Front Page e-Newsletter
May 23, 2022
The next issue of Front Page will be June 1, 2022
Section 319 Virtual Watershed Planning and Implementation Meeting a Success
Eighty-seven individuals attended the Section 319 Virtual Watershed Planning and Implementation Meeting May 18-19, 2022. In addition to 319 Program updates, participants learned about stream restoration work in Northcentral PA, funding sources for restoration projects, green infrastructure and stormwater management, how to work with tree nurseries for buffer projects, and Model My Watershed.
 
The event was open to entities involved in Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management projects, including conservation district staff, DEP and EPA staff, incorporated watershed associations, counties, municipalities, councils of governments: 501(c)(3) non-profits, educational institutions, and municipal authorities.
 
Photo caption: Screen capture of Michael Morris presenting on Stroud Water Research Center’s Model My Watershed tool on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.
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.
June Deep Dives for Directors to Focus on SCC, DEP Programs
All Conservation District Directors and Associate Directors are encouraged to register for the Deep Dives for Director's webinars on Thursday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 15. These sessions will pick up where the 2020 New Director Orientation program left off in discussing the roles and responsibilities of boards in relation to partner programs and delegation agreements and are intended to provide in-depth background for newly-appointed directors or as a review for all board members. Both sessions will be recorded and posted online, and district managers are also encouraged to host watch parties for their board members. 
 
Register for Deep Dives for Directors: SCC & DGLVR Programs: Thursday, June 2, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM 
 
Register for Deep Dives for Directors: DEP Programs: Wednesday, June 15, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 
 
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.
Beaver County Conservation District Holds Stormwater Help for Homeowners Workshop 
From BCCD’s Fall 2021 Newsletter

The Beaver County Conservation District (BCCD) held an in-person rain barrel workshop in September 2021. Susan Boser from Penn State Extension presented on watersheds, nonpoint source pollution, and stormwater best management practices. Hannah Ward, BCCD's watershed specialist, showed a video on how to build a rain barrel and explained the tools needed.
 
Participants received a rain barrel, rain barrel kit, and informational flyers. After the workshop, participants commented that they would make changes to their property to reduce stormwater run-off. For example, they will install the rain barrel using the materials and knowledge they received at the workshop, implement a rain garden or buffer on their property, or implement some of the best management practices discussed.
 
Photo caption: Photo from BCCD. 
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.
Montgomery County Conservation District Assists with “Trout in the Classroom” Program
In May 2022, Montgomery County Conservation District partnered with volunteers from Perkiomen Valley Trout Unlimited (PVTU), staff from Aqua Pennsylvania, and staff from Stroud Water Research Center to provide interactive environmental education programming to students from Christopher Dock High School and Upper Perkiomen High School.
 
This programming included two “Trout in the Classroom” (TIC) field trips on May 4, 2022, and May 12, 2022. Jim Coffey, who serves as a Board Member, TIC Coordinator, and Youth Education Coordinator with PVTU, brought project partners together to deliver these unique educational experiences.
 
Click here to read the entire article and see more photos.
 
Photo caption: Students releasing trout fingerlings into East Branch of Perkiomen Creek (Credit: B. Vadino). Photo provided by Montgomery County Conservation District.
Indiana County Conservation District Receives Agriculture Grant
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced more than $2.45 million in federal grants awarded to 23 projects that will grow markets and increase the quality, safety, and sustainability of the state's vegetable, fruit, nut, and nursery specialty crops.
 
Indiana County Conservation District received $100,491. The district will demonstrate how to grow specialty crops by creating demonstration test plots at three locations to expand community knowledge of specialty crops and decrease food deserts.
 
Click here to read the press release.
New Soil-Life Website Educates on Soil Health
From USDA NRCS PA Weekly News Flash, May 16, 2022
A new educational website has been developed by the University of California, Davis, with support and collaboration from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The website, www.SoilLife.org, highlights the connection between healthy soils, healthy plants, healthy people, and a healthy planet.
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