Schuylkill Action Network

PA Healthy Lands Week
2024-09-28 00:00 - 2024-10-06 00:00 (America/New_York)
Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week will be widely promoted as a way to celebrate and spotlight how citizens can get involved with stewardship of their favorite park, forest, museum, cultural center, and points of interest. You can get in on the celebration and boost stewardship in your community by hosting your own special event during Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week.
Events can be anything that gets people out to experience Pennsylvania’s resources. Programs can be in-person or virtual. They can take place at a specific date and time or be an open invitation for participants to experience anytime during Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week. Stewardship is the core purpose, but events can offer any opportunity that helps people appreciate PA’s Healthy Lands.
September 28 – October 6 will be a great time to expand your list of supporters, volunteers, members, patrons, and lifelong stewards!
Add your event to the Pennsylvania Healthy Lands Week calendar so it can be included in the promotional efforts.
Register online at https://pahealthylandsweek.org/submit-event/

2024 Pennsylvania Stormwater Summit: Treating Stormwater as a Utility in Pennsylvania
2024-09-26 08:30 - 15:45
Join the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association for this 1-day conference at Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia, PA
Conference Overview: Communities are experiencing the perfect storm – more intense rainfall events, yet increasingly limited resources to effectively manage stormwater. This conference is organized by the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association, and the 2024 Stormwater Summit is crafted to deepen the technical knowledge of professionals from around Pennsylvania involved with meeting regional challenges while managing stormwater as a utility and providing an in-person forum where related issues can be discussed. The Summit will include oral presentations, interactive discussions, exhibitors, and opportunities for networking in dynamic settings.
Click here to learn more and register

12th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum
2024-09-26 08:00 - 2024-09-27 17:00
Join the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed on September 26th and 27th, 2024, at Wind Creek in Bethlehem, PA. This year’s forum promises to be a remarkable occasion filled with opportunities for networking, learning, celebration, and collaboration.
Take advantage of our early registration rate of $250 for two-day registration, available through August 16th.
Register Here
The two- day registration includes access to:
25 dynamic sessions
3 engaging plenary sessions
Networking opportunities with over 300 watershed advocates
Entry to our Forum reception featuring an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and DJ
Field trip excursions
Forum swag
Breakfast and lunch on both days
Visit our lodging and transportation page for details on booking your stay. Special rates at Wind Creek are available on a first come basis through September 4 but may sell out prior to this date.
Limited scholarships are available. To apply, please fill out the scholarship form by the registration launch. For scholarship inquiries, contact Maria Castro at maria.castro@delriverwatershed.org. For registration questions, please reach out to our Forum event manager, Amy Scofield at Amy.Scofield@nwf.org.

Southeast PA Water Utility Forum
2024-09-24 09:30 - 16:00
Albright College – Reading, PA
Calling all water and wastewater utilities! Join us at the Southeast PA Water Utility Forum to discuss utility success stories around our area!
The Schuylkill Action Network’s Pathogens and Point Source Workgroup is hosting a Water Utility Forum on Sept. 24th at Albright College for water and wastewater providers in Southeast PA.
Topics include case studies and success stories with:
Public education and outreach campaigns
PADEP’s Technical Assistance Program
Climate change adaptation
Funding
Lunch will be provided.
This event is FREE thanks to our SAN sponsors at the Philadelphia Water Department and Aqua.
Click here to view the agenda and Register to save your spot! https://bit.ly/WUF24 – REGISTRATION EXTENDED to 6pm on SEPTEMBER 19th!
Click here for Parking Information

Inter-Municipal Collaboration for Stormwater Management: Spotlight on Pennsylvania Communities
2024-09-18 13:00
Collaboration between local governments is an important strategy in the toolkit of local and regional leaders working to address stormwater impacts on water quality and flooding. This hour-long webinar will feature presentations and a discussion among the coordinators of collaborative intermunicipal efforts to manage stormwater, along with representatives from organizations – including WaterNow – working to support communities in developing new stormwater management partnerships. Register here

