Mark your calendars for Agricultural Conservation Technical Training (“Boot Camp” Basic Level and Level II). Ag conservation professionals interested in growing their technical abilities are encouraged to take advantage of these free, week-long training opportunities that include classroom instruction and field experience. The courses provide a foundation that will be supplemented by future on-the-job and formal training. Participants will expand their professional network, connecting with fellow attendees as they interact with senior staff and subject matter and technical experts who serve as instructors.

Agricultural Conservation Technical “Boot Camp” Training – Basic Level
March 19, March 26, April 20 (virtual)
April 13-17, 2026 (in-person)
Union County Government Center, Lewisburg, PA
Both in-person and all virtual training sessions are required to complete the course.

Agricultural Conservation Technical “Boot Camp” Training – Level II
April 17 and April 24 (virtual)
April 27-May 1, 2026 (in-person)
Keystone Conference Center, Ft. Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA, and the USDA NRCS State Office, Harrisburg, PA
Both in-person and all virtual training sessions are required to complete the course.

The application period will open in early January 2026. Do not apply for both levels this spring.

Email Shannon Wehinger at swehinger@pacd.org to receive a notification when the application period opens.

The following sponsors make these training opportunities possible: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission, Penn State Extension, and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc.

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.

Submit Your Videos for 2025

Did your district produce any videos this year? Please share with us by submitting an entry form for the 6^th Annual Conservation District Video Awards, scheduled for February 12, 2026. Every year, we screen a diverse range of video content from districts, showcasing some amazing work. We celebrate the effort staff put into producing this content and take the opportunity to learn more about their process. The district can send up to two videos. The deadline to submit your entries is Friday, January 2.

December Board Development Video: Associate Directors and Committees

The monthly Board Development Video Series provides information and review on governance, compliance, and programmatic topics. These short-format videos are intended for viewing and follow-up discussion at your district board meetings. The December installment focuses on the importance of Associate Directors and effective committee structure at districts.

Fall Leadership Webinar Series

There’s still time to register for the upcoming December webinars, Employee Handbook & HR Resources on December 17, and Foundations of Project Management on December 18. Visit Building for Tomorrow for more information and videos of previous webinars.

Important Reminder: Strategic Planning Grants Deadline

The Strategic Planning Grants program reimburses up to $1,500 in expenses for districts undertaking strategic planning activities. Interested districts can review the program requirements here, and contact Matt Miller with questions. The deadline to submit a Letter of Intent for 2026 is December 23, 2025.

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.

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.

 

Montgomery County Conservation District planted .33 acres of multi-functional riparian forest buffer in the Perkiomen Creek Watershed. The project cost $5,772.80 and was paid for through PACD’s multi-functional buffer sub-grant program. 

The Lawn Conversion & Riparian Buffer Mini-Grant Program for Conservation Districts is financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Highlighting PA conservation district employees who go above and beyond. Conservation district directors, associate directors, and staff may highlight outstanding district employees in our weekly e-newsletter by using this form. 

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

• Videos and other resources from the October (Strategic Planning) and November (AI) sessions of the Fall Leadership Webinar Series are now posted on the Building for Tomorrow website. Registration is open for two upcoming webinars: HR & Policy Resources on Wednesday, December 17, from Noon–1:00 p.m., and Foundations of Project Management on Thursday, December 18, from 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Visit Building for Tomorrow https://www.paleadership.org/fall-webinar-series-to-focus-on-strategic-planning-ai-applications-and-policy/ for more information.
• All districts that produced video content this year are encouraged to submit to the Conservation District Video Awards, which will be presented on Thursday, February 12. The deadline to submit your entries is Friday, January 2, 2026.
• Districts interested in Strategic Planning Grants for 2026 should submit a Letter of Intent by December 23, 2025.

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.

Highlighting PA conservation district employees who go above and beyond. 

PACD Executive Director Amy Brown attended the 2025 Chesapeake Agricultural Networking Forum from November 12-14 in Hershey, PA.

The event was held for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grantees, partners, and practitioners in agricultural conservation from across the region. Attendees discussed emerging trends and topics, networked, shared information and ideas, and informed what’s next for collective efforts to further advance agricultural conservation across the Bay watershed.