On March 18, 2026, PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell C. Redding and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey met at Flinchbaugh’s Orchard in York County. The two agencies signed a letter of understanding on collaborative efforts. PACD Executive Director Amy Brown attended the event.

 

I am incredibly proud of our technical staff. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, staff from the PACD Engineering Assistance Program (also known as TAG), Conservation Planner Program, and Conservation District Umbrella Program delivered outstanding results.

Engineering Assistance Program employees completed 26 Inventories and Evaluations, 21 surveys, 87 practice design layouts, 125.5 construction quality assurance reviews, and 79 practice checkouts. 

Our certified planners completed 21.5 conservation plans, and all planners are nearing full certification—an impressive accomplishment. Congratulations to the entire team.

In addition, conservation districts participating in the Conservation District Umbrella Program completed 24 conservation plans, 9 inventories and evaluations, 44 surveys, 45 practice design layouts, 55 construction quality assurance reviews, and 79 practice checkouts.

Thanks to our program partners, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the PA State Conservation Commission for funding these valuable programs.

Here’s to continuing this important conservation work into 2026!

Amy Brown
PACD Executive Director

The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from January 10-17, 2026, in Harrisburg, PA. The conservation districts will once again share booth space with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Two volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

• Saturday, 1/10 – 8 a.m.­­–Noon
• Sunday, 1/11 – Noon–4 p.m.
• Monday, 1/12 – Noon–4 p.m.
• Wednesday, 1/14 – Noon–4 p.m.
• Saturday, 1/17 – 8 a.m.­­–Noon and 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.

Conservation district directors and associate directors, district staff, and partner agency staff are invited to register for the Virtual 2026 PACD Winter Meeting. The event will take place as a series of videoconferences throughout January. Registration for each videoconference is required and free to participate. Please email the individual listed for a registration link.

PACD Conservation Committee Videoconference
January 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD District Employees Committee Videoconference
January 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Holly Miller at hmiller@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Education and Outreach Committee Videoconference
January 13, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Shannon Wehinger at swehinger@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Legislative Committee Videoconference
January 15, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Ways and Means Committee Videoconference
January 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Operations Committee Videoconference
January 23, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Executive Council Committee Videoconference
January 29, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

The Law Office of Andrew H. Shaw, P.C. offers PACD a legal advice program. PACD Members have access to on-call legal assistance at a reduced rate, including both attorney and paralegal services.

The law office is a general practice law firm and can provide advice and assistance in many practice areas.

Their contact information is:

Andrew H. Shaw, Esquire
andrew@ashawlaw.com
2011 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
717-243-7135
www.ashawlaw.com

During the PACD North Central Region Meeting on October 14, 2025, Lycoming County Conservation District Manager Matt Long demonstrated the Virtual Reality (VR) the district uses.

The videos used for the VR demonstration featured a poultry operation with 24,000 birds in the barn and a soil nailing project completed through the Dirt and Gravel Roads Program.

The district has one camera and 30 headsets that the Lycoming County Commissioners purchased using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. The district uses Meta Quest 3 headsets and is shooting the videos with a GoPro Max (360). The district plans to shoot a few more agriculture-related videos this fall with some local producers.

Matt emphasized that this technology has nearly limitless potential educational applications for both children and adults.

PACD seeks a detail-oriented, organized, and reliable Part-Time Bookkeeper

to manage day-to-day financial transactions, maintain accurate accounting records, and support compliance with nonprofit financial requirements. This position is ideal for an individual with strong bookkeeping experience and skills. This part-time (30 hours/week) position reports to the Executive Director.

This is a hybrid position with 2-3 days in the office in Harrisburg, PA, and 1-2 days working remotely. Hourly wage commensurate with experience ($20–$25/hour). Paid PTO and holidays (prorated for part-time).

Click here for the full announcement. Please apply by e-mail with the subject heading “Bookkeeper” to jobs@pacd.org. All application materials must be received by 4:30 p.m. on October 22, 2025.

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.

PACD Executive Director Amy Brown spoke at the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Citizens Advisory Council on September 9, 2025.

Amy spoke about PACD programs, training, and sub-grants for conservation districts and emphasized the importance of conservation district work. She also explained the vital role of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Conservation Technical Assistance program, whose funding may be in jeopardy at the federal level.