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Welcome PACD's New Intern
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Greetings,
My name is Jessica Espenshade and I have joined the PACD staff as the new intern. I grew up in Lancaster so I am very excited to learn about supporting conservation efforts in my own back yard!
I recently graduated from Shippensburg University with a B.S. in Biology and a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology. I hope to start a M.S. program in 2013 studying conservation biology.
The majority of my background has been rooted in biological field research. I have worked on various projects such as studying the effects of parasites in squirrel populations, caring for the big cats and bears at the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas and working with an experimental population of Whooping Cranes and Sandhill Cranes in Wisconsin for the Fish and Wildlife Service. Throughout these experiences, I have developed a strong interest in the policies and laws that regulate conservation efforts. Therefore, I was determined to get experience working with this avenue of conservation.
This internship with PACD is giving me the opportunity to learn, experience and participate in this important field. I look forward to learning from everyone involved in the work of the numerous state conservation districts as well as the other state agencies that work collectively to protect our natural resources.
I look forward to working with you throughout my internship.
Thank you,
Jessica Espenshade
PACD Intern
jessica-espenshade@pacd.org
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Watershed Specialists Meet in State College
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Sixty-two conservation district watershed specialists pose for a group photo at the annual meeting in State College, October 11-12, 2012.
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Here is what attendees had to say about the two-day meeting:
- "The regional breakouts were an excellent addition to this year's conference. A great opportunity to discuss regional projects/initiatives."
- "The ability to network and talk with other watershed specialists was the most useful."
- "I really enjoyed hearing presentations from fellow watershed specialists. It is really enjoyable to hear and see what others are doing/have done."
- "The session on MS4 requirements was the most accessible talk on this subject that I have ever seen!"
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Lancaster County Conservation District Watershed Specialist Matt Kofroth's photo, "tree fishing," won first place overall in the photo contest during the 2012 Watershed Specialist Meeting.
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Materials Wanted! Creation of PACD Resource Library
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 During the July meeting, there was some discussion about generating a resource library for each of you, the districts. We'd like to move forward with that idea and are asking everyone to send us a listing of materials you may currently use for outreach and promotion of your activities. If you have electronic files you can share, that would be great as well. This will allow us to place the materials on the PACD website and then each of us has a chance to see what's already been created and what may still be needed. While this will be a growing resource center, we'd like to make a preliminary listing available on our website in early 2013. Feel free to contact Brandi at brandi-davenport@pacd.org for more details. Let's keep sharing our tools with one another!
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Wayne Conservation District Works with Contractors, Landowners and Consultants
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The Wayne Conservation District (WCD) recently hosted an Erosion and Sediment Control Workshop. With 40 attendees, the participants' backgrounds included contractors, landowners, engineers, attorneys, timber harvesters and foresters.
The workshop was free of charge and took place to educate local contractors on the updated Erosion & Sediment regulations issued by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In addition to the information they need to comply with the regulations, attendees were given an innovative tool to keep their Erosion & Sediment Plans at each worksite. Click here to read more.
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Conservation, Agriculture Groups Join Together to Support Soil Health
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The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and a diverse group of conservation and commodity groups joined together in sending a letter to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White in support of the NRCS soil health awareness and education effort. The effort is designed to highlight the benefits of improving and maintaining America's soil.
"We stand ready to work with NRCS to help identify the costs and benefits of the various conservation practices in order to assist producers when making decisions about whether to adopt practices," stated the groups in the letter. Click here to read more.
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World Food Day Observed
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According to the World Hunger Education Service, 13.1 percent of people in the world are suffering from a lack of food. That is almost one out of seven people who are considered hungry. The world currently produces enough food to feed everyone, but problems arise through lack of proper distribution and management. World Food Day is a day of action against hunger.
Currently, there is a push for connecting cooperatives and farmers to be able to end hunger. These cooperatives can provide the education and resources to meet this goal. World Food Day 2012 specifically highlighted agricultural cooperatives and their recent contributions addressing hunger in this nation.
On October 16, organizations throughout the commonwealth organized multiple Hunger Crop walks and meals. If you participated in an event in your community and want to share pictures and stories, please send that information to jessica-espendshade@pacd.org.
For more information about World Food Day, visit www.worldfooddayusa.org.
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