The Central PA Conservancy reported Friday the students (age 13-15) and staff participating in the Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute enjoyed a wonderful week of good weather and programming at Pine Grove Furnace State Park and beyond.

Residing at the Ironmaster's Mansion in Cumberland County, the 2015 class of students demonstrated an impressive team dynamic and an understanding of the local watershed, fostered throughout the week.

A few of the week's highlights include--

-- DAY 1: Ropes Course at Camp Thompson, Nature Journaling Exercise, and Leadership Development Workshop;

-- DAY 2: Water Quality Monitoring on the LeTort Spring Run, Kayak Trip, Chesapeake Bay watershed program;

-- Day 3: LeTort Bird Walk with Appalachian Audubon, Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Stream Restoration Demo, Dickinson College Center for Sustainability Education Campus Tour, Farmers Market in Carlisle, and AT Museum Tour;

-- DAY 4: Dickinson College Farm Program, Michaux State Forest Tour with DCNR Foresters, Archery with Safari Club; and

-- DAY 5: Final Presentations to Local Leaders and Luncheon.

In their team projects, students were asked to develop an informational artwork poster, choosing a word that reflected a conservation value or function found at the headwaters of the LeTort (currently under a purchase option agreement with the Central PA Conservancy), and use that poster to educate, engage, and empower members of the community to build support for the acquisition and restoration of the site.

At the end of the week, teams presented to local leaders, including representatives of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Appalachian Audubon, the Chris Thorpe Foundation, Shippensburg University, and a leadership development consultant.

The Conservancy was delighted that so many local organizations have sponsored scholarships for these students, including Appalachian Audubon, the Chris Thorpe Foundation in Carlisle, the Cumberland County Conservation District, and the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

Next Year’s Program

Spread the word about the Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute to teachers, parents, and students ages 13-15 for next year. The program is tentatively scheduled for June 10-15, 2016.

Other Conservancy Accomplishments

The Conservancy also reported on these accomplishments in its July newsletter--

-- Purchase Option Secured At Headwaters Of LeTort Spring Run

-- DCNR Grant Assures Outreach Efforts On The Kittatinny Ridge Over 3 Years

For more information about programs and activities, visit the Central PA Conservancy website.

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7/27/2015