PACD Creates PSA on Fall Leaves – Please Share! |
PACD created a public service announcement (PSA) to encourage citizens to dispose of their leaf waste responsibly.
Materials include:
Click here to view the webpage of materials. Please share the PSA scripts with your local radio stations. Conservation districts and partners are encouraged to share the animated version on their social media channels.
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PACD Creates Virtual Events Webpage |
Conservation districts create many online programs, videos, and presentations that citizens can access from anywhere. Even more of these resources were made during the COVID-19 pandemic. PACD has compiled a few of these into a webpage on our website at https://pacd.org/?page_id=21311. Conservation districts and partners are encouraged to use these in their educational efforts. Email swehinger@pacd.org with additional resources to add, including the title and link for each item.
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Columbia County Conservation District Hosts Haunted Trail |
The Columbia County Conservation District held a “Haunted Trails” event at their district-owned Kocher Nature Park on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Approximately 150 adults and children came through the trails, which the district carefully designed with social distancing protocols and lots of environmental education opportunities!
Photo caption: Photos of animal skulls from the haunted trail provided by the Columbia County Conservation District.
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Four Conservation Districts Join Forces for Virtual Forestry Workshop |
Every year a partnership of northcentral PA conservation districts holds a cooperative workshop for forest industry professionals. The popular full-day workshop includes best management practices for timber operations; regulatory information and updates, permitting needs; other current environmental considerations; and a field portion to look at real-life BMP scenarios and challenges.
This year’s four-hour “Erosion Control in Our Forests” webinar on October 1, 2020, had 119 participants, well exceeding normal attendance for the in-person event. Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter County Conservation Districts coordinated the event.
Click here to read the entire article.
Photo caption: Elk County Conservation District Manager Kate Wehler facilitates presenter introductions. Photo provided by McKean County Conservation District.
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Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. |
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Blair County Conservation District Opens NatureWorks Park |
The Blair County Conservation District hosted a ribbon-cutting for NatureWorks Park on October 8, 2020. About 40 invited guests participated in the event to “open” Blair County’s first environmental-specific outdoor recreation area. The property is owned by the Blair County Conservation District and managed by the district staff with many volunteers' assistance! A PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grant was received to cover a portion of the cost of construction. Keller Engineers, Inc. of Hollidaysburg provided the design and permitting of the site. For more information on the park, visit our website at https://natureworkspark.org or check out the park on Facebook.
Photo caption (left to right): Bonnie Young, Chelsey Ergler, Tyne Blazier, Beth Futrick, Donna Fisher, Rich Huether, Stephen Dumm, and Steve Beach. Suzanne Black was absent from the photo. Photo provided by Blair County Conservation District.
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Warren County Conservation District Creates Invasive Species Trail |
Warren County Conservation District created an educational invasive species walk at the Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area for the month of October. Visitors will learn about common invasive species that may be found in the area through informational signs posted along the Simmons Run Trail. Not all of the species can necessarily be found on the Hatch Run property, but visitors are encouraged to come any time during daylight hours and learn about invasive species that threaten native habitat.
Photo caption: Photo of hemlock woolly adelgid invasive species signage provided by Warren County Conservation District.
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Berks County Conservation District Raises $2,800 for County Envirothon |
In late September, twelve teams of sporting clay enthusiasts joined the Berks County Conservation District at M&E Sporting Clays to raise funds for the Berks County Envirothon. In the event's second year, participants spent the afternoon testing their aim on clay targets at fifteen different stations. They then enjoyed an evening with awards, prizes, and a BBQ dinner.
Click here to read more, including how the district handled the event during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo caption: Clay shoot photo provided by Berks County Conservation District.
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Montgomery Holds Rain Garden Workshop |
On September 24, 2020, Cody Schmoyer of the Montgomery County Conservation District presented on rain gardens as part of the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Training Lecture Series for homeowners.. Fourteen participants were in attendance to learn about rain garden designs and their benefits. The presentation covered infiltration tests, such as double-ring infiltration tests, percolation tests, and sizing and design. Soil mixtures and planting plans were also discussed, since these play an essential role in the uptake of water and the functionality of the rain garden.
The presentation also addressed some design considerations, including underdrains/outlet pipes and rain gardens built with a berm to create ponding water. Stabilization was emphasized and straw, wood chips, river stone, and erosion control blankets were discussed. The information provided was beneficial for homeowners who are interested in installing rain gardens on their own property.
Photo caption: Rain garden photo provided by Montgomery County Conservation District.
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Watershed Wednesdays - 2020 Upper Susquehanna River Watershed Virtual Forum |
You’re invited to join the Upper Susquehanna Coalition & Otsego County Conservation Association for a mini-session series highlighting conservation initiatives and projects throughout the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed, the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. The 30-minute sessions will be held on Wednesdays throughout November and December.
The first Watershed Wednesday will take place on November 4, 2020, on "Aquatic Invasive Species: A Hands-On Approach."
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November NACD Webinar on Urban Initiative |
The next National Association of Conservation District’s Urban and Community Conservation webinar is scheduled for Noon-1:00 p.m. on November 19, 2020. The webinar will feature Oklahoma's Yard by Yard Community Resiliency Project.
In conjunction with the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, the Oklahoma County Conservation District recently launched the Yard by Yard Community Resiliency Project. This community-based yard certification program highlights and rewards urban neighbors who adopt earth-friendly conservation practices on their land and empowers them to encourage their friends and neighbors to do the same.
There is no cost to participate, but space is limited. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click here.
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Conservation Districts in the News |
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November 4-6, 2020
Intro to Conservation Planning
Lebanon Valley Expo Center, Lebanon, PA
November 9, 10, 12, 13, 2020 (will be held virtually)
Time: 10am-2:30pm
Fluvial Geomorphology Training
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Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. | 717.238.7223
5925 Stevenson Avenue, Suite A, Harrisburg, PA 17112 | www.pacd.org
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