NACD Northeast Meeting and PACD/SCC Joint Annual
Conference
July 23-27, 2006
The Penn Stater, State College, PA
The Conference Planning Committee is working hard to
finalize a very exciting and full program for the upcoming NACD Northeast
Meeting and PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference. Since this meeting will
have much higher attendance than our regular conference, we need help
covering the additional costs associated with hosting the entire NACD
Northeast Region.
This is a unique opportunity to draw in more corporate sponsors/exhibitors
and to raise money for the PACD Capital Fund through the silent auction.
The Conference Planning Committee also wants to showcase Pennsylvania
products during hospitality suites and through "goodie bags"
for registrants. We need your help. Information and forms are
currently being developed and will be sent to each district in February.
Please bring this information to your next board meeting and commit
to helping us be "Pennsylvania proud" by putting on an outstanding
meeting.
For the latest information on the conference, visit the PACD website,
http://www.pacd.org/events/default.htm.
Education Grant Opportunity for Districts
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has grant money
available to schools throughout the state to support Meaningful Watershed
Educational Experiences (MWEE). This is an opportunity for districts
to partner with schools to provide MWEE to Pennsylvania's youth. Approved
grant applications will receive up to $3,000.
The grant applications must be submitted by schools. However, schools
can use the grant monies to pay conservation district hosted MWEE
activities. Districts are encouraged to contact their local schools
and inform them about grant monies available through the "Pennsylvania
Meaningful Watershed School Mini-Grant Program." "This is
an opportunity for conservation districts to work with teachers without
the worry of financial constraints," said Patricia Vathis, PA
Department of Education's Environment & Ecology Education Advisor.
The application can be downloaded at:
http://www.pde.state.pa.us/env_eco/lib/env_eco/Meaningful_Water
shed_School_Mini_Grants_Application.pdf Please note that there
are two grant deadlines, February 5, 2006 and March 30, 2006.
PACD Director of Administration/Education, Kathleen Banski, would
be happy to answer any questions districts have about this grant program
via email, Kathleen-banski@pacd.org
or phone, 717-238-7223 x 15.
Spring in to Hot Topics
In addition to PACD, SCC and NRCS reports, the PACD
Spring Region Meetings may also cover changes to Act 217 and Nutrient
and Sediment Trading. Having the latest information on these "hot
topics" will better prepare your district for the future.
The Leadership Development topic will be a presentation on the new
rich media CD. This interactive CD, introduced by Joanne Nardone at
the PACD Winter Meeting, is a product of the Building for Tomorrow
Leadership Development Committee. This CD includes video presentations,
links to websites, and other materials.
Please plan on attending the meeting in your region.
March 3, 2006
PACD South East Region Meeting
Franconia Heritage Banquet and Conference Center
Franconia, PA
March 20, 2006
PACD South Central Region Meeting
March 30, 2006
PACD North East Region Meeting
April 5, 2006
PACD North Central Region Meeting
North Central DEP Office
Williamsport, PA
April 6, 2006
PACD North West Region Meeting
Venango County Conservation District Office
Franklin, PA
April 28, 2006
PACD Central Region Meeting
Arena Restaurant, Bedford, PA
Additional information will be posted on the PACD website,
www.pacd.org/events/default.htm,
as it is received from the various regions.
College Scholarship Available
Each year the PACD Auxiliary offers a $500 scholarship
for a Pennsylvania college Junior or Senior majoring in an agricultural
or environmental field. Instructions, criteria and the application
are available at: www.pacd.org/about/auxiliary.htm.
The deadline to apply for the PACD Auxiliary Scholarship is June 15,
2006.
