From the executive director's desk
Dear Friends,
We've all heard the expression 'this changes everything,' and these three words seem more true than ever. We face countless challenges and uncertainties related to the novel coronavirus pandemic. While the way the ClearWater Conservancy staff is currently working has changed, our commitment to our members, mission, and natural resources is unwavering, as always.
Our top priority at this time is to keep staff, volunteers, partners, and community members safe, and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our organization was founded by people who pursued innovative solutions to community issues, and we continue to keep this spirit alive as we all work together virtually in order to stay connected with our members and reach our goals.
For example, many of you have already signed up to receive our new weekly adventure guide via email. The guide offers ideas for safely exploring the outdoors as well as nature-inspired indoor activities to try at home. You can learn more about the guide and
sign up to receive the next issue here.
Change is difficult, but there is at least one change we are glad to see during this challenging time. People everywhere seem to be spending more time outdoors and taking advantage of the many health benefits of stepping outside and enjoying the fresh air. As a board member noted, this time of social distancing is a great time to get closer to nature, and it seems many central Pennsylvanians agree.
Do you find yourself appreciating the natural world in a different way lately? We'd love to hear how nature is playing a role in your daily life. Please email stories, photos, or questions and suggestions you might have to adventure@clearwaterconservancy.org.
We look forward to seeing our friends in person as soon as possible. Until then, please stay safe and find ways to stay connected to others, including your friends at ClearWater Conservancy!
Sincerely,
Deb
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UPDATE: Watershed CleanUp Week
Last year 200+ volunteers prevented 13,720 pounds of trash from entering our waterways! Join us this year to help us continue this 24-year-old tradition of keeping our streams and waterways clean while still maintaining our social distance.
While we can't offer a large organized event this year because of COVID-19 concerns, we encourage everyone to do their own smaller cleanup efforts during the
week of May 3-9. Grab a trash bag, don a mask and some gloves, and pick up the trash you see when venturing outdoors in your neighborhood (be sure to wear a safety vest or brightly colored clothing for visibility if you live along a road or highway). You could also take a bag with you as you head towards your favorite trail and help keep our beautiful outdoor community resources clean. Please dispose of the trash collected through your normal garbage pickup service.
Please complete this short
survey
to let us know you participated in a cleanup activity. We love seeing your photos! Please send us a picture of your 'cleanup in action' and tell us about your Watershed Cleanup Week! #thegreatcentrecountycleanup
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ClearWater Conservancy, with approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recently finalized a permanent conservation easement along the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River. Located immediately across the river from Canoe Creek State Park, and along the Lower Trail, the 214.63 acre conservation project is one of the first of its kind on the east coast specifically focused on comprehensive, landscape-scale conservation of habitat for the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the federally threatened northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis).
Conservation banks permanently protect lands that provide habitat for species that are endangered, threatened, or at risk. These conserved and permanently managed lands are considered vital to species protection and recovery.
“Conservation banks provide an opportunity to focus conservation efforts in the most ecologically significant areas to a species. This conservation bank provides permanent protection to some of the highest-quality, bat maternity, swarming and foraging habitat in the state, while making available offsets for statewide project impacts to federally listed bats.” said Pamela Shellenberger of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pennsylvania Field Office.
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Become a Master Naturalist! Apply Now for Fall Course
Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is a statewide partnership initiative that aims to connect people with their local ecosystems through intensive natural science training and local conservation service work. ClearWater Conservancy will be acting as the partnering organization for Centre County.
The program is scheduled for fall 2020 (August – October). The early bird deadline to apply for this year's class is May 1 (standard deadline is June 1). At this time, we are hopeful that the in-person training program can proceed, depending on the health and safety guidelines in place at that time. PMN is working on a remote training option in case that is needed.
You can watch this brief, recorded
webinar to learn more about the program, review the steps and timeline to apply, and discuss your questions. Please send any questions to
emma@clearwaterconservancy.org.
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During this period of social distancing, most of us are spending more time at home. This could be a perfect opportunity for you to introduce native plants into your home landscape, adding beauty as well as important food for pollinators and other wildlife.
What are Native Plants?
A native plant occurs naturally in a region, ecosystem, or habitat without direct or indirect human intervention. You probably know more native plants than you think you do. Many common garden plants are actually hybrids of native plants.
Why Is It Important to use Native Plants?
Native plants are adapted for local climate and conditions and provide pollen and nectar for pollinators. They also serve as host plants for the caterpillars of some pollinators. These plants offer provide a better source of food for native wildlife than non-native plants because they are home to more caterpillars and bugs, and often provide life-sustaining fruit and nuts for animals.
Another great benefit to choosing native plants for your landscaping is that they tend to require less maintenance than non-native plants because they are better adapted to the local climate.
Discover 10 Common Native Perennials That Are Easy to Grow
Learn more
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Your Gift Makes a Difference!
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We understand that these are very uncertain times as our communities face many unexpected challenges related to COVID-19, and that focusing on the many wonderful things around us, including the air, land, water and natural resources is difficult.
Yet many of us are relying on the peace and beauty provided by our region's natural surroundings to heal and replenish our bodies and minds. These surroundings, when healthy and connected, also contribute to the health and connectedness of our community. Simply put, the healthier our region's natural resources are, the healthier we are as well.
Whether appreciating our forested ridge lines from your front window, venturing outside for a small family adventure, or wetting a fishing line in a gurgling trout stream, ClearWater is dedicated to helping people feel more connected to the outdoors and the people they explore the outdoors with.
Despite the disruption to our lives in this historic time, ClearWater Conservancy is grateful for our community which understands and supports the conservation of this beautiful place we call home. If possible, please help us continue this legacy of community conservation. Thank you!
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