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Quote from Carol Grayshaw on July 24, 2023, 9:36 amPost your EAC's educational opportunities and events. Please be sure to include information on who to contact with questions, and registration if applicable.
Post your EAC's educational opportunities and events. Please be sure to include information on who to contact with questions, and registration if applicable.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on May 31, 2024, 10:04 amPennsylvania Environmental Literacy Network Launches Regional Educator Hubs for STEELS Preparation
Shared by Stroud Water Research Center, May 30
Environmental educators have a new way to access professional development and resources to prepare them for the new Science, Technology and Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards. The Pennsylvania Environmental Literacy (PA ELIT) Network has launched six regional hubs, marking a significant milestone as Pennsylvania public schools prepare to transition to the new standards by the 2025–2026 school year.
The PA ELIT Network consists of representatives from government agencies, nonprofits like Stroud Water Research Center, and schools working together to increase environmental literacy, a key component of the new standards.
As the saying goes, it takes a village. By bringing together partners from various areas of environmental education, we were able to build these regional hubs that will be a vital resource for educators. READ MORE.
Pennsylvania Environmental Literacy Network Launches Regional Educator Hubs for STEELS Preparation
Shared by Stroud Water Research Center, May 30
Environmental educators have a new way to access professional development and resources to prepare them for the new Science, Technology and Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards. The Pennsylvania Environmental Literacy (PA ELIT) Network has launched six regional hubs, marking a significant milestone as Pennsylvania public schools prepare to transition to the new standards by the 2025–2026 school year.
The PA ELIT Network consists of representatives from government agencies, nonprofits like Stroud Water Research Center, and schools working together to increase environmental literacy, a key component of the new standards.
As the saying goes, it takes a village. By bringing together partners from various areas of environmental education, we were able to build these regional hubs that will be a vital resource for educators. READ MORE.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on July 2, 2024, 1:03 pmPenn State Extension: County Planning Districts - An Innovative Approach to Municipal and County Collaboration in Community
Wednesday, October 16, Noon | Virtual | $15 | REGISTER
Westmoreland County employed the Planning Districts approach to advance the County Comprehensive Plan’s "Reimagining Our Westmoreland." This regional planning and local action strategy acknowledges existing geographic, economic, cultural, educational, and transportation groupings. By leveraging these relationships, the county aims to address shared challenges and tackle issues arising from an aging and declining population at the local level.
The county’s comprehensive plan outlines seven districts. The idea is to look beyond municipal boundaries to communicate, collaborate, and work together cooperatively. By doing so, neighboring municipalities can better support and empower each other to accomplish their goals.
Central to the Planning Districts approach is the notion that communities benefit more when they actively participate in planning for their future. While the county cannot drive local priorities, we do have the technical expertise and resources to facilitate a process that helps communities determine their own priorities.
The Planning Districts approach recognizes three essential elements:
- County government and regional partners are best suited to deliver planning and technical assistance.
- Local government is best suited to understand local needs/wants and to carry out recommendations in the plan.
- Collaboration between the two is the formula for implementation.
The Lancaster County comprehensive plan, Places 2040, was designed to serve as a guide for maintaining quality of life rather than an encyclopedia. A partnership between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors has been crucial in developing and implementing this plan. Instead of limiting the conversation to county and local governments, the Lancaster County Planning Department has collaborated closely with "Partners for Place"—local organizations involved in land use.
During this session, Mr. Van Blarcom will highlight how these partnerships support an implementation strategy that is both issue-oriented and geographically focused. In the five years since the plan’s adoption, the Lancaster County Planning Department has prepared several multi-municipal comprehensive plans based on the Places2040 model. They have used GIS to identify areas where policy changes would have the most significant impact and applied this analysis to recommend potential adjustments to growth area boundaries.
Speakers
Victoria Baur, Deputy Director, Westmoreland County Planning & Development
Jason Rigone, Executive Director, Westmoreland County Planning & Development
Kip Van Blarcom, Director, Implementation & Outreach, Lancaster County Planning Department
Penn State Extension: County Planning Districts - An Innovative Approach to Municipal and County Collaboration in Community
Wednesday, October 16, Noon | Virtual | $15 | REGISTER
Westmoreland County employed the Planning Districts approach to advance the County Comprehensive Plan’s "Reimagining Our Westmoreland." This regional planning and local action strategy acknowledges existing geographic, economic, cultural, educational, and transportation groupings. By leveraging these relationships, the county aims to address shared challenges and tackle issues arising from an aging and declining population at the local level.
