PACD created a public service announcement (PSA) to encourage citizens to dispose of their leaf waste responsibly.
Materials include:
Click here to view the webpage of materials. Please share the PSA scripts with your local radio stations. Conservation districts and partners are encouraged to share the animated version on their social media channels.
The Columbia County Conservation District held a “Haunted Trails” event at their district-owned Kocher Nature Park on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Approximately 150 adults and children came through the trails, which the district carefully designed with social distancing protocols and lots of environmental education opportunities!
Every year a partnership of northcentral PA conservation districts holds a cooperative workshop for forest industry professionals. The popular full-day workshop includes best management practices for timber operations; regulatory information and updates, permitting needs; other current environmental considerations; and a field portion to look at real-life BMP scenarios and challenges.
This year’s four-hour “Erosion Control in Our Forests” webinar on October 1, 2020, had 119 participants, well exceeding normal attendance for the in-person event. Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter County Conservation Districts coordinated the event.
Click here to read the entire article.
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.
The Blair County Conservation District hosted a ribbon-cutting for NatureWorks Park on October 8, 2020. About 40 invited guests participated in the event to “open” Blair County’s first environmental-specific outdoor recreation area. The property is owned by the Blair County Conservation District and managed by the district staff with many volunteers’ assistance! A PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grant was received to cover a portion of the cost of construction. Keller Engineers, Inc. of Hollidaysburg provided the design and permitting of the site. For more information on the park, visit our website at https://natureworkspark.org or check out the park on Facebook.
Warren County Conservation District created an educational invasive species walk at the Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area for the month of October. Visitors will learn about common invasive species that may be found in the area through informational signs posted along the Simmons Run Trail. Not all of the species can necessarily be found on the Hatch Run property, but visitors are encouraged to come any time during daylight hours and learn about invasive species that threaten native habitat.
In late September, twelve teams of sporting clay enthusiasts joined the Berks County Conservation District at M&E Sporting Clays to raise funds for the Berks County Envirothon. In the event’s second year, participants spent the afternoon testing their aim on clay targets at fifteen different stations. They then enjoyed an evening with awards, prizes, and a BBQ dinner.
Click here to read more, including how the district handled the event during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On September 24, 2020, Cody Schmoyer of the Montgomery County Conservation District presented on rain gardens as part of the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Training Lecture Series for homeowners. Fourteen participants were in attendance to learn about rain garden designs and their benefits. The presentation covered infiltration tests, such as double-ring infiltration tests, percolation tests, and sizing and design. Soil mixtures and planting plans were also discussed since these play an essential role in the uptake of water and the functionality of the rain garden.
The presentation also addressed some design considerations, including underdrains/outlet pipes and rain gardens built with a berm to create ponding water. Stabilization was emphasized and straw, wood chips, river stone, and erosion control blankets were discussed. The information provided was beneficial for homeowners who are interested in installing rain gardens on their own property.
Mark your calendars for the winter round of PACD committees, which will take place via video conference prior to the virtual 2021 PACD Executive Council Meeting. Registration will be both free and required. Registration information will go out to conservation districts and agency partners in November.
PACD Conservation Committee Video Conference
January 8, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
PACD Legislative Committee Video Conference
January 11, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
PACD District Employees Committee Video Conference
January 12, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
PACD Education and Outreach Committee Video Conference
January 14, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
PACD Ways and Means Committee Video Conference
January 19, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
PACD Operations Committee Video Conference
January 21, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
Cassie Daniels graduated from Clarion University in 2018 with a double major in Environmental Geosciences and Geology and a minor in Geography. Having experiences with the Student Conservation Association and the Army Corps of Engineers, she knew she wanted to combine both conservation and engineering aspects to her career. So, PACD is the perfect fit.
Cassie enjoys anything outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, ice fishing, camping, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Cassie can be reached at cdaniels@pacd.org.
Juniata County Conservation District held a workshop in McAlisterville for property owners and municipal staff on September 30, 2020. The “What’s the Point” workshop defined stormwater runoff and its sources, encouraged management and reduction of stormwater, and developed an understanding of stormwater’s effects on watersheds near and far.
The workshop was held in person and had thirteen participants. Municipal officials attended and engaged in brainstorming ways to be more effective in educating residents about stormwater management. The workshop also had a hands-on planting component.
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.