The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training (CACAT) at Penn State Extension was established in 2023 by the State Conservation Commission. The Center bolsters the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) and sponsored this year’s PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference. During the Conference, the Center led field trips to noteworthy sites, including the Frost Entomological Museum and a greenhouse at Penn State, Rock Springs Research Farm, and the site of Ag Progress Days.

Thank you to the Center for leading these fun and educational tours!

The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training at Penn State Extension is a cooperative effort with partners at the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) and the Pennsylvania State Office of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Funding for the Center is provided through the state Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).

Managers understand that motivation sometimes requires some inspiration, and that applies to staff, board, volunteers, and all district stakeholders. This year we’re welcoming back Christopher Ridenhour to present the 2024 Management Summit Keynote on Inspired Leadership. This entertaining and interactive presentation will focus on bringing our “whole selves” to work, inspiring accountability and greatness, confronting challenges in sharing critical feedback, and mastering stressful conflicts. Summit Day 1 also features presentations on motivating and inspiring district volunteers and boards, as well as optional late-day networking activities.

Visit Building for Tomorrow for agenda, registration, and room block information.

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.

Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD), Findlay Township, and Montour Run Watershed Association celebrated the completion of the Findlay Township Activity Center Rain Gardens at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 25, 2024. This project represents a step forward in managing stormwater, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting environmental stewardship.

A Growing Greener Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection made the rain gardens possible, with Findlay Township providing matching funds.

These rain gardens are more than just a beautiful addition to our landscape. They serve a critical environmental function. By filtering sediment and absorbing nutrients commonly found in stormwater pollution, they help prevent flooding and improve water quality in Montour Run. This nature-based solution shows the power of green infrastructure to address stormwater pollution and protect natural resources.

Rain gardens offer numerous benefits beyond stormwater management. They enhance biodiversity by providing habitats for native species, contribute to urban cooling, and improve air quality. By incorporating native plants, these gardens support local ecosystems and foster a more resilient and vibrant community. 

Link to read more: https://www.accdpa.org/blog/findlay-rain-gardens 

The Susquehanna County Conservation District held a Partner Day event on June 13, bringing together over 40 key conservation partners for a day of networking and collaboration. This event allowed attendees to connect, share ideas, and discuss their collective efforts to preserve and protect our natural resources.

The gathering featured representatives from various Northeast PA and Southern NY organizations dedicated to environmental conservation. Discussions consisted of strategies and shared goals to enhance the sustainability and health of our natural resources. The turnout and productive conversations highlighted the importance of working together for a greener future. Partner Day attendees included the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Northern Tier Hardwood Association, Susquehanna County Planning, Susquehanna County Farm Bureau, E.L. Rose Conservancy, Susquehanna County Forest Landowners, and many more.

The Susquehanna County Conservation District extends its sincere gratitude to all participants for their enthusiasm, support, and commitment to environmental stewardship. Together, we plan to pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.

The Foundation for PA Watersheds announced grant awards to advance the protection and restoration of our waterways.

Two conservation districts received funding:

• $11,385 to Indiana County Conservation District for the Lucerne 3A passive AMD treatment system.
• $7,500 to Westmoreland County Conservation District for the Irwin AMD treatment system land acquisition.

Congratulations to Indiana and Westmoreland Conservation Districts!

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is a grant-making foundation and non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s water resources. Founded in 1994, they invest in projects that protect the best and restore the rest of Pennsylvania’s streams. 

Registration is open for the 2024 Management Summit, Wednesday, September 18 through Thursday, September 19, at the Wyndham Garden Conference Center State College. This year’s Summit program includes a keynote on Inspired Leadership and sessions on Volunteer Engagement, Board Relations, and Ethics. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Visit Building for Tomorrow for agenda and registration.

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 is accepting mini-grant applications from conservation districts for up to $3,000 to implement educational and outreach activities that support and extend the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Projects should focus on CREP enrollment, re-enrollment, and/or CREP maintenance.

Applications will be accepted and approved on a rolling basis until funds are expended. The project completion and final report deadline is extended to October 31, 2024.

Project examples include:

– Walkabouts/field days

– Farmer and landowner workshops

– Riparian buffer workshops

– Workshop series with several topics

– Developing educational materials like brochures, flyers, fact sheets, or even billboards

– Hire interns to provide CREP outreach

Click here for the guidelines, application, and reporting documents for the CREP mini-grant program. 

Financial and other support for the CREP Outreach Program Office Mini-grant Program is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a Growing Greener Watershed Protection grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and with additional support from USDA-NRCS.

 

Presented by Kathleen Deal, JD, this course is designed to provide fundamental negotiation skills to environmental regulatory personnel. Participants will learn proven approaches and strategies to establish rapport, gain information, and influence others. The course incorporates lessons on ethics and negotiation and reading body language—both our own and that of others—to enhance communications It teaches that great negotiation is about great collaboration and equips participants to work with individuals and organizations to create agreement, solve problems, and achieve results.

The workshop will take place at the Wyndham Garden State College on August 6, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration is currently open solely to DEP enforcement personnel and Chapter 102 staff from conservation districts with Level III delegation. There is no fee to attend. The grant will cover one overnight for participants arriving the night before the training, and lunch is provided on the day of the training. Click here for more information and to register. 

This training is funded through a grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection and made possible through the cooperation of the PA Association of Conservation Districts and Pennsylvania’s conservation districts.

On June 14, 2024, the Berks County Conservation District held an event and tour of a new best management practice installation at a family farm in Lenhartsville, PA.

Speakers included Senator Judith Schwank; Representative Jamie Barton; Representative David Maloney; Berks County Commissioners Christian Y. Leinbach, Michael S. Rivera, and Dante Santoni, Jr.; Berks County Department of Ag Deputy Director Kim Fies; NRCS District Conservationist Nick Ramsey; State Conservation Commission Director of Financial & Technical Assistance Programs Justin Challenger; and PACD Executive Director Brenda Shambaugh.

The day ended with a tour of a barn built through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).

 

In January, Westmoreland Conservation District featured CREP at their soil health conference. Over 80 people attended the event.

In March, Beaver County Conservation District offered an agricultural workshop where participants learned about many ag programs, including CREP. About 30 individuals attended the event.

PACD is accepting mini-grant applications from conservation districts for up to $3,000 to implement educational and outreach activities that support and extend the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) work. Projects should focus on CREP enrollment, re-enrollment, and/or CREP maintenance.

Applications will be accepted and approved on a rolling basis until funds are expended. The project completion and final report deadline is extended to October 31, 2024. Contact Holly Miller at hmiller@pacd.org with questions.

Financial and other support for the CREP Outreach Program Office Mini-grant Program is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a Growing Greener Watershed Protection grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and with additional support from USDA-NRCS.