Front Page e-Newsletter
November 23, 2020
Front Page will return on December 7, 2020.
Fluvial Geomorphology Training Wraps-Up
PACD held a Fluvial Geomorphology Training as a four-part webinar series concluding on November 13, 2020. Ninety-eight conservation district staff and partners attended the training.
 
Instructor David Williams from the International Erosion Control Association covered fluvial geomorphology and natural channel design indices, stream restoration/rehabilitation, and streambank protection.
 
Photo caption: The Fluvial Geomorphology training was held as a webinar series. Photo taken by Amy Brown. 
Franklin County Farm Wins Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award
Slate Ridge Dairy Farm is the 2020 recipient of the Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award®.
 
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.
 
In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, The Heinz Endowments, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
 
Ben and Sharon Peckman, who own and operate Slate Ridge Dairy Farm near St. Thomas receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. The Franklin County dairy farmers were revealed as the recipients during the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s virtual Annual Meeting.
 
Click here to read more about Slate Ridge Dairy Farm. Click here to view a video on the recipients.
 
Photo caption: Screenshot from the 2020 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award - Slate Ridge Dairy Farm video.
Bradford County Conservation District Leads Webinar with Stroud Water Research Center
On November 5, 2020, Kevin Brown, agricultural resource specialist at the Bradford County Conservation District, shared his experiences with no-till gardens for every size property.
Participants learned how you can spend less time weeding, have a productive garden, and improve water quality and soil health in your backyard!
 
Click here to view the Better Gardens, Better Soil webinar.
 
Photo caption: Screenshot of the Better Gardens, Better Soil webinar. 
Westmoreland Conservation District Recognizes Conservationists
The Westmoreland Conservation District (WCD) produced two videos to show their 2020 award recipients' contributions.
 
They are:
  • The Ralph Frye family and their operation, Pleasant Lane Farms of Unity Township – 2020 Conservation Farmer of the Year. Click here to watch the video.
  • The Municipality of Murrysville – 2020 J. Roy Houston Conservation Partner. Click here to watch the video.

Traditionally, the district presented these awards and celebrated the winners at a reception at their headquarters. But this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, WCD opted to present them in small, private ceremonies at each winner’s location in October. The videos allow everyone to celebrate the accomplishments of these outstanding conservationists.
 
Photo caption: Screenshot of “2020 Conservation Awards - Frye Farm” video.
2021 NACD Annual Meeting Registration Now Open
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) will hold its 75th Annual Meeting virtually from February 1-10, 2021. The meeting will celebrate our legacy and recognize our origins through the theme "NACD's 75th Anniversary: A Diamond Out of the Dust."
 
The first week of programming will consist of business meetings. The second week will feature informative breakout sessions, inspiring speakers, conservation district and district official recognition, and national updates in a virtual convention format.
 
Registration for the 2021 NACD Annual Meeting will be $50! This price will gain you access to both the business meetings from February 1-5 and the convention programming from February 8-10. PLEASE NOTE: Each registrant must have their unique email address.
 
Click here to register. Please contact events@nacdnet.org if you have any questions.
Have You Checked Your District's Directory Information?
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) recently updated the conservation district directory maps and contact information on its website.
 
To ensure they have the latest contact information, please check your district's webpage and contact NACD Communications Coordinator Lucy Sears at lucy-sears@nacdnet.org with any updates.
New Conservation Concerns Tool on Farmers.gov 
Are you interested in keeping your working land productive for years to come? Use the new Conservation Concerns Tool to learn about resource concerns that might impact your agricultural operation, then work with us on solutions targeted to fit your business needs. This tool is available now on our farmers.gov website with no login or account necessary.
 
Click here to learn more.
Conservation Districts in the News
Upcoming Events
January 8, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
PACD Conservation Committee Video Conference
 
January 11, 2021 | 10-11 a.m.
PACD Legislative Committee Video Conference