The county’s comprehensive plan outlines seven districts. The idea is to look beyond municipal boundaries to communicate, collaborate, and work together cooperatively. By doing so, neighboring municipalities can better support and empower each other to accomplish their goals.
Central to the Planning Districts approach is the notion that communities benefit more when they actively participate in planning for their future. While the county cannot drive local priorities, we do have the technical expertise and resources to facilitate a process that helps communities determine their own priorities.
The Planning Districts approach recognizes three essential elements:
- County government and regional partners are best suited to deliver planning and technical assistance.
- Local government is best suited to understand local needs/wants and to carry out recommendations in the plan.
- Collaboration between the two is the formula for implementation.
The Lancaster County comprehensive plan, Places 2040, was designed to serve as a guide for maintaining quality of life rather than an encyclopedia. A partnership between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors has been crucial in developing and implementing this plan. Instead of limiting the conversation to county and local governments, the Lancaster County Planning Department has collaborated closely with "Partners for Place"—local organizations involved in land use.
During this session, Mr. Van Blarcom will highlight how these partnerships support an implementation strategy that is both issue-oriented and geographically focused. In the five years since the plan’s adoption, the Lancaster County Planning Department has prepared several multi-municipal comprehensive plans based on the Places2040 model. They have used GIS to identify areas where policy changes would have the most significant impact and applied this analysis to recommend potential adjustments to growth area boundaries.
Speakers
Victoria Baur, Deputy Director, Westmoreland County Planning & Development
Jason Rigone, Executive Director, Westmoreland County Planning & Development
Kip Van Blarcom, Director, Implementation & Outreach, Lancaster County Planning Department
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on July 2, 2024, 1:07 pmPenn State Extension: Local Community Implementation of Active Transportation Plans
Wednesday, November 20, Noon | Virtual | $15 | REGISTER
PA Walk Works, an initiative between the PA Department of Health and the PA Downtown Center, has been providing funding to support the development and adoption of active transportation plans or related policies in local communities. This webinar will share the experiences of three communities that have completed and implemented Active Transportation Plans.
During the research and community involvement phases of creating Huntingdon County's Active Transportation Plan, several key needs were identified for bicycle, pedestrian, wheelchair, and paddle sports transportation. One eye-opening statistic revealed that 25% of Huntingdon County residents buy groceries at highway-oriented dollar stores or convenience stores in or near their neighborhoods. This, combined with the high number of households with access to one or fewer motor vehicles, led to the planning concept of fostering "Lifeways." This webinar will focus on defining Lifeways, how planners can identify needs for Lifeway corridors in their communities and implement land-use strategies to bring them to fruition.
Quarryville Borough sought to expand their planning capabilities, initially achieving this by adopting an “Official Map” in February 2021 with assistance from the Lancaster County Planning Department (LCPD). Subsequently, in September 2022, the Borough adopted the South Region (Lancaster County) Comprehensive Plan. Once again partnering with the LCPD, Quarryville Borough explored grant funding from the PA Downtown Center for an Active Transportation Plan (ATP).
The Quarryville Borough ATP plan was developed with the assistance of stakeholders who collaborated to create a plan adopted in September 2022. The Borough is nearing final design completion of the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail, which will connect the downtown area, with the trail expected to be finished by 2024. Currently, the trail is elevated at road crossings, not at street level. Additional projects will be discussed during the webinar.
The Verona Borough Active Transportation Plan, "Verona on the Move," focuses on enhancing the community for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan identifies priority connections and strategies to encourage more residents to walk and bike. Adopted by Verona Borough in September 2022, the plan aims to create a more walkable and bike-friendly environment.
Speakers
Trish Hredzak Showalter, Representative, Verona Borough Council
Laurie Nearhood, Executive Director, Huntingdon County Planning & Development
Scott Peiffer, Borough Manager, Quarryville Borough
Matt Price, Executive Director, Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau
Penn State Extension: Local Community Implementation of Active Transportation Plans
Wednesday, November 20, Noon | Virtual | $15 | REGISTER
PA Walk Works, an initiative between the PA Department of Health and the PA Downtown Center, has been providing funding to support the development and adoption of active transportation plans or related policies in local communities. This webinar will share the experiences of three communities that have completed and implemented Active Transportation Plans.
During the research and community involvement phases of creating Huntingdon County's Active Transportation Plan, several key needs were identified for bicycle, pedestrian, wheelchair, and paddle sports transportation. One eye-opening statistic revealed that 25% of Huntingdon County residents buy groceries at highway-oriented dollar stores or convenience stores in or near their neighborhoods. This, combined with the high number of households with access to one or fewer motor vehicles, led to the planning concept of fostering "Lifeways." This webinar will focus on defining Lifeways, how planners can identify needs for Lifeway corridors in their communities and implement land-use strategies to bring them to fruition.
