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.
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.
Juniata County Conservation District held a workshop in McAlisterville for property owners and municipal staff on September 30, 2020. The “What’s the Point” workshop defined stormwater runoff and its sources, encouraged management and reduction of stormwater, and developed an understanding of stormwater’s effects on watersheds near and far.
The workshop was held in person and had thirteen participants. Municipal officials attended and engaged in brainstorming ways to be more effective in educating residents about stormwater management. The workshop also had a hands-on planting component.
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.
The popular ‘My Growing Tree’ program, traditionally delivered to all McKean County elementary school first graders in April for Arbor Day, took a hiatus during the pandemic. This fall, the McKean County Conservation District, with the Potter County Conservation District and PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry, re-worked the program into a remote kit that could be delivered to schools without visiting classes.
The remote kits loaned to teachers include a lesson plan, videos, activities, and additional resources.
Click here to read the entire article.
This program was made possible by a DEP Environmental Education Grant.
When Columbia County Conservation District had to cancel their Nature Mini Camp this summer due to COVID-19, Watershed Specialist Brittney Hartzell created a virtual alternative. The district made activity bags for the kids to pick-up then posted videos to go with the activities. Videos include animal tracking, macroinvertebrates, leaf rubbings, and dissecting owl pellets. Click here to view the videos.
September 12, 2020, dawned crisp and sunny, the perfect day for golf, as the Elk County Conservation District (ECCD) hosted their first-ever Conservation Cup golf tournament at the Bavarian Hills Golf Course. The tournament was designed with conservation in mind. All the proceeds from the event will be put toward environmental education and the Elk County Conservation District Scholarship.
“In my opinion the Conservation Cup was a success, even with having to adjust the date multiple times due to COVID-19 concerns. While starting up this new event during a pandemic was challenging, we were still able to raise enough money for an environmental scholarship, as well as funding for our environmental education program. We do plan on hosting the event again next year. With one tournament under our belt we hope next year will be even bigger and better,” said Ryan Grimm, ECCD’s Resource Conservation Technician.
Eight teams participated in the first-ever Conservation Cup.
More photos are available on the ECCD Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ElkCountyConservationDistrict/.
In September 2020, Montgomery County Conservation District (MCCD), Penn State Extension (Master Watershed Steward and Master Gardener programs), and Ambler Borough Environmental Advisory Council partnered to offer a free, online “Conservation and Water Pollution Prevention Workshop for Homeowners.”
The first session had 121 participants, and the second had 106 participants! Designed for a “novice” audience, the workshop covered topics including stormwater management, using rain gardens and rain barrels, stream corridor management practices, erosion and sediment control, bio-retention, lawn-to-meadow, native landscaping, proper tree planting techniques, and water conservation.
Click here to read the entire article.
Financial and other support for the workshop was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s 2020 Environmental Education Grants Program.
On October 1, 2020, the Chester County Conservation District held a Green Stormwater Infrastructure for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems training. Participants learned how the recently installed West Grove Borough rain garden was planned, funded, and implemented to help improve the water quality of the White Clay Creek. The design, engineering, and construction processes were discussed first-hand by Rutgers University, West Grove Borough Public Works Department and staff, and the White Clay Creek watershed manager.
The district held the workshop in-person with masks required. They also made the workshop available virtually by broadcasting live and recording it. The first part of the in-person workshop was held in a fire hall with the door open. The second portion was held outside at the site of the new rain garden.
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.
The Schuylkill Conservation District celebrated its 65th anniversary with festivities at Sweet Arrow Lake County Park on September 27, 2020.
Since its founding in 1955 by Dr. James S. Shadle, the district has evolved from an emphasis on soil conservation to one of all natural resource conservation efforts. District Manager Jenna St. Clair said the district began as an all-volunteer organization but currently has 14 staff members and a host of volunteers.
In celebration of the district’s growth and success, St. Clair said the birthday bash was planned with something for everyone, from young children to adults.
Click here read the entire article and here to view photos from the event.
From PA Environment Digest Blog, September 25, 2020
On September 25, the PA Association of Environmental Professionals recognized Len Lichvar, Manager of the Somerset Conservation District, with the Walter Lyon Award. The Walter Lyon Award honors an organization, project, or program that made a unique, creative, or significant contribution toward maintenance or restoration of Pennsylvania’s environmental quality or to the field of environmental management.
Somerset County Conservation District Manager Len Lichvar is deeply involved in conservation matters in his county, region, and statewide. Over the past 30 years, the Somerset Conservation District has planned and developed large scale projects to ensure that clean water is available for residents and visitors.
Click here to read the entire article.