A webinar designed to raise awareness about smart strategies for farming in sensitive ecosystems, with a focus on private drinking water sources, will occur from Noon to 1:00 p.m. January 22.

Hosted by Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, this event is designed for agricultural conservation professionals, environmental educators, agricultural advisers, watershed organizations, and anyone interested in soil and water conservation.

Proper inspection and maintenance of well and spring systems are crucial for safeguarding both family health and the integrity of agricultural operations, organizers noted.

Efficient systems prevent contamination and support the quality of shared groundwater essential for farming and the broader ecosystem.

Regular upkeep also helps avoid costly repairs and ensures sustainable water use for future generations.

Instructors aim to equip participants to guide farmers in safeguarding the environment while maintaining productive and sustainable farming operations.

Participants will learn how to assess environmentally sensitive areas, understand their ecological significance, and implement best practices to minimize risks.

Who is this for?

-- Agricultural Conservation Professionals

-- Environmental Educators 

-- Agricultural Advisors

-- Watershed Organizations 

-- Individuals interested in soil and water conservation

What will you learn?

-- Flora and Fauna

-- Integrated Pest Management

-- Invasive Species

-- Native Plantings

-- Private Water Sources and Septic Systems

-- Ponds, Lakes, and Wetlands

The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission, through the state Clean Streams Fund, partially funds this program.

Penn State Extension offers this event free of charge, but registration by Jan. 21, 2025, is required.

Click Here to register and for more information.

Visit Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training webpage for more educational opportunities and other resources.

Related Articles This Week - Watersheds:

-- Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, Including Gov. Shapiro Announce Plans To Revise Watershed Agreement, Form New Agricultural Advisory Committee  [PaEN]

-- DEP Awards $24 Million In Grants To Support County Clean Water Projects To Improve Water Quality In Chesapeake Bay Watershed  [PaEN]

-- Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Announce $17 Million In Grants To Enhance The Health Of The Delaware River Watershed  [PaEN]

-- Vote Now For Pennsylvania's 2025 River Of The Year Among 3 Finalists-- Delaware River, Perkiomen Creek, Youghiogheny River [PaEN]

-- Congress Passes Good Samaritan Legislation To Address Toxic Legacy Of Abandoned Mines, Biden Expected To Sign  [PaEN]

-- Headwaters To The Ohio Water Network Launches Assessment Of Needs Of Community-Based Watershed Groups And Leaders; Seeks Partners In PA  [PaEN]

-- Friends Of The Wissahickon Mark Completion Of $3.5 Million Valley Green Run Restoration & Pedestrian Bridge Project  [PaEN]

-- PA Interfaith Power & Light Launching Watershed Circle Watershed Protector Training For Congregations, Community Groups  [PaEN]

-- DEP Finalizes Great Lakes Water Management Program 5-Year Report  [PaEN]

-- PA Sea Grant Now Accepting Research Proposals To Enhance Use, Conservation Of PA's Coastal, Watershed And Great Lakes Resources; Jan. 15 Webinar  [PaEN]

-- PA Sea Grant: Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Application Period Open For Graduate Students  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Center For Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training Hosts Jan. 22 Webinar On Safeguarding Private Drinking Water Sources [PaEN]

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Study Points To Farmland Treated With Biosolids As Possible Source Of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Fish

-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: US Fish & Wildlife Service Proposes Eastern Hellbender As Endangered Species After Groups Push For Better Protections

-- PennLive: Eastern Hellbender, PA’s Official Amphibian, Proposed As Endangered Species

-- USGS PA Water Science Center Fall Newsletter: Pesticide Sampling; Philadelphia Water Resources Tool; Sampling For PFAS Contamination; Addressing Microplastics Science Gaps  [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Total Maximum Daily Load Water Quality Plan For Buffalo Creek In Perry County  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- Trout Unlimited: A Watershed Moment: Congress Passes Good Samaritan Legislation To Address Toxic Legacy Of Abandoned Mines

-- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership: Federal Good Samaritan Legislation To Help Cleanup Abandoned Mines Heads To President’s Desk

-- National Wildlife Federation: Final Passage Of Federal Good Samaritan Act Will Encourage Abandoned Mine Cleanup

-- PA Capital-Star: Shapiro Joins Governors In Renewed Commitment To Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal: Governors Seek To Shore Up Bay Cleanup Amid Uncertainties

-- LancasterOnline: Lancaster Conservation District Receives $5.9 Million For Chesapeake Bay Watershed Pollution Reduction

-- Altoona Mirror: Mid-State Counties Receive Funds To Fight Pollution Of Chesapeake Bay

-- The Daily Item Editorial: State Grants Support Shared Responsibility For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

-- Lancaster Farming: New Ag Committee To Advise Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Program

-- Altoona Mirror: Mid-State Counties Receive Funds To Fight Pollution Of Chesapeake Bay

-- The Daily Item Editorial: State Grants Support Shared Responsibility For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Study Points To Farmland Treated With Biosolids As Possible Source Of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ In Fish

-- Forests For The Chesapeake Bay Newsletter: Loysville Youth Center Reforestation Project; Hackberry; Tree Tender & Woods In Your Backyard Education; Much More!

-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Blog: 2025 Calendar Offers Key Dates To Connect With Nature, Tips For Journaling And Citizen Science

-- WHYY: Conservationists Celebrate More Than 200 Federally Funded Projects To Restore Waterways In Delaware Watershed

-- Delaware RiverKeeper Dec. 13 RiverWatch Video Report

-- Warren Times: Allegheny River Cleanup Recognized By US Forest Service

-- Post-Gazette Guest Essay: Allegheny County’s Stormwater Issues Require Coordinated Response - By Olivia Zelinsky, Chatham University student 

-- Center For Biological Diversity: Lawsuit Launched To Cleanup Coal Ash Storage Pond At Talen Energy Brunner Island Power Plant Along The Susquehanna River In York County

-- USDA Invests $9.1 Million In Sewage Facility Upgrades In Dauphin, Westmoreland Counties

-- Partnership For The Delaware Estuary: Gardening For Clean Water Newsletter For Habitat Owners, Caretakers

-- Post-Gazette: PA Lawmakers Protest Coast Guard Cuts In Pittsburgh; Staffing Shortages Blamed

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Yes, Pittsburgh’s Rivers Need The Coast Guard

[Posted: December 11, 2024]

12/16/2024