Quarryville Borough sought to expand their planning capabilities, initially achieving this by adopting an “Official Map” in February 2021 with assistance from the Lancaster County Planning Department (LCPD). Subsequently, in September 2022, the Borough adopted the South Region (Lancaster County) Comprehensive Plan. Once again partnering with the LCPD, Quarryville Borough explored grant funding from the PA Downtown Center for an Active Transportation Plan (ATP).
The Quarryville Borough ATP plan was developed with the assistance of stakeholders who collaborated to create a plan adopted in September 2022. The Borough is nearing final design completion of the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail, which will connect the downtown area, with the trail expected to be finished by 2024. Currently, the trail is elevated at road crossings, not at street level. Additional projects will be discussed during the webinar.
The Verona Borough Active Transportation Plan, "Verona on the Move," focuses on enhancing the community for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan identifies priority connections and strategies to encourage more residents to walk and bike. Adopted by Verona Borough in September 2022, the plan aims to create a more walkable and bike-friendly environment.
Speakers
Trish Hredzak Showalter, Representative, Verona Borough Council
Laurie Nearhood, Executive Director, Huntingdon County Planning & Development
Scott Peiffer, Borough Manager, Quarryville Borough
Matt Price, Executive Director, Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on July 24, 2024, 4:12 pmPennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Releases List of Training Webinars
All Pennsylvania Municipal Governments are invited to participate in these webinars. Registration for all webinars at www.training.boroughs.org.
- September 11, Noon | Developing a Multi-Municipal Code Enforcement Program | $45 member/$80 non-member
- September 18, Noon | Municipal Odds and Ends with Salzman Hughes | $45 member/$80 non-member
- September 25, Noon | Traffic Calming | $45 member/$80 non-member
More happening in October/November - see the attached flyer for full information!
Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs Releases List of Training Webinars
All Pennsylvania Municipal Governments are invited to participate in these webinars. Registration for all webinars at http://www.training.boroughs.org.
- September 11, Noon | Developing a Multi-Municipal Code Enforcement Program | $45 member/$80 non-member
- September 18, Noon | Municipal Odds and Ends with Salzman Hughes | $45 member/$80 non-member
- September 25, Noon | Traffic Calming | $45 member/$80 non-member
More happening in October/November - see the attached flyer for full information!
Uploaded files:Quote from Carol Grayshaw on July 24, 2024, 4:17 pmPennDOT Connects: Intro to Active Transportation for Pennsylvania Communities
Thursday, September 19, 8AM - 12PM | Virtual | Free, REGISTRATION required
The Active Transportation training course will discuss the latest research and guidelines for nonmotorized transportation modes. Many communities in Pennsylvania are encouraging more active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.) to enhance their community and foster healthy lifestyles. Corresponding to this encouragement of active transportation, communities are looking to develop active transportation plans to help create more facilities such as bicycle paths, sidewalks, trails, greenways, etc. This course will examine the safety and standards for these facilities, as well as how to develop an active transportation plan. The course will also highlight successful examples of local plans, practices, and policies in Pennsylvania. REGISTER.
PennDOT Connects: Intro to Active Transportation for Pennsylvania Communities
Thursday, September 19, 8AM - 12PM | Virtual | Free, REGISTRATION required
The Active Transportation training course will discuss the latest research and guidelines for nonmotorized transportation modes. Many communities in Pennsylvania are encouraging more active transportation (walking, cycling, etc.) to enhance their community and foster healthy lifestyles. Corresponding to this encouragement of active transportation, communities are looking to develop active transportation plans to help create more facilities such as bicycle paths, sidewalks, trails, greenways, etc. This course will examine the safety and standards for these facilities, as well as how to develop an active transportation plan. The course will also highlight successful examples of local plans, practices, and policies in Pennsylvania. REGISTER.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on August 2, 2024, 5:01 pmPennState Extension: Community Forestry - TreeKeeper Canopy as a Tool
September 24, Noon | Virtual | FREE, registration is required
Join us as Celine Colbert from DCNR Bureau of Forestry leads us through DCNR TreeKeeper, developed by Davey Resource Group. This user-friendly online tool enables community tree managers to visualize canopy assessment results and plan future community forest management efforts by mapping their inventories using this free cloud-based tool. REGISTER.
