ABCs of Conservation Programming for Farm and Woodlot

Confused by the 'alphabet soup' of local, state, and federal conservation programming? This event will introduce attendees to local, state, and federal conservation programming and relevant practices. You’ll walk the land to see how some of them have been used by one family to protect natural resources and provide a welcoming habitat for wildlife.  On the field walk we’ll see the site of a future high tunnel, view what has been called 'the most beautiful riparian buffer in the region', and learn how the landowners have managed their woodlot  on Wombasts West farm since 2008.

Landowners Rodney Coldren and Trish Prosser and their family are managing their agricultural and wooded acreage with an eye on conservation through a lot of hard work, and are leveraging state and federal programming to help. Join us to see projects on the ground and learn how you can apply what you learn on your farm or property.

Joining us September 17 will be:

Tammy Colt, Regional Wildlife Diversity Biologist, PA Game Commission: Tammy works with private landowners in southwestern PA counties who have an interest in creating, preserving, or enhancing wildlife habitat.

Phil Evans,  District Conservationist, NRCS Lemont Furnace Office: Phil and his staff provide conservation planning assistance from evaluation of needs to completion.   NRCS administers programs including EQIP, Conservation Stewardship Program, High Tunnel Initiative, and others to help customers address soil, water, and environmental conservation needs.

Russell Gibbs, Service Forester, PA Bureau of Forestry, Greene and Fayette Counties: Russ assists private forestland owners by educating them about managing their woodlots, timbering, and forestry plans. Russ was named 2017 Outstanding Tree Farm Inspector for Pennsylvania at the Pennsylvania Forestry Association.

Pierce Willson, Agriculture Coordinator at Fayette County Conservation District: Pierce works with farmers and landowners in Fayette County to install “Best Management Practices (BMP’s)” to improve environmental and agricultural outcomes. He can assist with soil testing, grazing planning, manure management, agricultural erosion and sediment planning (conservation planning) and agronomic assistance.

Please note: with the evolving public health landscape, attendees should feel comfortable attending masked and distanced as appropriate, or as recommended by your health provider. Participants will be asked to remain at least 6 ft away from anyone wearing a mask.

Following the workshop, Trish and Rodney invite you to stay for a social. Farm producers are invited to bring a sample to share and invite your neighbors to visit and buy local!

Sponsored by the PA Veteran Farming Project network with financial support from USDA.