The Lebanon Valley Conservancy helped organize dozens of volunteers in the last month to plant trees, and native plant gardens and much more.

Tree Planting

Over 1,000 trees were planted by more than 60 volunteers-- business leaders, community leaders, project funders, local volunteers and board members-- to help protect county watersheds.

This planting was completed in partnership with the Keystone Ten Million Trees Partnership, a collaborative effort of national, regional, state, and local agencies, conservation organizations, outdoors enthusiasts, businesses, and citizens committed to improving Pennsylvania's communities, economy, and ecology.

Native Plant Gardens

Volunteers also planted more than 80 native plants in the community garden at 9th and Mifflin streets, improving the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and attracting pollinators to the city.

Thanks to the City of Lebanon for their support, the Penn State REACH project for funding and the community for their interest and for volunteering! We hope to plant additional native gardens around the City!

Scholarship Winner

The Conservancy announced Evelyn Dyer as the recipient of the 2021 Richard H. and Karen R. Light Memorial Scholarship. Dyer received a $2,500 scholarship to assist in her pursuit of education in the field of environmental chemistry and economics.

Dyer is a sophomore at Lebanon Valley College and attended Northern Lebanon High School. She is an active member of the Biology Club, Environmental Science Club, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and a new inductee to Tri-Beta, the Biological Sciences Service Society.

“Chemistry was fun; Biology sparked my interest; ecology field trips stole my heart,” Dyer said in her application. “I opened my eyes completely to the world we live in and how I need to find a way to conserve what is left, protect every little salamander, and prevent future detrimental harm to the environment and the ecosystems within it.”

We award this scholarship, on an annual basis, in memory of Richard H. and Karen R. Light, prominent local residents who made a great impact on environmental conservation in the Lebanon Valley.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Lebanon Valley Conservancy website.  Follow them on Facebook.

(Photo: Top- Tree planting, Bottom- Native garden and scholarship winner Evelyn Dyer.)

Related Article - Conservancy:

-- Help Wanted: Lebanon Valley Conservancy Executive Director

Related Articles:

-- Gov. Wolf Joins Chesapeake Bay Watershed Governors, Officials Urging Congress To Support ‘Billion For The Bay Initiative' To Jumpstart Final Restoration Efforts

-- Bay Journal: Chesapeake Bay Restoration Stumbles In Race To Finish Line; Promised Outcomes Lagging Badly Or In Limbo

-- PA Senate Passes Bill To Control Overuse Of Fertilizer On Turf

-- Bay Journal Forum: New Wave Of Streamside Forest Plantings Needed Now

-- Student Project Brings Trees And Music To Water Quality Cleanup Efforts In Lancaster County; June 5 ‘The Big Do’ Celebration

-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Student Leaders Continue To Carry The Torch In Pennsylvania

-- Public Invited To Virtual Cumberland County Water Resources Forum May 19

-- Conservation Districts: Need Technical Assistance With Watershed Monitoring?  Check Out C-SAW

[Posted: May 11, 2021]

5/17/2021