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News Around South Mountain
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Spring Partnership Meeting Highlights Regional Water Conservation & Collaboration
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Nearly 60 people from across the South Mountain region gathered at the Penn State Fruit Research and Extension Center in Biglerville on May 3 for the annual Spring Partnership Meeting. The purpose of this meeting (and the one in the fall) is to
bring together all partners and interested parties to build relationships and collaborations.
This year's spring meeting focused on local water quality and watershed health, which the Partnership will highlight through various events in the coming years.
Attendees learned about county Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) from Jordan Baker at the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) and Kristen Hand at the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), as well as what Adams County's plan looks like from Sherri Clayton-Williams in the county's Office of Planning and Development.
Next came a presentation from Brenda Sieglitz, Director of the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership about the role of trees and riparian buffers in protecting water quality. The day wrapped up with a presentation on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's new Wild East Initiative by Anne Baker, and announcements from attendees.
If you weren't able to join us but would like to view a recap of the summit, click here.
PowerPoint presentations can be viewed here.
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| South Mountain Research Corps Gets Underway |
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On April 11, 2019, more than 20 researchers, landowners, land managers and students gathered at Norlo Park in Fayetteville to launch the pilot South Mountain Science Summit and Research Corps, a collaborative research program that will support the existing and emerging natural and cultural resource conservation efforts of land owners and land managers throughout the South Mountain landscape.
If you weren't able to join us but would like to view a recap of the summit, click
here
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Introducing the 2019 Communications Intern
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Please help us to welcome Noah Shatzer to the South Mountain family!
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Noah exploring the South Mountain landscape.
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Noah Shatzer recently graduated from Shippensburg University with a bachelors degree in Communication/Journalism, Print/Online Media emphasis. Growing up in Chambersburg, Noah is familiar with and understands the importance and value of the South Mountain Landscape. Noah brings with him four years of media experience writing for the Public Opinion and Herald-Mail newspapers and will be working on a variety of projects with the South Mountain Partnership. Be sure to check-out Noah's linked articles in this edition of the newsletter about Pollinators in Peril, the South Mountain Research Corps and Science Summit, and the Spring Partnership Meeting!
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Local Craft Beer the Focus of June Speakers Series Event
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On June 11 at 6:30 pm at the Appalachian Brewing Company in Shippensburg, Dr. Alison Feeney, professor of geography and earth science at Shippensburg University, will present on "Appreciating the PA Local Craft Brew Industry" as part of the 2019 South Mountain Speakers Series. Dr. Feeney released a new book in 2018, For the Love of Beer, which examines Pennsylvania's brewing history, geography and cultural richness while highlighting more than 100 of the state's thriving craft breweries.
Come learn firsthand from Dr. Feeney about what makes PA, including the South Mountain region, so great for the craft brewing industry. To learn more about this and other upcoming Speakers Series events, click here.
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In the South Mountain region, pollinators play a crucial role in the agriculture industry. Farmers rely on pollinators, primarily wild and domesticated bees, to pollinate their crops during vital periods of growth. However, according to the Penn State University Center for Pollinator Research, beekeepers in the United States have been losing about 30 percent of their colonies every year for the past decade. Learn more about South Mountain's Pollinators, the dangers they face, and how YOU can help save these important insects.
To read the feature article, "Pollinators in Peril," click here.
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Popular Headlines from the Partnership's Social Media
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Trainings, Workshops & Learning Opportunities
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May
May 29
Cumberland County Food System Alliance Meeting
During this session, we will learn about various agricultural-based businesses, initiatives and innovative programs that help to increase our community's access to healthy, nutritional food with specific focus on locally grown produce and locally sourced products. Panelists will explain how their innovative strategies and business practices help to ensure that individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to local, healthy food. Details & registration here.
May 31
South Mountain Mini-Grant Pre-applications Due
Details and application available here.
June
Birding Field Trip - Renfrew Institute
Join Jack Olszewski in Gettysburg for the first of two guided bird walks. You may spot the American kestrel, pileated woodpecker, meadowlark, indigo bunting, red-tail hawk & many more! Bring binoculars, bird ID book, camera, water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. RSVP appreciated but not required. 717-762-0373 -or-
info@renfrewinstitute.org
June 4 - Webinar
Historical & Archival Records Grant application training
PHMC will host a webinar about the Historical and Archival Records Care grant program guidelines and application process. To register, please visit http://eepurl.com/dH8-wv.
