As we kick off the new year, we’re looking back at 2025 to celebrate Clean Water Academy’s Top 10 Course Completion Champions across all conservation districts. These individuals completed the most courses throughout the year, demonstrating an incredible dedication to expanding their knowledge and expertise. Congratulations to our Top 10 learners!

1. Katie Sasala, Potter – 106 course completions
2. Brittany Brooks, York – 71 course completions
3. Kendra Schreck, Beaver – 71 course completions
4. Alexander Hrishenko, Mercer – 67 course completions
5. Alexander Peppiatt, Bucks – 65 course completions
6. Sara Benzio, Beaver – 64 course completions
7. Matthew Williams, Pike – 62 course completions
8. Alexis Albu, Berks – 57 course completions
9. Alaska Roberts, York – 56 course completions
10. Kate Vandal, Berks – 56 course completions

With new courses and training opportunities ahead in 2026, now is the perfect time to dive in

Click here to visit Clean Water Academy. 

Please contact PACD Water Resource Trainer Molly Bengs at mbengs@pacd.org with any questions or to create an account.

The Pennsylvania Clean Water Academy is an online training library administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and supported by PACD. It provides training for DEP staff, Conservation District staff, Sewage Enforcement Officers (SEOs), and the public.

 

Clean Water Academy is hosting an upcoming lunch and learn webinar on February 18, 2026, from Noon-1:00 p.m. Our speaker is Ryan Davis, Associate Forests Program Director from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Ryan will provide an overview of riparian forest buffer best management practices, along with real-world case studies that highlight successful implementation, common challenges, and lessons learned to support effective waterway protection in Pennsylvania. This webinar is a follow-up to the previous lunch and learn held in June 2025.

Please watch the existing webinar here: https://pacleanwateracademy.remote-learner.net/course/view.php?id=1527 (must be logged in to view) prior to the February 18 session.

Registration is free but required. Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NwVpQTcITLeJKKMbTjromQ

Check out these new courses on the Clean Water Academy that may interest conservation district staff!

Course: Encountering Acid-Producing Rock/Coal During Construction Activities (must be logged in to view) 

Sharon Hill from the Bureau of Mining Programs explains how to manage acid-producing rock and coal during construction. She discusses identifying these materials, their impact on land development, and the planning needed to prevent pollution. Key topics include site characterization, testing for sulfur content, and the importance of licensed professionals in managing these materials. The presentation also addresses common questions about coal removal and APR handling.

Course: MRC (Managed Release Concept) (no login required) 

In this course, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will introduce the foundational principles of MRC Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs) and their design standards. Through this course, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively implement MRC SCMs. This course is designed for professionals involved in stormwater management, planning, and design, providing practical guidance to support sustainable and compliant stormwater practices.

A new lesson, “Wetland Determination Walkthrough with The Army Corps of Engineers,” can be found under the “Summary” section of the “Introduction to Wetland Determination – 2025” course.

Course: Introduction to Wetland Determination – 2025, Topic: Summary (no login required) 

This training program is a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, Division of Wetlands Encroachment and Training (DWET), and the Army Corps of Engineers. This comprehensive course provides an in-depth exploration of wetland determination, guiding learners through both growing and non-growing season scenarios. Participants will learn about essential field resources and on-site considerations, with a focus on hydrology, soil, and vegetation indicators. Designed as a comprehensive experience, this training serves as an invaluable resource for professionals seeking expertise in wetland assessment.

Please email Molly Bengs with questions or to create an account. mbengs@pacd.org

The Pennsylvania Clean Water Academy is an online training library administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and supported by PACD. It provides training for DEP staff, Conservation District staff, Sewage Enforcement Officers (SEOs), and the public.

 

Join us for the next Clean Water Academy Lunch & Learn session on October 23, 2025, from Noon to 1:00 p.m.          

Katie Brooks from Penn State Extension will present on “Enhancing Wildlife Habitat.” The webinar will cover habitat improvements, management practices, and species selection that will enhance forest stands and make them more desirable for a wide variety of Pennsylvania species.

Grab your lunch and join us for this engaging and informative discussion! Click here to register. Registration is free but required. 

