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.

On September 3, the PA Association of Conservation Districts Executive Board announced Amy Brown’s promotion to Executive Director. Amy was previously the Director of Operations and Acting Executive Director.

Brown has served as Acting Executive Director since March 2025, guiding the Association during a period of transition. In her new role, she will oversee statewide programs, advocate for conservation districts, and focus on partnerships that enhance conservation district initiatives.

Amy came to the Association in 2018 as the Program Manager and previously worked as an Agricultural Technician at the Luzerne Conservation District.

Including an extensive farming background, Amy’s family owns TLV Tree Farm in Glenelg, MD.

On August 26, 2025, PACD hosted a strategic planning retreat at its Harrisburg office. Twenty participants, including staff, board, and managers, created a framework of priorities, an updated mission, and a vision for the Association for the next five years. Stay tuned for more outcomes from the retreat.

Strategy Solutions facilitated the PACD’s 2025-30 Strategic Planning session.  

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) elected a new slate of officers during its annual meeting on July 16, 2025, in Champion, PA. Among those elected was Emil Bove, Director and Board Secretary of the Westmoreland Conservation District, who will now serve as the Association’s President.

The 2025 PACD officers are:

• President: Emil A. Bove, Westmoreland Conservation District
• 1st Vice President: Barb Peace, Indiana County Conservation District
• 2nd Vice President: Thomas F. Herbert, Luzerne Conservation District
• Treasurer: Vince Pennoni, Delaware County Conservation District
• Secretary: Sonia Wasco, Lancaster County Conservation District

Executive Board Members not up for election and continuing to serve their terms:

• North Central Region Director: Dr. Robert Shannon, Centre County Conservation District
• North West Region Director & NACD North East Region Representative: Cliff Lane, McKean County Conservation District
• North East Region Director: Thomas F. Herbert, Luzerne Conservation District
• South East Region Director: Piper Sherburne, Berks County Conservation District
• South West Region Director: Barb Peace, Indiana County Conservation District
• South Central Region Director: Vacant
• NACD Director: Ron Rohall, Westmoreland Conservation District

 

 

During the PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference, PACD released its 2024-25 Annual Report. The report features program highlights, sub-grants awarded to conservation districts, advocacy efforts, and a financial overview.

Click here to view the report. 

This summer, PACD welcomes two new unpaid interns, Vanessa and Alexis. Throughout the summer, they will assist the office with tasks such as office organization, social media messaging, and supporting the upcoming PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference. Welcome to the team!

PACD members and partners are invited to register for the PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference hosted by the Westmoreland Conservation District. The event will take place July 15-17 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Champion, PA. Go Laurel Highlands has compiled lots of fun things to do in the area and participants will receive a 20% discount on Seven Springs activity passes, so come early, stay late, and bring the whole family!

On Tuesday, July 15, participants can bike the beautiful Youghiogheny River Trail to Confluence, hike one of the trails at Ohiopyle State Park, or get together for scramble-format golf at the picturesque Highlands Golf Club at Seven Springs. Time has been set aside for members to talk about conservation district funding on Tuesday evening.

Wednesday, July 16, offers two educational tracks, one following the Oven Run AMD Project and one examining Large-Scale Solar in Pennsylvania. Both tracks include a morning session and afternoon tour. The day wraps up with dinner at Seven Springs and a reception celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) sponsored by Go Laurel Highlands. Join us for drinks, snacks, and conservation trivia!

On Thursday, July 17, PACD and the SCC will recognize outstanding members of the conservation community during our joint awards luncheon. The SCC Briefing Session in the morning will feature partner activities and highlight conservation district projects, followed by the SCC business meeting in the afternoon.

Westmoreland Conservation District invites conservation districts to show off their local pride by creating a basket of local items to donate to the basket raffle. Many thanks to Westmoreland for hosting the conference and organizing the basket raffle to benefit PACD.

One article can’t capture all the happenings at this year’s conference, so click here for more information and to register today! 

 

Close to 4,000 township officials and guests from all over Pennsylvania will attend the annual Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Conference and Trade Show on May 4-7, 2025. Once again, there will be a conservation district booth at the show from Sunday, May 4, to Tuesday, May 6.

PACD is seeking volunteers for the following shifts:

• Sunday, May 4 – Noon to 6:00 pm
• Monday, May 5 – 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Monday, May 5 – 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 5 – 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 6 – 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Please consider volunteering for a shift at the conservation district booth. This is a valuable opportunity to promote the districts and explain the type of work they do, as well as reinforce existing relationships with local township officials.

To volunteer, please contact Shannon Wehinger at swehinger@pacd.org.

PACD is hiring a conservation planner or nutrient management specialist who will work toward conservation planning certification for a two-year period to assist in conservation efforts in Dauphin County. The salary range is $45,000 to $50,000 per year.

Click here to read the entire job description.

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to PACD by e-mail with the subject heading “Conservation Planner Dauphin” to jobs@pacd.org. All application materials must be received by 4:00 p.m. on February 5, 2025.