Juniata County Conservation District joined the Chesapeake Conservancy, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Milford Township Supervisors, and community volunteers to install 680 live stakes on East Licking Creek. The field day provided instruction in identifying, cutting, storing, and installing live stakes on streambanks for water quality protection. 

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.

On March 21, 2023, Fulton County Conservation District held an Ag Winter Meeting in Big Cove Tannery, PA. This was an educational event for local farmers to discuss how to properly use pesticides, manure nutrients, and apply nitrogen fertilizer to reduce the chance of field run-off during a high rainfall event. A presentation was also included on using cover crops to deter pests as an alternative to pesticide applications.

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.

Clarion and Jefferson Conservation Districts held the 25th Annual Western PA Grazing Conference on March 16, 2023, in Clarion, PA. There was also an evening session on March 15. This conference promotes sustainable grazing practices for Pennsylvania farmers. Troy Bishopp, “The Grass Whisperer,” was the keynote speaker. There were 149 registrants, including producers, grass farmers, agency personnel, vendors, and consultants.

The Clarion and Jefferson Conservation Districts help coordinate this annual conference as Western PA Grazing Conference Committee members. Committee members also include USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Penn State Extension, Northwest and Southwest Project Grass, and local farmers.

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.

 

Lehigh County Conservation District planted 1.6 acres of multifunctional riparian forest buffer along Fireline Creek at a farm in Lehigh County. The project cost $6,400 and was paid for through PACD’s Multifunctional Riparian Buffer Sub-grant program: https://pacd.org/?page_id=17536

Funding is still available. Click here to learn more about the program. 

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 Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Submitted by: Katie Hollen, Watershed Specialist

On March 21, 2023, approximately eighty eager students attended the Lebanon County Envirothon Soils Training. Middle and high school students from ELCO, Northern Lebanon, and Palmyra school districts participated.

The training took place at the Lebanon Expo Center and was hosted by the Lebanon County Conservation District. Special guest instructors were Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff – Soil Scientist John Chibirka (Berks) and Technical Resource Conservationist Hana Blumenfeld (Lebanon).

The morning started with John delivering a presentation on soil forming factors, soil color, soil texture, soil horizons, and more. Students viewed a soil map of Pennsylvania and learned about the importance of understanding soils for land use decisions. They were also introduced to our state soil, Hazleton.

After the presentation, students got their hands dirty using the soil textural triangle to classify two different soil samples. John and Hana assisted the students as they practiced making ribbons with soil and estimating the amounts of sand, silt, and clay in each sample. Students also used Munsell Soil Color Books to determine the color of each soil sample.

Westmoreland Conservation District held its annual Engineers’ Workshop on March 23 and 24 at the Fred Rogers Center in Latrobe, PA. More than 350 people from several counties throughout southwestern Pennsylvania attended. In addition to learning about regulatory updates, stormwater management, and erosion control, attendees learned about conservation districts’ importance from Emil Bove, Westmoreland Board Member and PACD Executive Board Member.

 

The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) conducted a meeting on February 17, 2023, in Selinsgrove. The meeting was for farmers dedicated to conservation-related issues. Speakers discussed proper soil and manure management, agricultural best management practices, available conservation programs, and newly developed corn nitrogen assessment tools. Farmers came away with methods, techniques, and guidance to manage their farms while improving water quality and farm resources.

Click here to read more about the meeting. 

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.

On March 1, 2023, Franklin County Conservation District (FCCD) hosted a Winter Ag Meeting with guest speakers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Meeting attendees enjoyed an interactive question-and-answer session with EPA representatives led by Adam Ortiz, EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator. Topics ranged from legacy sediment to today’s agricultural regulations. Franklin County’s water quality trends and successful BMP Verification Program were highlighted during discussions about the Chesapeake Bay’s nutrient reduction progress.

In addition to the meeting, FCCD facilitated a focus group with local farmers, a stream tour to spotlight a recent success story, and a focus group with municipal leaders.

On September 27, 2022, Washington County Conservation District (WCCD) hosted an evening crop walk at the Carter Family Farm. Various cover crop strips were planted in August to serve as a demonstration plot for the event. In addition, a soil pit was dug so participants could see how cover crops improve infiltration and break up compaction. The farmer demonstrated how a cover crop roller works and discussed planting green.

WCCD also held two pasture walks and an agricultural winter meeting as part of the grant.

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.

Juniata County Conservation District held two soil health workshops. The first workshop was held at Chip Spatz’s Farm in Richfield on October 13, 2022.  Twenty-eight people attended the workshop. The highlight of this workshop was the opportunity to view an actively growing multi-species cover crop mix.

The second workshop was held on February 1, 2023, in Mifflintown. Thirty-two people attended. Attendees discussed the cost-effectiveness and benefits of soil health to production and water quality and the importance of soil health best management practices.

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.