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

Delaware County Conservation District helped convert one acre of maintained lawn in Rose Tree Park into a native meadow with a mini-grant provided by PACD’s Lawn Conversion Program for Conservation Districts. The project used $2,653 in grant funding.

The Lawn Conversion Program for Conservation Districts is partially financed by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship fund, under the administration of 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. 

The 2026 Staff Training Initiative includes webinars and a regional workshop series for all district personnel and partner staff. Visit Building for Tomorrow to register for all events, and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

Webinars

• 6th Annual Conservation District Video Awards
  Thursday, February 12, Noon–12:45 p.m.
  Join us as we screen district video content from 2025, hear from the producers, and award the coveted CONDIVA trophy for best video.
• From Message to Media: Amplifying Impact Through Local Outreach
  Wednesday, February 18, Noon–1:00 p.m.
  This session will present basic media relations concepts, with a tactical focus on working with local broadcast and print outlets to promote and build awareness of your district’s work and mission. Presented by Stephanie Hendricks, Director of Public Relations at Piper Strategies. 
• Smarter Social Media: Campaigns, Curation, and AI-Driven Content
  Wednesday, February 25, Noon–1:00 p.m.
  This session will present a concise, practical overview of effective social media campaign strategies, the role of content curation in strengthening credibility, and the responsible use of AI tools to enhance content development. Presented by Line Storgaard-Conley, Director of Digital Marketing & Advertising at Piper Strategies. 
• QuickBooks User Forum
  Wednesday, March 4, Noon–1:00 p.m.
  This meeting will break out QuickBooks users by version to share tips and training resources, followed by a Q&A panel.

Workshop Series: Assertive Communications and Empowered Conflict Management

Avoiding conflict is natural, but increasing self-awareness is key to expanding the ability to manage conflict effectively. Workshop attendees will explore when and how to apply assertiveness skills to improve their interactions with difficult people, build confidence in difficult situations, and get their needs met. Rita Coleman Graham will facilitate this half-day training (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). Workshops are open to all district personnel and partner staff. Registration is required, and refreshments and lunch are provided.

Workshop Schedule:

• Tuesday, March 10 – French Creek State Park, Elverson, PA
• Tuesday, March 17 – Fred Rogers Institute at St. Vincent, Latrobe, PA
• Thursday, March 19 – Ramada Conference Center, State College, PA
• Wednesday, March 25 – Camp Orchard Hill, Dallas, PA
• Tuesday, March 31 – Wanango Country Club, Reno, PA

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 hosted a Level 1 Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) training December 9-10, 2025, in Indiana, PA. The two-day training included one day in the classroom and one day in the field.

Thank you to the PA Department of Environmental Protection, Indiana County Conservation District, and Native Creations for coming together to host this opportunity for district staff to become credentialed.

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 Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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.