Fall Webinar Series to Focus on Strategic Planning, AI Applications, and Policy

The 2025 Fall Leadership Webinar series begins this Wednesday, October 15, with Right-Sizing Your Strategic Planning Process, a webinar presented by Ryan Szuch, Founder & President of York-based Grow Conservation LLC. This webinar will include an overview of strategic planning for conservation districts, including scope and budgeting, and present a toolkit with simple options for districts to evaluate when considering how to invest their time and money best to address priority challenges.

The 2025 Management Summit included a keynote and table exercise on Artificial Intelligence, and we’ll continue the conversation on Wednesday, November 19, with AI Tools for Conservation Districts: Applications and Considerations. The webinar will start with a brief review of potential environmental and ethical concerns voiced during and after the Summit sessions, followed by an interactive discussion on how AI can support HR and staffing, funding development, administrative and financial management, board and governance functions, and outreach and education at conservation districts.

The Fall Leadership Webinar Series concludes on Wednesday, December 17, with “Updating Your Employee Handbook: Sample Policies and Other HR Resources.”  This webinar will explore best practices and legal compliance for revising your district employee handbook and updating policies. It will also include an overview of sample policies and other HR resources available for conservation districts.

Fall Leadership Webinars are open to all conservation district personnel and partners. To register, visit Building for Tomorrow.

Save the Date: 2026 Management Summit

Thanks again to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Management Summit last month! Due to the number of other conferences and trainings in the works for next September, we’re moving the 2026 Management Summit to late October. Mark your calendars for the 2026 Management Summit, Tuesday, October 27 – Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Wyndham Garden Conference Center, State College.

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.

PACD partnered with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to offer a virtual riparian buffer training on October 9, 2025. Ryan Davis, Associate Forests Program Director for the Alliance, was the instructor for the event. Thirty-two conservation district staff and partners attended the training to learn more about buffer planning, site preparation, planting, and maintenance, as well as buffer funding programs. The training was recorded and will be available soon for those who were unable to join us. Email hmiller@pacd.org for a link.

This summer, Chester County Conservation District planted 0.36 acres of multi-functional riparian forest buffer in the White Clay Watershed. The project cost $5,256.00 and was paid for through PACD’s multi-functional buffer sub-grant program. 

 

The Northeast Association of Conservation District Employees (NACDE) recently announced its 2025 award recipients.

Sandy Thompson, Manager of McKean County Conservation District and former Vice President of the Northeast Association of Conservation District Employees (NACDE), received the NACDE President’s Award. President Michael Kent, from Cape Atlantic Conservation District in New Jersey, selected Sandy for the award.

The NACDE President’s Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to NACDE and the Conservation Partnership in the Northeast Region.

Sandy is a long-time member of NACDE, serving as Secretary from 2011 to 2016 and as Vice-President from 2017 to 2023. She has served both her district and NACDE with professionalism, dedication, and service to the cause of conservation and of district employees in the northeast. She began her conservation career in a small, rural district with limited resources and big challenges. Over nearly two decades, she built something remarkable, not just through programs and partnerships, but through people. Her success didn’t go unnoticed. Another County, eager to recreate that same level of impact, sought her expertise. For the past 19 years, she’s been doing what she does best, building teams, mentoring talent, and creating space for others to thrive.  

Over the years, Sandy has helped launch multi-county initiatives and expanded conservation services. Her work spans watershed management, invasive species control, streambank stabilization, nutrient management, and more. But her legacy isn’t just in the programs—it’s in the people she’s trusted to carry them forward. She reminds us that leadership isn’t about being in the spotlight, it’s about making sure others have the space to shine.

 

Northeast Association of Conservation District Employees announced award recipients at the Northeast National Association of Conservation District meeting in Syracuse, NY.

Tammie Robinson, Office Administrator & Envirothon Coordinator at Indiana County Conservation District, received the 2025 Employee Award (Local). The award was presented in recognition of Tammie’s leadership in conservation.

Tammie Robinson has served the Indiana County Conservation District with unwavering dedication for over 41 years. As Office Administrator, she has been the steady hand behind the district’s finances, operations, and institutional continuity, ensuring excellence across every program and initiative. Tammie’s depth of knowledge and mentorship have supported generations of employees and board members, shaping a culture of professionalism and service.

She is perhaps best known for her leadership in conservation education. Tammie established both the Junior and Senior Envirothon competitions in Indiana County. She created the David S. Frick Envirothon Scholarship Program, which has awarded more than $46,500 to local students pursuing environmental studies. Her passion for engaging youth, strengthening partnerships, and supporting future conservationists has left an indelible mark on the district and the broader community.

Tammie’s career reflects the highest ideals of public service: humble leadership, tireless commitment, and a quiet strength that has impacted countless lives. This award honors her extraordinary contributions and the lasting legacy she continues to build.

Congratulations Tammie!

 

Submitted by Doug Beri, Jr., Executive Director, Indiana County Conservation District.

The Indiana County Conservation District’s annual Apple Festival once again drew thousands of visitors to celebrate Indiana County’s agricultural heritage, local artisans, and conservation programs.

The festival grounds came alive with the sights and scents of autumn as visitors enjoyed fresh-pressed apple cider, with more than 180 gallons produced on-site, alongside local foods, handmade crafts, and nature-inspired goods. Vendors offered a wide range of fall favorites, from caramel apples to handcrafted soaps, jewelry, and artwork.

In addition to local shopping and food, the festival featured hands-on learning experiences that brought conservation to life. Attendees explored educational booths on stormwater management, watershed protection, native plants, and pollinator habitats. At the same time, families enjoyed children’s crafts, a petting zoo, and live music by Mountains Meet the Moon Band, whose blend of Appalachian and Celtic tunes kept the crowd entertained throughout the day.

“The Apple Festival continues to grow as a celebration of everything that makes Indiana County unique; our farms, our forests, our creativity, and our sense of community,” said Douglas Beri Jr., Executive Director of the Indiana County Conservation District. “It’s an event that blends fun and education, helping residents connect directly with conservation in action.”

With a record turnout, strong community support, and participation from dozens of local vendors and organizations, the festival has solidified its place as one of the region’s signature fall traditions.

For more information about upcoming events and conservation programs, visit www.iccdpa.org.

 

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.

October Board Development Video: Right to Know Law

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 October 2025 installment provides a brief review of the Right to Know Law.

Where to Start with Strategic Planning?

The State Conservation Commission has allocated funding for grants to reimburse expenses related to the development of a strategic plan, up to a maximum of $1,500, for the 2025-26 period. The Building for Tomorrow’s Strategic Planning Grants Program supports strategic planning by offering grants and support to districts engaged in strategic planning activities.

“Where do we start?” and “How much does it cost?” are common questions that districts considering strategic planning often ask. Join us on Wednesday, October 15, at Noon for Right-Sizing Your Strategic Planning Process, a webinar presented by Ryan Szuch, Founder & President of York-based Grow Conservation LLC. This webinar will present a toolkit with simple options for districts to evaluate when considering how to best invest their time and money to address priority challenges.

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.

Lancaster County Conservation District held a Gala on September 25, 2025, at Moonstone Manor in Elizabethtown, PA. Over 160 people attended the Gala to celebrate the district’s 75th year. PACD Executive Director Amy Brown attended the celebration.

Click here to read the event press release. 

 

Warren County Conservation District planted 3 acres of conventional riparian forest buffer this summer in the Conewango Creek Watershed. The project cost $5,454.95 and was paid for through PACD’s multi-functional buffer sub-grant program. Click here to learn more about the program. 

Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc., through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.