Molly Bengs is the Water Resource Trainer at PACD, where she plays a key role in advancing water resource training efforts and expanding the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s comprehensive training library, Clean Water Academy.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University.

Prior to her current role, Molly worked with the National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP), where she contributed to the development and implementation of communication strategies supporting locally led conservation initiatives through partner activities. She also has a background in higher education, having worked on curriculum development, and gained valuable experience through an internship with her local conservation district. Molly is looking forward to continuing her work in conservation by supporting water quality efforts across Pennsylvania in this role.

Outside of work, Molly enjoys hiking, photography, crafting, as well as spending time with family, friends, and her dog, Vader.

Two new lessons can be found under the “Hydric Soils” section of the “Introduction to Wetland Determination – 2025” course.  The lessons feature numerous videos from the field.

The lessons include:

PA Hydric Soil Indicators, Part 2  (must be logged in to view)
This lesson continues the discussion of common hydric soil indicators in Pennsylvania. By the end, you will be able to accurately describe and identify several key indicators using industry best practices. The lesson also introduces a step-by-step procedure for determining organic matter content and classifying types of organic matter.

Hydric Soil Indicators Exercise (must be logged in to view)
This final lesson serves as a practical wrap-up for the basic hydric soils module. Through interactive exercises, you will apply your knowledge to four site scenarios, practicing the identification of hydric soil indicators and reinforcing key concepts learned throughout the course.

Contact Molly Bengs for additional information or to create a Clean Water Academy account. mbengs@pacd.org.

Check out these two new courses on the Clean Water Academy that may be of interest to conservation district staff!

Course: MS4 Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) 
Municipalities and other entities with separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit coverage are required by their MS4 permits to implement a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to reduce the discharge of pollutants from their MS4, protect water quality, and satisfy the water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law. This course will provide an overview of the six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) that must be included in a permittee’s SWMP. Completion of this course is recommended for municipal staff and their consultants, local environmental groups, and any other interested members of the public.

Course: Legacy Sediment Removal, Floodplain Restoration, and Permitting 
This webinar provided a historical background on legacy sediments within Pennsylvania. It also included a discussion on principles of floodplain restoration as well as permitting considerations for legacy sediment removal and floodplain restoration projects.

Please email Jay Braund with questions jbraund@pa.gov.

To support conservation district managers, assistant managers, supervisory staff, and team leaders in maximizing the benefits of the Clean Water Academy (CWA), PACD is offering three short live sessions focused on key features and navigation tips. Since not all staff have completed the “How to Use Clean Water Academy” course (access requires login), some may not be aware of the full range of available tools and training opportunities.

The sessions will be identical, so you only need to attend one of them. Each session will provide a concise overview of CWA, highlight underutilized features, and offer practical guidance to support more effective use of CWA. Registration is required.

Session Options:

• Wednesday, August 6: 2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. – Click here to register. 
• Tuesday, August 12: 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. – Click here to register. 
• Thursday, August 21: 11:00 a.m.–Noon – Click here to register. 

All sessions will be recorded and made available on CWA for those who are unable to attend live, as well as for future managers to reference.

 

Join us for the next Clean Water Academy Lunch & Learn session on June 26, 2025, from Noon–1:00 p.m. with Ryan Davis, Senior Forests Projects Manager for Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

Ryan will present “Riparian Forest Buffer Success through Outreach.” The session includes a discussion on riparian forest buffer success stories with a focus on communication and outreach.

Grab your lunch and join us for this engaging and informative discussion! Click here to register. Registration is free but required.

Stay tuned for more Lunch & Learn sessions in the coming months!

Join us for the next Clean Water Academy Lunch & Learn session on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from Noon–1:00 p.m. with Lisa Blazure, Soil Health Coordinator at the Stroud Water Research Center.

Lisa will present “Building Trust and Relationships with Farmers: Lessons from 15 Years in Agricultural Conservation.” She’ll share practical tips and advice on relationship building with agricultural landowners, along with inspiring success stories drawn from her extensive experience in the field.

Grab your lunch and join us for this engaging and informative discussion! Click here to register. Registration is free but required.

Stay tuned for more Lunch & Learn sessions in the coming months!