June 5 - Chambersburg
Findings from Summit Health & Healthy Franklin County's 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment
To be held at Antrim Brethren in Christ Church. Join us for the release of the findings from Summit Health & Healthy Franklin County's 2018 Community Health Needs Assessment. Registration is required by May 30, 2019. More details and registration available here.
June 8 - Pine Grove Furnace State Park
The Charcoal Challenge is a 5K run (or walk) that showcases some of the nicest trails and roads within Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Sections consist of elevation changes and will include rocks, roots and log crossings. This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park. All proceeds support educational and recreational activities at the park. More info and to register here.
June 8 - Waynesboro
Waynesboro Appalachian Trail Community Festival
The Greater Waynesboro PA Area Appalachian Trail Community offers a chance for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds to learn more about the Trail in the Mason-Dixon area, and to enjoy a variety of activities. Free admission, the public is welcome 10 - 4, rain or shine, at Red Run Park in Rouzerville, just west of where the Appalachian Trail crosses PA Rt. 16. (12143 Buchanan Trail East). More info here.
June 8 - Gettysburg
Birding Field Trip - Renfrew Institute
Join Jack Olszewski in Gettysburg for the second of two guided bird walks. You may spot the American kestrel, pileated woodpecker, meadowlark, indigo bunting, red-tail hawk & many more! Bring binoculars, bird ID book, camera, water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. RSVP appreciated but not required. 717-762-0373 -or-
info@renfrewinstitute.org
June 11 - Shippensburg
Speakers Series: Appreciating the PA Local Craft Brew Industry
Dr. Alison Feeney, professor of geography and earth science at Shippensburg University, released a new book in 2018, For the Love of Beer. The book examines Pennsylvania's brewing history, geography and cultural richness while highlighting more than 100 of the state's thriving craft breweries. Come learn firsthand from Dr. Feeney about what makes PA, including the South Mountain region, so great for the craft brewing industry. More info here.
June 19-21 - Chambersburg
Statewide Conference on Heritage
The Statewide Conference on Heritage is Pennsylvania's premiere preservation event. This year's theme is Preservation Summer School, which will be held at Wilson College in Chambersburg. Enjoy tours, open houses, and informative, inspiring sessions and networking events that offer time to develop new professional connections or catch up with colleagues from across the state. Topics such as reuse of old building, economic development, walkable communities, and farm and land conservation will also be covered. Tom Mayes of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, author of "Why Old Places Matter," will be the plenary speaker and kick off presentation of the 2019 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards on Wednesday, June 19. More info here.
June 20 - Chambersburg
Barn & Farm Symposium
Join us for a day all about barns and farmland! Educational events start at 9:00am and culminate at 6:30pm in a FREE community screening of "Barns of the Susquehanna Valley" movie that features farmers, landowners, historians, architectus, authors, and barn enthusiasts. To be held at Wilson College and followed by a brief Question and Answer session. Free and open to the public. This will be followed by a family-friendly movie screening of "Barns of the Susquehanna Valley" from 6-8 pm. More info here.
June 22 - Biglerville
PA Ciderfest
Taste the best of Pennsylvania's ciders at this exciting festival. Live music, demos, seminars, samples, food and shopping are waiting for you in Pennsylvania's apple country. Home to over 30 cideries and ranked 4th in the country for apple production, Pennsylvania is celebrating cider in a big way with a statewide festival. With live music and orchard tours, Adams County orchards will offer a picturesque backdrop to taste the finest PA-produced ciders. Taking place rain or shine (no refunds), the festival will also feature foods for purchase from local food trucks and vendors. Learn more.
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Please contact us anytime to add additional training opportunities to this list!
E
mail: khess@appalachiantrail.org
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Do you have news to share with the South Mountain Region? We welcome you to submit announcements and updates of projects and events that are strengthening our quality of life.
Include an image and brief description of the event or call to action (approximately 3 sentences).
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Volunteer Opportunities
Looking for ways to get involved in the South Mountain community?
The following organizations and events are looking for volunteers:
Appalachian Trail Museum
Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
Friends of Pine Grove State Furnace Park
LeTort Stream Studies Field Program
* The LeTort Stream Studies field program is an innovative collaboration between Carlisle Area School District and Audubon Pennsylvania to conduct stream ecology field experiences for 2nd, 5th, and 7th graders for all 7 elementary schools and 2 middle schools in the district.
PA Parks & Forest Foundation
South Mountain Partnership
contact: Katie Hess at 717-258-5771
*Special need for committee members
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