Eastern PA Greenways and Trails Summit
2024-09-18 08:00 - 2024-09-20 16:00
This year’s Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit, happening for the first time in Bradford County in the scenic endless mountains, will include several mobile sessions, including a paddle along the Susquehanna River North Branch, a hike through the ATV trails at Round Top Park, a leisurely walk down the local Diahoga Trail, and more!
Throughout the Summit, participants will choose from an array of presentations to attend that pertain to trail development and maintenance, water trails, outdoor recreation trends, marketing and promotion, connecting heritage to the outdoors, and economic development. We are excited to include a panel session with Pennsylvania’s Director of Outdoor Recreation, Dr. Nathan Reigner, and outdoor business owners from across eastern Pennsylvania
Click here to learn more and register

Passive Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Course
2024-09-17 08:00 - 2024-09-19 17:00
In partnership with the National Technical Training Program, the Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation and the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation will host a Passive Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Course at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in State College on September 17-19.
Taught by official NTTP instructors, the Passive Treatment Course is recommended for all persons developing, designing, reviewing, or evaluating mine drainage passive treatment systems and for those who will be preparing grant applications related to AMD treatment.
This is the same training offered to all new hires at the Department of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation.
The Course will provide information on how to evaluate the characteristics of coal mine drainage and guide the selection and application of various passive treatment technologies.
Using real-world case studies and a full-day field trip, participants will learn how to collect baseline data, understand stream restoration goals and how to apply passive treatment to reach those goals, and evaluate successes, failures, and limitations of passive treatment.
Registration Priorities
Registration is limited to 23 participants and registration closes on July 30.
Conservation District and PA Association of Conservation Districts staff will be prioritized. Watershed group representatives may register for remaining seats.
Click Here to register and for more information.
Preparation
Prior to attending this course, it is recommended you become familiar with AMDTreat by watching the AMDTreat tutorials. Registrants will get the new AMDTreat 6 Software featured in the tutorials.
The National Technical Training Program has provided education to Federal, State, and Tribal personnel who are involved in the implementation of the Surface Mine Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) since 1985.
The training offered includes aquatic biology, geology, engineering, hydrology, permitting, reclamation, and enforcement, and much more.

Slimy Leaves for Healthy Streams: A Leaf Pack Network Workshop
2024-09-14 09:00 - 15:00
Join fellow educators and the amazing team at Stroud Water Research Center for this fun and educational workshop
When: Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Stroud Water Research Center, 970 Spencer Road, Avondale, PA 19311
Audience: Middle and high school teachers, environmental educators, and anyone interested in community science.
Cost: Free! Registration is required
Learn more and register here

PENNVEST 2024 Educational Event in Lancaster County
2024-09-12 10:00 - 12:00
PENNVEST’s Lancaster County Training will be held at:
Providence Township Municipal Office
200 Mt. Airy Road
New Providence, PA 17560
Click here to register for the Sept 12 training
Each year, PENNVEST conducts outreach sessions to educate public and private entities on the financial opportunities available for funding clean water projects.
Participants in these events will learn answers to:
How can PENNVEST help?
What are the funding sources?
Why PENNVEST financing?
How do I apply for financing?
Who can I contact for help?
Where do I find PENNVEST resources?
How do I stay informed of new information?

The Watershed Game Training
2024-09-11 09:45 - 16:00
Join the SAN Engagement and Stewardship Workgroup at Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy in Schwenksville PA for the Watershed Game Workshop, a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the vital connection between land use and water quality.
This interactive session will equip you with the tools and confidence to facilitate the Watershed Game within your community or classroom, helping others learn about the impact of their choices on our water resources.

What to Expect:
Learn to lead both the Local Leader and Classroom versions of the Watershed Game.
Increase your knowledge of best management practices and water literacy concepts.
Network with other local leaders and educators committed to protecting our water resources.
Walk away with actionable plans and resources to implement in your outreach efforts.
Whether you’re working with adults, local leaders, or students, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your impact.
Registration is FREE but required. To secure your spot, please register here.
For more information, feel free to reach out to Brenna Sweetman at brenna.sweetman@noaa.gov or Kaitie Evers at kevers@delawareestuary.org
Register Here
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
This training is made available through Minnesota Sea Grant in collaboration with Delaware Sea Grant, Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Alabama Water Institute, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, NOAA Office for Coastal Management, and the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center. Financial support provided by the NOAA Regional Collaboration Network and the National Sea Grant Program.

