Submitted by Matthew Long, Manager, Lycoming County Conservation District

Lycoming County Conservation District hosted their 2nd Annual Ag lunch on February 25, 2025, in Williamsport, PA. It was a successful event that brought together farmers and several partnering agencies, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, Penn State Extension, and Stroud Water Research Center.

Representatives from PA Representative Jamie Flick’s office and U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson’s office were also present, further strengthening the event’s connection to local government support.

The gathering provided an opportunity for farmers to enjoy a meal, network with experts, and earn spray credits while learning about sustainable practices. This event was attended by 67 individuals, which represented a large increase from last year’s turnout. The collaboration between these agencies and government representatives highlights the importance of partnerships in promoting conservation and education within the farming community.

It’s time to RSVP for your spring region meeting! All meetings will be held in person, with the option to attend virtually. Please click on your region meeting below for RSVP information and other details.

Items for discussion include a proposed three-year dues schedule and an update on PACD strategic planning.

PACD South Central Region Meeting
March 19, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Cumberland County Conservation District, Carlisle, PA

PACD North Central Region Meeting
March 25, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Clinton County Conservation District, Mill Hall, PA

PACD South East Region Meeting
March 27, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Henning’s Market, Harleysville, PA

PACD South West Region Meeting
April 10, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Westmoreland Conservation District, Greensburg, PA

PACD North West Region Meeting
April 17, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Lawrence County Department of Public Safety, New Castle, PA (New Location)

PACD North East Region Meeting
April 25, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Schuylkill Conservation District, Pottsville, PA

 

All district personnel are encouraged to attend the Inspiring Action with Public Speaking workshop on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Ramada Conference Center State College. The workshop, presented by Cindi Johnson and Stacey Piper of Piper Strategies, will provide an overview of audience-driven approaches to messaging and delivery that will supercharge your presentations and speaking engagements. Attendees will also have the opportunity to practice and get feedback on their own presentations.

Registration is required. The cost is $30 per attendee and includes lunch, refreshments, and workshop materials. Space is limited for this valuable training opportunity; registration closes when the workshop is filled.

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

We are excited to announce that Pennsylvania Envirothon is seeking individuals to volunteer at this year’s PA Envirothon events. Please join us for the Oral Component and State Envirothon Station Testing Day.

Event Details:

• Oral Component: May 14-16
• May 14–Indiana County; May 15–Snyder County; May 16–Monroe County
• State Envirothon Station Testing Day*: May 21 at Windber Park
• Deadline for Volunteers to Register: March 21

*Please note that all volunteers for the Station Testing Day must submit clearances.

Ready to sign up? Click here to register! 

We appreciate your consideration and hope to see you there!

For any questions or additional information, please feel free to contact Courtney Raker at (570) 837-3000 or via email at execdirector@envirothonpa.org.

April 20-26, 2025, will be “Conservation District Week” in Pennsylvania. During this week, district offices will hold conference calls and meetings with legislators. Resources such as letters, a press release, and social media images will be available from PACD to promote Conservation District Week. Stay tuned for more information.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made the conservation district booth at the PA Farm Show a success!

Thank you to the following conservation districts who sent volunteers:

• Berks
• Carbon
• Centre
• Chester
• Franklin
• Fulton
• Lebanon
• Mifflin
• Schuylkill
• Snyder
• Westmoreland
• And the PA Envirothon

Join PACD’s Executive Director Brenda Shambaugh for a free webinar on “Conservation Districts and Pennsylvania’s Legislative Process.” Brenda will share her more than three decades of experience building relationships with legislators during the webinar. Attendees will learn how conservation districts can engage legislators, the best time for engagement, and ideas and resources for making your efforts as effective as possible.

The event will occur via Zoom on February 5, 2025, from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Click here to register. 

PACD and the Westmoreland Conservation District invite you to mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2025 PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference, themed Conservation Led Locally. The event will take place at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, PA. Sessions and conservation tours will take place July 16-17, but the conference workgroup is planning fun tours and activities the day before, so pencil in July 15 and plan to arrive a day early. To top things off, you may want to stay after the conference or come in even earlier to enjoy all that Seven Springs has to offer. There are plenty of family activities, too, so plan to bring the whole gang!

In addition to time for fun and fellowship, district directors and staff won’t want to miss our informational sessions and conservation tours beginning on July 16. Westmoreland is partnering with the Somerset Conservation District to host a tour of district projects, and Penn State Extension Educator Daniel Brockett will continue our series on large-scale solar farms with a session focusing on farmers, landowners, and considerations for land-use.

Registration will open in April. Stay tuned for more details, including much more on our planned sessions and conservation tours!

Please mark your calendar and plan to attend your spring PACD region meeting! All meetings will be held in person with a virtual option.

PACD South Central Region Meeting
March 19, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
Cumberland County Conservation District, Carlisle, PA

PACD North Central Region Meeting
March 25, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. (NEW DATE)
Clinton County Conservation District, Mill Hall, PA

PACD South East Region Meeting
March 27, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
Henning’s Market, Harleysville, PA

PACD South West Region Meeting
April 10, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
Westmoreland Conservation District, Greensburg, PA

PACD North West Region Meeting
April 17, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
Lawrence County Conservation District, New Castle, PA

PACD North East Region Meeting
April 25, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.
Schuylkill Conservation District, Pottsville, PA

The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from January 4-11, 2025, in Harrisburg, PA. The conservation districts will again share booth space with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service this year.

Two volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

Saturday, 1/4: 8 a.m.–Noon & 12:00–4 p.m.

Sunday, 1/5: 8 a.m.–Noon & Noon–4 p.m.

Monday, 1/6: Noon–4 p.m.

Tuesday, 1/7: Noon–4 p.m.

Wednesday, 1/8: Noon–4 p.m.

Thursday, 1/9: 8 a.m.–Noon & Noon–4 p.m.

Friday, 1/10: Noon–4 p.m.

Saturday, 1/11: 8 a.m.–Noon & Noon–4 p.m.

Volunteers receive a free parking pass for the event. Please email PACD Director of Communications & Education Shannon Wehinger at swehinger@pacd.org to sign up or for more information.