Partnership Welcome & Update |
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The South Mountain Partnership works best as a network of people and organizations working toward common goals.
Our common goal? Making the future of our region better.
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What's in this Newsletter
SMP News
-Spring Partnership Meeting Recap
-South Mountain Science Summit Survey
-Take Action Now: Advocate for Growing Greener III
-Explore South Mountain Announced!
-Volunteer with SMP!
Partner News & Social Media Roundup
- Top Social Media Posts
-Tending Change on the Michaux
-Partners at the Market
-Welcoming New Faces
-Take Action on Energy Efficiency at home
-Employment and Funding Opportunities
Trainings, Workshops & Learning Opportunities
-A Virtual Roundtable with Three PA Outdoor Economy Founders
Calendar of Events
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Greetings!
Are you making the most of this stellar landscape and harvest? Local berry season is upon us – see the fruit ripening chart – and buying fruit local and in season is one of the most meaningful ways that you can support local growers and increase the nutritional density of your own diet. Our local growers are producing delicious and nutritious produce in beautiful rural landscapes while often keeping the land from conversion to housing or warehouses and transportation/logistics infrastructure. Each of us have a unique role to play in protecting and promoting the landscape that is our home.
One of the biggest take-aways from the meeting was that Pennsylvania’s Outdoor Recreation economy is just getting started and is already worth $29 billion – sixth in the nation – and supports more than three times as many jobs (250,000) as the natural gas industry (72,000). Read more...
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SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARTNERSHIP NEWS |
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We had a wonderful Spring Partnership Meeting under the Pavilion at Gifford Pinchot State Park. We hosted over 65 colleagues and a wonderful lineup of speakers. As Gavin Smith, Kings Gap Park Manager said, "the magic happens when you can connect the people with the place" and there was more than enough magic in the pavilion.
Thank you also to the SMP Program Subcommittee for planning the event! We so appreciate everyone bringing their energy and updates to our meetings.
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Take Action Now:
Advocate for Growing Greener III
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The Growing Greener Coalition is asking for your help to advocate for the allocation of a portion of Pennsylvania's remaining $2.7 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funds for natural infrastructure, conservation, and recreation.
This funding is critical to support conservation in our region. This funding could activate farmland preservation, funding for parks and recreation projects, water conservation work, and so much more. Did you know SMP is funded through the Environmental Stewardship Fund?
You can assist in this effort by reaching out to your state senator and representative today, as well as spreading this message through your network. We've gathered resources and sample messages so you can act in as little as 5 minutes!
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As the SMP Research Corps celebrates a successful Science Summit this April, the committee is already working towards new goals and needs your feedback!
Your answers will be used by the steering committee to help define the next round of research problem statements. Next year’s grant funding will be focused on the best proposals that respond to those problem statements. Your responses to the survey will make a real difference in the direction of future research here in South Mountain region, so please take the time to share your best ideas.
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Announcing our Adventure Guide |
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We've been sharing bits and pieces of our new publication "Explore South Mountain- A Guide to Adventure" and we are so excited to share the full publication with you now!” The perfect size to stow in your glove box, this publication celebrates the South Mountain and is your perfect friend to explore with. This publication was created as an Executive Summary of the South Mountain Cultural Landscape Assessment.
Can you help us get the Adventure Guide to every part of the region? If you want to distribute copies at your trailhead, office, or business, please email Julia Chain!
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Now Recruiting Volunteers, Committee Members |
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We are recruiting new committee members and volunteers! This opportunity is especially great for young professionals, those wishing to build their resumes and professional networks, and retired individuals. If you strive to be a good communicator and a “doer” who takes action and gets things done, you may be a great fit!
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The following are some of the most popular social media news posts,
followed by partner-submitted news that you should know about.
Follow us for the latest news, upcoming events, and more!
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Tending Change on the Michaux: Can Nature Be Improved On?
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Written in Partnership with DCNR Bureau of Forestry
We like forests because they are natural. Whether we trust to their resilience and natural ability to “grow back;” or we feel any human impact is inherently a disruption of a forests natural state: “Naturalness” as an idea drives public perception about how well we’re doing our job as public forest managers.
But what does “natural” mean?
Obviously, it has something to do with nature; of being a part of or in a “state” of nature. So, what’s “nature”? Is it something we as humans can be a part of? Or does that make it unnatural? Forests, butterflies, oceans, a starry night, or even a thunderstorm or hurricane are all part of nature. We often associate such things with beauty. Peace. Tranquility. Grandeur. Or, yes, scary destructive powers beyond our control. Click here to read more...
