The ClearWater Conservancy hosted its Annual Meeting and Celebration on October 17 at Mount Nittany Winery in Centre Hall, Centre County drawing over 100 attendees to honor the community's support for recent conservation successes, recognize outstanding volunteers and supporters, and share exciting updates on the ClearWater Community Conservation Center.

Members had the opportunity to vote on a new board member slate and a more inclusive and accessible membership policy.

Attendees enjoyed delicious wine, food, and camaraderie, along with a wellness activity led by Olivia Stas from ClearWater’s Centred Outdoors program. 

The evening highlighted the Campaign to Connect, a vital fundraising initiative aimed at accelerating local conservation efforts and establishing the Center along a quarter mile of Spring Creek in Houserville, at the heart of the Spring Creek Watershed.

Volunteer Awards

During the celebration, ClearWater honored several dedicated individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to conservation in the region.

Award recipients included Ford Stryker, Beth and Matt Powell, Steve Neely, Appalachian Outdoors, and Jennifer Shuey, all recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.

-- Ford Stryker, The Barbara Fisher Volunteer of the Year Award: Named in 2005 to honor Barbara Fisher for her 25 years of dedicated and passionate service.

This year’s award is presented to Ford Stryker, a long-time member and volunteer whose dedication to conserving our region's natural resources is exemplary.

He has served as a former Board member and has made significant impacts through his work on the Facilities Committee.

Ford has significantly contributed to the planning of the new ClearWater Community Conservation Center and has helped raise substantial funds through his role as co-chair of the Golf Fest Committee.

-- Beth and Matt Powell, The Community Conservation Commendation Award: This award is given for exemplary service to our community and the environment.

Beth and Matt Powell receive this award for their unwavering support of ClearWater. Matt and Beth have shown up for ClearWater more times than you can count over the past year.

They have been involved in numerous conservation efforts, including two buffer projects and monthly easement monitoring.

As a PA Master Naturalist (Beth) and a PA Master Watershed Steward (Matt), they demonstrate leadership and commitment to environmental protection.

Their thoughtfulness, willingness to help others, and passion for protecting the environment makes them outstanding members of the ClearWater Community. 

-- Steve Neely and Appalachian Outdoors, Centering Connections with the Outdoors Awards: This award is given to one individual and one community partner who has played a significant role in connecting individuals with the benefits of spending time outside and building a sense of belonging within the Centred Outdoors and ClearWater community.

This year we recognize Steve Neely and Appalachian Outdoors for going above and beyond to foster a commitment to appreciating and stewarding the natural world around us. 

-- Jennifer Shuey, George Harvey Memorial Spring Creek Heritage Award: Presented jointly by ClearWater Conservancy and the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this award recognizes Jennifer Shuey, the former Executive Director of ClearWater (2000-2015), for her lasting impact on the organization and her ongoing contributions to conservation in the community.

She has been involved with the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited as a consistent partner and sponsor. She annually donates her highly prized artwork for the live auction.

She continues to be passionate about the natural resources of Central Pennsylvania.

Campaign To Connect

ClearWater's Campaign to Connect is a $10 million campaign to connect and protect priority landscapes and streams while enhancing everyone’s appreciation and understanding  of the natural world. 

ClearWater envisions these vital efforts unfolding in a place where both people and nature can connect and grow.

This place, the ClearWater Community Conservation Center, will be located along Spring Creek, in the center of the Spring Creek Watershed where so much of the land trust’s work is focused.

The Center will be home to offices, gathering spaces, and outdoor demonstration areas where everyone can experience and  contribute to conservation efforts relevant to our local region.

Visit the ClearWater Conservancy website for more information on this and other community conservation initiatives.

ClearWater Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural resources of the Central Pennsylvania region through education, outreach, and collaborative efforts to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and ecosystems.

Related Articles:

-- French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Partners With Billingsley Family To Preserve 23 Acres In Chester County  [PaEN]

-- ClearWater Conservancy Recognizes Volunteers, Supporters; Announces Campaign To Connect At Annual Meeting In Centre County  [PaEN]

-- ClearWater Conservancy Awarded $750,000 RCAP Funding For New Community Conservation Center In Centre County  [PaEN]

-- Luzerne County-based North Branch Land Trust Welcomes New Environmental Ed Coordinator, Office Administrator [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Nov. 22 Behind The Scenes Tour Of Game Commission's Howard Tree Nursery In Centre County  [PaEN]

-- Wild Ones Native Plants Hosts Nov. 10 Native Plant Seed Share In Cumberland County  [PaEN]

NewsClip:

-- WESA: Churchill Valley Greenway: Golf Course Without Golfers; Rewilding Exhibit At Pitt Displays Local Golf Courses’ Return To Nature In Allegheny County

[Posted: November 7, 2024]

11/11/2024