Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD), Findlay Township, and Montour Run Watershed Association celebrated the completion of the Findlay Township Activity Center Rain Gardens at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 25, 2024. This project represents a step forward in managing stormwater, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting environmental stewardship.

A Growing Greener Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection made the rain gardens possible, with Findlay Township providing matching funds.

These rain gardens are more than just a beautiful addition to our landscape. They serve a critical environmental function. By filtering sediment and absorbing nutrients commonly found in stormwater pollution, they help prevent flooding and improve water quality in Montour Run. This nature-based solution shows the power of green infrastructure to address stormwater pollution and protect natural resources.

Rain gardens offer numerous benefits beyond stormwater management. They enhance biodiversity by providing habitats for native species, contribute to urban cooling, and improve air quality. By incorporating native plants, these gardens support local ecosystems and foster a more resilient and vibrant community. 

Link to read more: https://www.accdpa.org/blog/findlay-rain-gardens 

The Susquehanna County Conservation District held a Partner Day event on June 13, bringing together over 40 key conservation partners for a day of networking and collaboration. This event allowed attendees to connect, share ideas, and discuss their collective efforts to preserve and protect our natural resources.

The gathering featured representatives from various Northeast PA and Southern NY organizations dedicated to environmental conservation. Discussions consisted of strategies and shared goals to enhance the sustainability and health of our natural resources. The turnout and productive conversations highlighted the importance of working together for a greener future. Partner Day attendees included the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Northern Tier Hardwood Association, Susquehanna County Planning, Susquehanna County Farm Bureau, E.L. Rose Conservancy, Susquehanna County Forest Landowners, and many more.

The Susquehanna County Conservation District extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their enthusiasm, support, and commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we plan to pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.

The Carbon County Environmental Education Center (a branch of Carbon Conservation District) held its annual “Rattlesnake Run” this June in Lehigh Gorge State Park.

The race included a one-mile fun walk, a reptile education station at the start/finish, coloring sheets for children, and organic snacks for all participants, thanks to a local farm and bakery.

Runners and walkers set out along the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail, paralleling the Lehigh River. The trail is home to both rattlesnakes and copperheads, with participants reminded that all can safely enjoy outdoor activities in areas home to venomous snakes by taking simple precautions.

This was the 13th year for the Rattlesnake Run, held annually on the third Saturday in June. The event was a fundraiser to keep their public programs low and to help with wildlife care.

The Columbia County Conservation District held two separate rain barrel workshops. The 49 attendees learned about non-point source pollution, how it affects our waterways, and best management practices that can be used at home to reduce stormwater.

Thanks to partners at Rohrbach’s Farm Market and the Coca-Cola syrup factory near Allentown, who donated all the barrels for free, the district was able to host two workshops instead of the original plan to hold one. A total of 45 50-gallon rain barrels were distributed to be installed around Columbia County to reduce stormwater.

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 “Maximizing Grazing for Maximum Benefit Workshop and Pasture Walk” was offered by the Columbia, Montour, and Luzerne County Conservation Districts on April 18, 2024.

Russ Wilson and Dave Hartman shared their insights on managing pastures and the animals that rely on them. The morning session featured Russ at the Montour Preserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium. Then, Dave led a pasture walk at his farm in the afternoon. They emphasized management that provides livestock with extended grazing in the late fall and early winter while providing enough nutrition to finish with a high-quality product. The rain held off, so the 55 farmers and agency personnel in attendance could see best practices applied at the farm level.

Financial support for this event was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through a Growing Greener Grant.

Last fall, the McKean County Conservation District held an Erosion Control in Our Forests Workshop. Thirty foresters, loggers, logging contractors, and private forest landowners attended the event. Attendees learned more about the fundamentals of erosion control, permitting, planning before a timber harvest, best management practices to implement during the harvest, and stream crossing practices.

The workshop was made possible through a multi-county effort by the conservation districts of Tioga, Potter, Cameron, Elk, and McKean Counties in cooperation with the PA Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Implementation Committee and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry.

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 Tioga County Conservation District (TCCD) held a Legislative Luncheon in Wellsboro, PA, on May 10, 2024. Senator Yaw’s office, Representative Owlett, the Tioga County Commissioners, PACD, the State Conservation Commission, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the TCCD Board and staff were all represented.

The district highlighted its accomplishments from 2023, achieved through grant funding, partnerships, and the support of its legislators. The district concluded by looking forward to providing leadership, education, and technical assistance in 2024.

On April 26, Venango Conservation District hosted a Farm Bus Tour at three beef farms in Utica, PA. About 30 people attended to learn about grazing systems, nonpoint source pollution, manure/nutrient management, safety tips, and funding sources for constructing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs).

The district would like to thank all of the amazing presenters who shared their expertise and time with them, and the Metz, Dunkerly, and Mahler families for allowing the group to tour their farms! The district also extends their appreciation to Project Grass NW Chapter for sponsoring breakfast and the Utica Volunteer Fire Department for allowing the use of their space.

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 Westmoreland Conservation District partnered with the Jacobs Creek Watershed Association and the Coal and Coke Trail Chapter to host the 2024 Pedaling for Conservation bike ride along the Coal and Coke Trail. Participants learned about stormwater, streambank erosion, problems related to abandoned mine drainage, and mosquito testing for West Nile Virus.

Check the district’s Facebook page for more fantastic photos from the event. 

 

On April 20, 2024, Montgomery County Conservation District’s Watershed Specialist Brian Vadino worked in partnership with Martha’s Choice Marketplace and Community Farm and Penn State Master Watershed Stewards Program in Montgomery County to host a tour of a riparian buffer food forest planting project that was completed at the Farm along Perkiomen Creek in Fall 2022.

The riparian buffer tour was designed to showcase the completed project and was delivered in conjunction with a public tour of other planting areas (gardens and greenhouses) located at Martha’s Choice Marketplace and Community Farm. The Farm is the largest food pantry in Montgomery County, serving almost 20,000 individuals and delivering 1.5 million pounds of food every year. 

Click here to view a short video about the event. 

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 US Environmental Protection Agency.