PennState Extension: Community Forestry - TreeKeeper Canopy as a Tool
September 24, Noon | Virtual | FREE, registration is required
Join us as Celine Colbert from DCNR Bureau of Forestry leads us through DCNR TreeKeeper, developed by Davey Resource Group. This user-friendly online tool enables community tree managers to visualize canopy assessment results and plan future community forest management efforts by mapping their inventories using this free cloud-based tool. REGISTER.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on August 13, 2024, 1:26 pmPenn State Extension: Backyard Stream Repair Series
On-Demand Webinar | $30 per person | REGISTER
Is your stream getting deeper or wider? Are you losing some of your land every time it rains? Have you wondered why your streambanks are changing so rapidly and what you can do about that? Join Penn State Extension for the Backyard Stream Repair Series focused on repairing your backyard stream. Each session will present a step-by-step DIY process for homeowners and landowners. The techniques are meant to be simple and affordable, and the benefits are wide-ranging.
Webinars:
- Evaluating Your Stream
- Determining Your Options
- Choosing Plants for Your Stream
- Live Staking and Grading
- Maintaining Your Project and Next Steps
Participants in this workshop will receive a complimentary copy of our full-color manual, Simple Solutions for Your Eroding Backyard Stream (United States addresses only). Participants will also secure an invitation to future hands-on field workshops, open only to webinar registrants, which will be offered across Pennsylvania (as in-person events are possible and sites permit).
Penn State Extension: Backyard Stream Repair Series
On-Demand Webinar | $30 per person | REGISTER
Is your stream getting deeper or wider? Are you losing some of your land every time it rains? Have you wondered why your streambanks are changing so rapidly and what you can do about that? Join Penn State Extension for the Backyard Stream Repair Series focused on repairing your backyard stream. Each session will present a step-by-step DIY process for homeowners and landowners. The techniques are meant to be simple and affordable, and the benefits are wide-ranging.
Webinars:
- Evaluating Your Stream
- Determining Your Options
- Choosing Plants for Your Stream
- Live Staking and Grading
- Maintaining Your Project and Next Steps
Participants in this workshop will receive a complimentary copy of our full-color manual, Simple Solutions for Your Eroding Backyard Stream (United States addresses only). Participants will also secure an invitation to future hands-on field workshops, open only to webinar registrants, which will be offered across Pennsylvania (as in-person events are possible and sites permit).
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on August 15, 2024, 1:10 pmPA Downtown Center: Pedestrian Dignity Walkshops and Week Without Driving PA
September 23, Noon| Virtual | FREE, registration is required
Jonathon Stalls, author of WALK: Slow Down, Wake Up and Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour, will discuss the two Walkshops held in York as part of the AT Summit, with onsite leaders sharing about the experience and lessons learned on site and discussing ways to organize similar activities in your own community. The discussion will also point to the importance of having elected officials and community leaders experience the full range of transportation options (or lack thereof) in their areas and encourage people to take part in the upcoming Week Without Driving.
PA Downtown Center: Pedestrian Dignity Walkshops and Week Without Driving PA
September 23, Noon| Virtual | FREE, registration is required
Jonathon Stalls, author of WALK: Slow Down, Wake Up and Connect at 1-3 Miles Per Hour, will discuss the two Walkshops held in York as part of the AT Summit, with onsite leaders sharing about the experience and lessons learned on site and discussing ways to organize similar activities in your own community. The discussion will also point to the importance of having elected officials and community leaders experience the full range of transportation options (or lack thereof) in their areas and encourage people to take part in the upcoming Week Without Driving.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on September 4, 2024, 2:26 pmPenn State Extension Offers Pennsylvania Forest Webinar Series
Join Penn State Extension for the Pennsylvania Forest webinar series! This series covers a variety of topics, such as basic wood identification, geographic information systems in forestry, forest and wildlife management, water conservation, wood products, legacy planning, and more.
- September 10, Noon or 7PM | Using GIS to Help Manage Forests
- October 8, Noon or 7PM | Using a Hand Lens to Identify Hardwoods
- November 12, Noon or 7PM | Opportunities in Forest Carbon Markets
Who is this for? Private forest landowners, general interested public, and forestry professionals.
Penn State Extension Offers Pennsylvania Forest Webinar Series
Join Penn State Extension for the Pennsylvania Forest webinar series! This series covers a variety of topics, such as basic wood identification, geographic information systems in forestry, forest and wildlife management, water conservation, wood products, legacy planning, and more.
- September 10, Noon or 7PM | Using GIS to Help Manage Forests
- October 8, Noon or 7PM | Using a Hand Lens to Identify Hardwoods
- November 12, Noon or 7PM | Opportunities in Forest Carbon Markets
Who is this for? Private forest landowners, general interested public, and forestry professionals.