Join Lancaster County Conservancy in congratulating its director of education and engagement Lydia Martin for receiving one of PennFuture’s Fifth Annual Celebrating Women in Conservation awards!

Martin, along with Lauren Ferreri of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, has been honored in the category of Women of Environmental Education. This award honors an individual who has dedicated herself to educating the community about sustainability and environmental policy. She is admired in her central Pennsylvania community for her passionate commitment to environmental awareness and to educating students and the public.

Martin joined the Lancaster County Conservancy in 2012 as the land steward. Her extensive knowledge of native plants and conservation landscaping, combined with a strong work ethic and public-speaking skills, led to an expansion of her role. In 2015 she accepted the position of director of education and engagement, putting her passion for educating children and adults on the benefits of conserving natural landscapes. Her certification as a PA Master Naturalist makes her ideally suited to working with community partners in providing outdoor education opportunities for students that encompass active recreation, observation, and free play.

Prior to working for the Conservancy, she worked at Highmark Construction for 10 years and with Manheim Township Parks and Recreation where she implemented conservation landscape design projects and coordinated its volunteer stewardship activities. Martin is also active as a member of Donegal Trout Unlimited, Friends of Fishing Creek, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee, and the Martic and Conestoga Rail Trail Advisory Committee.

The Conservancy also celebrates Kelly Gutshall from LandStudies, Inc., who serves on the Conservancy’s land protection committee and was awarded the Women of Lifetime Achievement in Conservation award.

The 2019 Celebrating Women in Conservation Awards are designed to encourage continuing excellence in conservation and to forge a stronger network of exceptional women who work to protect Pennsylvania’s environment. Since its inception in 2015, this event has traveled around the state to different communities to ensure recognition of local leaders, volunteers, and career professionals. This year’s award recipients represent the conservation talent and commitment among the women of central Pennsylvania.


You can meet and applaud the awardees by attending the Celebrating Women in Conservation Awards.

Thursday, April 25, 2019
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Susquehanna Club in New Cumberland

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