PACD Front Page 04.29.13

One example of a mini-grant project is "Waste Not Want Not" from Bucks County Conservation District. As featured in the Feb. 19 issue of Front Page, the district has a mini-grant project underway to install signs at dog parks to urge owners to pick up after their pets as well as develop an educational brochure on pet waste's impact on water quality.

Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded to conservation districts for adult educational projects that offer strategies for reducing and preventing Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution. Projects should stimulate a local awareness of water quality issues, promote the theme "We All Live Downstream," and encourage citizen participation in activities to improve water quality in local watersheds. The deadline for applications is May 17, 2013.

Click here for the online application and more information.

Financial and other support for the NPS Mini-grant Program 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.

Conservation Districts Support 91st Annual PSATS Conference

Pike County Conservation District's Michele Ulmer staffs PACD booth during Annual PSATS Conference in Hershey on April 22nd.

April 21-24, conservation

districts were highlighted during the 91st Annual Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Conference.

Exhibitors and township officials combined, the event hosts more than 4,000 people annually.

The three-day conference took place at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, PA.

"This conference is a great way for us to continue networking and supporting our partners in conservation," said Brandi Hunter-Davenport, PACD Director of Education. "By participating, we're able to learn from our cohorts, engage in open discussions and offer assistance where needed. This is definitely a worthwhile event."

Clearfield County Conservation District Director, Harold "Hank" Webster, staffs booth on April 23rd. Both photos taken by Hunter-Davenport.

Another Successful Year of Boot Camp Training Concludes

Thirty-four participants, including fourteen from conservation districts, participated in the 2013 Agricultural Conservation Technical "Boot Camp" Level II Training. Other participants were from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, PACD, PA Department of Environmental Protection, Pheasants Forever, and county farmland preservation offices. A mix of classroom and field experiences, the week-long training aims to further the knowledge and hands-on experience of those who put conservation practices on the ground in the commonwealth.

Participants in the 2013 Agricultural Conservation Technical "Boot Camp" Level II Training pose for a group photo at the beginning of their week long course at Ft. Indiantown Gap in Annville, PA. The course was held April 22-26.

PACD Attends PANO Conference in Harrisburg

April 22-23, staff members from the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) were able to attend the 2013 Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) Annual Conference.

This year's theme was Beyond the Story: Leverage Impact - Drive Sustainability.

Left to right: James Eirkson, PANO Director of Education and Community Outreach; Tish Mogan, PANO Standards for Excellence Officer; Shannon Wehinger, PACD Director of Communications; Robert Maiden, PACD Executive Director; Lisa Jo Suhr, PACD Director of Operations; and Lauren Henicle, PANO Administrative Assistant.

The two-day conference included sessions on social media, how to maintain funding and a panel discussion with some of the area's top certified public accountants (CPAs.)

For more information about PANO, visit www.pano.org. For more information about the 2013 conference, click here.

PACD Seeks Sponsorship Leads for the 2013 PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference

Do you work with an organization that would be interested in reaching out to the conservation districts statewide? If so, please consider recommending them as a potential sponsor for this year's Joint Annual Conference by contacting Molly Burns with PACD or providing them with this year's sponsorship brochure. Sponsors at the silver level ($500) or above receive exhibit space, and can reach a statewide conservation district audience with their display. The 2013 conference will take place July 15-16 in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Click here to view the sponsorship brochure.

$1,000 Scholarship Available
Each year the PACD Auxiliary offers a $1,000 scholarship for Pennsylvania college students majoring in an agricultural or environmental field. Please review the eligibility requirements prior to completing the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for the PACD Auxiliary Scholarship is June 15. Click here for more information.

Lebanon County Conservation District Assists with Riparian Buffer Project

In commemoration of Earth Day and National Volunteer Week, multiple individuals gathered on Saturday, April 20th to plant a riparian buffer at Stoever's Dam in Lebanon. The event was funded by a grant through the City of Lebanon. Hired by the city, the Lebanon County Conservation District (LCCD) provided logistical support and labor during the event. Additional volunteer support was provided by Boy Scout Troop 12, Cedar Crest High School and the United Way Day of Caring group. California University of Pennsylvania student, Jason Capello, organized the actual planting.

Finished north side of pond.

Volunteers gather for riparian buffer project.

Completed buffer on the south side of the pond.

Photos courtesy of the LCCD.

NACD Stewardship Week

The NACD stewardship and education committee announced that the theme for the 2013 Stewardship Week will be "Where does your Water Shed?" This year's observance will take place from April 28 to May 5, 2013. NACD's annual poster contest gives children, grades kindergarten through 12th, an opportunity to provide a visual illustration of their understanding of watersheds. For more information, visit www.nacdnet.org/stewardship/2013.

Arbor Day

Trees are an essential part of our environment. They provide oxygen, improve air quality, conserve water, preserve soil and supply wildlife habitats. Established in 1874, Arbor Day celebrates the importance and necessity of trees. In 2013, Arbor Day will be on the last Friday in April. If your district is hosting or participating in a group tree-planting or other Arbor Day event, please send details to jessica-espenshade@pacd.org. For event ideas, please visit www.arborday.org/arborday.

Watershed Specialist Receives President's Award

Lancaster County Conservation District Watershed Specialist Matt Kofroth (left) received the President's Award from the Octoraro Watershed Association. President Dr. John Shuman presented the award during the Association's annual banquet on April 18. Congratulations Matt! Photo courtesy of Chotty Sprenkle.