PACD Front Page 04.08.13

Last week, 20 staff members from PA's conservation districts and nine from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, PA Department of Environmental Protection, Pheasants Forever and Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) attended the Agricultural Conservation Technical "Boot Camp" Training at Fort Indiantown Gap (a National Guard Training Center) in Annville, PA. This intensive, hands-on training is for newer employees to learn about conservation agronomy, working with landowners and applicable regulations.

Agriculture Secretary George Greig kicked off the training with a welcome address. "I see lots of conservation districts here. This means a lot because grassroots conservation comes from the districts," said Greig.

A second week of training will be the week of April 22 for more experienced employees.

Students in the 2013 Agricultural Conservation Technical Training pose outside the Keystone Conference Center on the first day of their week-long training.

Both sessions are sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, PA Department of Agriculture/State Conservation Commission and the PACD.

Basic/Refresher Erosion & Sedimentation Course Well Attended

The Basic/Refresher Erosion & Sedimentation Course took place March 25-28. This basic/refresher course covered the fundamentals of plan reviews and proper inspections. The intensive four-day training was for conservation district technicians.

This training was funded through a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and made possible through the cooperation of the PA Association of Conservation Districts, the PA State Conservation Commission and the state's conservation districts.

Conservation Districts Celebrating Earth Day throughout the State

Conservation Districts are waiting in anticipation for the top environmental day of the year: Earth Day! Observed yearly on April 22, Earth Day seeks to raise environmental awareness around the globe. This year's focus will be on the face of climate change. And Conservation Districts will be celebrating in style at festivals taking place in local schools, parks and community centers throughout the commonwealth.

"The goal of helping the environment is impossible without the help of an informed public," said Robert Maiden, PACD Executive Director. "Districts are participating in these Earth Day events, demonstrating their support to education and a more environmentally-conscience future."

Click here for the events taking place throughout Pennsylvania. For more information about the Districts' Earth Day events, contact your local district. If there are other events happening in your area which are not listed, please send details to jessica-espenshade@pacd.org.

Snyder County Conservation District Hosts Educational Meeting for Farmers

Snyder County Agricultural Conservation Technician, Barry Spangler and Nutrient Management Technician Lisa Blazure of Clinton County demonstrate water holding capacity and structure stability between continually-tilled soils and continually no-tilled and cover-cropped soils.

More than 130 people attended Snyder County Conservation District's 13th Annual Farmer's Winter Meeting on February 15. Local farmers enjoyed talks on soil health, emerging pest problems, agricultural energy, pesticide handling safety and crop insurance. Participants learned how to treat their soils to improve production while following certain principles.

"We hold this meeting every year because it is a great way for farmers to get our message," states Agricultural Conservation Technician Barry Spangler. "This meeting represents a partnership because it offers something that farmers are interested in and it offers the district the opportunity to educate with up-to-date information."

George Greig, Secretary of the PA Department of Agriculture, spoke to the group about issues related to agriculture and environmental compliance.

Partners for the meeting included the State Conservation Commission, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, West Branch Crop Consultants, PA Farm Bureau and No-Till Alliance.

For more information on the event click here.

Beaver County Conservation District Making Headlines with Maple Syrup Festival
Beaver County Conservation District worked hard last week preparing for the 36th Annual Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival. They even closed the office for two days! The festival, which ran April 6-7, took place at Bradys Run Lodge in Fallston, PA. To read more, click here or to watch a video, click here.

Project Learning Tree Grants Available for Classrooms

Project Learning Tree is now accepting applications from schools and nonprofit organizations for environmental service-learning projects. Deadline for applications is September 30.

Do you have an idea for a school/community native plant garden, a forest improvement project, a streamside restoration plan, a recycling program, or energy conservation project for your students? Need funds to implement it? Apply for a "Project Learning Tree GreenWorks!" grant! Traditional GreenWorks grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded in support of environmental projects that demonstrate service-learning, exemplify student voice, involve at least one community partner, and can be completed within a year. For more information and applications, visit the Project Learning Tree website.