project centers on nine counties, including Northampton County in Pennsylvania and Warren County in New Jersey.
The nominated places and events will be integrated into an interactive online map and website for the Scenic, Wild Delaware River Program.
The program is part of a larger National Geographic geotourism effort that is designed to identify attractions that make an area unique. The website will be created from the stories, recommendations and nominations of local residents.
"We hope it gives more of an opportunity to boost local tourism and local outreach," said Northampton County Open Space Coordinator Bryan Cope. "We're not really looking for casinos or a chain restaurant. We're looking for local flair, local flavor."
Cope is on a stewardship committee, along with 34 other people and organizations from the region, which will review the nominations.
Swimmer safety crucial along the Delaware
The project, funded in part by a grant from the William Penn Foundation, is anchored by two national parks: the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River in New York and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
However, the tourism guide will accept nominations within 25 miles to the east and west of the river and as far south as Interstate 78 near Easton, which means large sections of Northampton and Warren counties are open for nomination.
National Geographic defines geotourism as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographic character of a place, its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents.
"Geotourists want to experience the authenticity that a destination has," said John Beljean, a field representative with NPCA.
Beljean said the group is looking for a variety of possible nominations, including but not limited to events, attractions, activities, businesses, trails, artists and travel guides.
Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 16 to be included in the initial May rollout of the website, but the project is ongoing and nominations will be accepted beyond that date.
To nominate visit DelawareRiver.NatGeotourism.com.
John Best is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