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Table at the Adams Co Farmers Market! |
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Saturday, June 25, 8am - 1pm
Sign up for a booth on this special day to interact with new audiences. Free t0 attend and all are invited.
The Adams County Farmers Market (SMP Mini-Grant Recipient) is hosting a South Mountain Partnership Day. This event will highlight as many SMP partners as possible and help raise awareness about the remarkable impact South Mountain Partnership has had on our region.
SMP attendees are welcome to sell merchandise, collect donations, raise awareness about ongoing projects, promote other upcoming events, recruit volunteers, or anything else that helps support your work. Many SMP partners attended the farmers market in 2021 and the feedback was 100% positive – definitely a win-win for both the Adams County Farmers Market and the folks who joined us. The farmers market typically gets between 800 – 1100 visitors per day, and sometimes more on big event days.
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Join us in welcoming these new faces to our partner organizations! |
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We welcome Jason Andrew Beale as the new Executive Director for Central Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Jason brings transdisciplinary conservation skills and experience to CPC, including habitat protection and stewardship, interpretive center management, and outdoor recreation. He is excited to continue to build on CPCs work with the South Mountain Partnership to expand conservation and recreation opportunities in the region. Jason is a lifelong naturalist and enjoys hiking and paddling, as well as increasing opportunities for others to engage with the natural world. Reach out to Jason at jbeale@centralpaconservancy.org if you have ideas on how we can work together to improve the quality of life in the South Mountain region.
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Welcome to Gavin Smith, Park Manager for Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County.
Gavin will manage the park, which consists of 2,531 acres of forest on South Mountain, with more than 25 miles of hiking trails, a permanent orienteering course, picnicking, hunting, and other recreational and educational opportunities. Already familiar with the region, Gavin as already stepped up to support the Partnership in key ways, you might have enjoyed hearing comments from him at our most recent Spring Meeting!
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Take Action: Energy Efficiency in your Home |
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This post was written by South Mountain Partnership Program Subcommittee member Ronald Grim. Learn from Ron, a certified “Green” Realtor, how energy efficiencies within your home are easy to do, and can help your wallet AND the environment!
An energy efficient home can be more comfortable, more affordable, and healthier to live in, and home energy audit can help you figure out the best way to begin. Home energy audits can help determine which windows, doors, and cracks energy dollars are escaping from. The DIY home energy checklist can help make sure you’ve checked and sealed all of them. This is also a great opportunity to take note of other potential problem areas in the home. Enlisting the help and advice of local preferred professionals can help you decide the best way to approach each project appropriately and effectively. Read more here...
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Employment and Funding Opportunities |
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Trainings, Workshops & Learning Opportunities |
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June 15 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy is a major driver of business growth, job creation, and tax revenue. At least 7,000 businesses support the outdoor recreation sector, including a growing number of manufacturers, craftspeople, and start-ups that are producing innovative and sustainable consumer goods for recreationists.
Join us for a Zoom roundtable with three Pennsylvania-based outdoor industry founders to learn how they are building Pennsylvania businesses that empower recreationists to responsibly engage with our natural places. Pennsylvania’s Director of Outdoor Recreation, Dr. Nathan Reigner will also offer comments.
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June 29 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Free and Open to the Public, Light Refreshments will be provided. Local historians, Fire Safety professionals and more gather to discuss this flooding. Audience members will also be encouraged to share personal stories.
July 3rd and July 16th, 8AM
First and third Saturday spring, summer, fall and winter bird walks find birding enthusiasts Sharon and Larry Williams of Waynesboro leading the walks along the hiking trails at varying locations throughout the area.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and may bring identification books and binoculars. Free and open to the public. Just show up—no reservations required!
July's tours will be at Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve (meet in parking lot)
July 9 @ 9AM
Caledonia Arts & Crafts Fair 2022
The 39th annual Arts & Crafts Fair at Caledonia State Park will be held Saturday, July 9 from 9 AM to 4 PM. Approximately 150 crafters and artists will have a variety of crafts ranging from wood carvings, pottery, baskets, wreaths, stained glass, walking sticks, folk art, needlework, custom leather, handcrafted furniture, and more. There is no admission fee.
Caledonia State Park is located off Rt. 30 at 101 Pine Grove Road, Fayetteville, PA. This is a rain or shine event.
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