2019 ClearWater Conservancy Annual Meeting
On Thursday, Oct. 24, ClearWater Conservancy held its 2019 Annual Meeting at Good Shepard Hall in Port Matilda, Pennsylvania. The event was attended by over 170 donors, members, staff, and supporters. Guests enjoyed delicious food from Taproot Kitchen while our Executive Director, Deb Nardone, delivered an update on our ongoing conservation work.

In addition, members voted to re-elect board members Chris Magent, Bill Sitzabee, Scot Chambers, and Jim Lanning, and ClearWater staff presented the following annual awards: 

Barbara Fisher Volunteer of the Year Award
Ralph Mumma 
Ralph Mumma, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Environmental Quality from the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State, is a dedicated scientist/naturalist who has distinguished himself through his service to ClearWater Conservancy for decades. Ralph's commitment to the sound science underpinning the ClearWater’s Statement of Values has been a guiding light to ClearWater Board Members, Staff, and Volunteers for over 30 years.

Donald Hamer Leadership Award
Kelleann Foster
Shortly after moving to central Pennsylvania, Kelleann participated in a number of ClearWater led outdoor programs and started volunteering for Art & Chocolate, ClearWater's annual art auction and gala fundraiser. She later joined the ClearWater Conservancy Board, serving as co-chair and board president. Kelleann was instrumental in the protection of Spring Creek Canyon and advocating for public access to the area.

ClearWater Conservancy's Community Conservation Commendation Award
Martha Goodwin & the Meyer Family
Martha Goodwin enjoyed many outdoor activities, including snow skiing, horseback riding, bicycling, and tennis. She also volunteered and helped a number of environmental causes. In passing, Goodwin chose to continue her legacy of being a truly kind, thoughtful and compassionate person by leaving a transformational gift to ClearWater Conservancy. In 2018, the ClearWater board established the Martha Goodwin Stewardship fund–to be used for strategic land conservation and stewardship. 

In 2015, the Meyer Family, pursued their collective dream to protect the future of their farmland, putting their faith in ClearWater Conservancy. Along with the neighboring Everhart Farm, the Meyer Family committed to the permanent conservation of 300 acres along Slab Cabin Run in close proximity to the most relied upon drinking water wells in the State College water supply system. For these conservation efforts and so many more community activities, ClearWater Conservancy recognizes the Meyer Family for their commitment to the permanent protection of the family's farm, their understanding of source water protection and their ongoing commitment to the stewardship of Slab Cabin Run's water quality and habitat bio-diversity.

Thank you to all those that attended this year's meeting. We hope to see you in the field or at another ClearWater event soon!
2018 Annual Report
2018 was a year of growth for ClearWater Conservancy. Coming off a huge victory in conservation with the Slab Cabin Run Initiative, we set our course towards developing and implementing our strategic vision–The ClearWater Compass.

In 2018, we were awarded a grant for work in the Scotia Barrens, one of Pennsylvania’s unique and important ecosystems and a high priority area for ClearWater Conservancy. We saw the growth of the Centred Outdoors program–serving over 1250 participants. Our stream buffer stewards continued to dedicate their time and talents by donating 857 hours to restore 17.7 acres of riparian forest ecosystem with over 3400 plants. Watershed Clean Up Day built upon 16 years of success with volunteers collecting 35,460 pounds of trash. 

While the Annual Report only begins to scratch the surface of our accomplishments in 2018, we hope that it will give you an idea of the impact your support for ClearWater Conservancy has on the conservation of our region’s natural resources. 
Art & Chocolate Winter Gala
Jan. 31, 2020
Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now!
Register before Dec. 20 to purchase tickets at a 10% discount.
Sample delicious chocolates and other treats, bid on beautiful art and local items, and enjoy an evening with friends. Proceeds will benefit ClearWater Conservancy.
The ClearWater Compass
(updated Oct. 24, 2019)
We invite you to check out our recently updated the Clearwater Compass, a strategic vision that will serve as a framework for our future work. With your help, we can Connect, Protect, Restore, and Steward the landscapes and habitats of Central Pennsylvania. Where will the Clearwater Compass lead you?

Tree and Shrub Planting along Spring Creek
Last week, we joined our partners at  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  and  Spring Creek Chapter Trout Unlimited  for a forest planting along Spring Creek in Houserville. Thank you to all those involved in protecting our region's natural beauty and resources!

Get Involved!
We need your help to plant our remaining trees and shrubs. Please consider joining us on one of the following upcoming planting days!

Thursday, October 31, 1 pm – 5 pm
Location: Halfmoon Valley

Saturday, November 2, 9 am 1 pm
Location: Shingletown area

Monday, November 4, 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm
Location: Halfmoon Valley
In partnership with USDA, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
 
Saturday, November 9, 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Shingletown area
In partnership with Penn State University and DCNR

Sunday, November 10, 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Boalsburg area
NEW!
 
Tuesday, November 12, 9 am – 1 pm
Location: Pine Grove Mills area
In partnership with Trust for Tomorrow and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
 
Thursday, November 14, 1 pm – 5 pm
Location: Spring Mills in Penns Valley
Will be led by Jasmine Fields with State College Borough

Sunday, November 17, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Walnut Springs Park
NEW!

Wednesday, November 20, 9 am – 1 pm
Location: Shingletown area

Saturday, November 23, 9 am – 12 pm
Location: ClearWater Office, 2555 N Atherton St, State College, PA 16803
Rain date: Saturday, December 7 th , 9 am – 12 pm
* New Event: Winterize Native Garden around the ClearWater Conservancy office *
 
Monday, November 25, 9 am – 1 pm
Location: Pennsylvania Furnace area
Your Gift Makes a Difference!
Your continued generosity is vital to continuing our conservation efforts. A contribution to ClearWater Conservancy is an investment in the overall resilience of our region, ensuring a vibrant and wonderful place to call home for countless future generations. Make a donation today and secure your membership for 2019.
ClearWater Conservancy | 814-237-0400 | contactus@clearwaterconservancy.org | www.clearwaterconservancy.org