PENNVEST 2024 Educational Event in Delaware County
2024-09-10 10:00 - 12:00
PENNVEST’s Delaware County Training will be held at:
​Chester Township Building
1150 Engle Street
Chester, PA 19013
Click here to register for the Sept 10 training
Each year, PENNVEST conducts outreach sessions to educate public and private entities on the financial opportunities available for funding clean water projects.
Participants of these events will learn answers to:
How can PENNVEST help?
What are the funding sources?
Why PENNVEST financing?
How do I apply for financing?
Who can I contact for help?
Where do I find PENNVEST resources?
How do I stay informed of new information?

Philly Fun Fishing Fest 2024
2024-09-07 07:00 - 11:00
Join Philadelphia Water Department from 7 to 11 a.m. at Schuylkill Banks between Chestnut and Walnut Streets.
Enjoy a morning of free catch-and-release fishing and friendly competition at the Schuylkill Banks (on the Schuylkill River Trail between Walnut and Chestnut Streets).
The Fishing Fest is for anglers of all ages and levels of experience. No fishing license is required during the competition. Fishing gear will be available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
There will be awards given in various categories. The awards ceremony starts at 11:30 a.m.

This event is free to the public and ADA accessible. Participants please bring your own snacks & refreshments
Rain Date: September 14, 2024

2024 Bus Tour and Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Press Event
2024-09-05 09:00 - 14:30
Join us on a tour to see the Schuylkill River Restoration Fund’s impact in Philadelphia. We’ll visit a river access and riparian buffer project and a community garden and learn about how these projects help protect and connect people to the Schuylkill River. We’ll also highlight grants awarded for the 2024 Schuylkill River Restoration Fund.
Participants should dress for the weather and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

Meeting Location: The Discovery Center, 3401 Reservoir Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19121
Ample Parking is available at the Discovery Center and it is also accessible via the following Bus Routes:
Route 32 Bus: 33rd St. and Oxford St. (4 minute walk; 0.2 miles)
Route 3 Bus: 33rd St. and Cecil B. Moore Ave. (5 minute walk; 0.3 miles)
Route 48 Bus: 29th St. and Oxford St. (12 minute walk; 0.6 miles)
Route 7 Bus: 29th St. and Girard Ave. (20 minute walk; 1 mile)

Click here for an agenda for the day.
Click here to register.

EPA Webinar: Cybersecurity 102 for Utilities
2024-09-04 14:00 - 15:00
EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience Division is offering training that builds upon the foundational principles explained in the Cybersecurity 101 training.
Click here to register

Watershed Friendly Lawn Care to Protect Drinking Water
2024-09-04 12:00

Urban Ag Incentive Zones Bill - Virtual Listening Session
2024-08-27 13:30 - 15:00
Join PASA to learn more about House Bill 920, a current proposal in the Pennsylvania General Assembly aimed at strengthening support for urban producers.
Urban Ag Incentive Zones could help open up a world where zoning codes correctly recognize the benefit that farms and gardens bring to the city, support them in overcoming their challenges, and make it easier for growers to save money, receive payment, and feed their communities.
In this virtual listening session you will hear from HB 920’s sponsor, Representative Chris Rabb, about why he introduced the Urban Ag Incentive Zones bill and what he hopes the legislation will achieve. Following Rep. Rabb’s overview, we’ll shift to a discussion to gather producer feedback. This webinar will offer opportunities to share your experiences and weigh in on possible areas for improvement.
Register here

Berks Nature- Paddle the Schuylkill!
2024-08-24 09:00 - 12:00
Come Paddle the Schuylkill with us! The Schuylkill River holds a long and storied history with the people who settled along its banks. There is perhaps no better way to experience the healing that has occurred in this watershed than by dipping into the river and paddling through its restored currents yourself. Go with the flow, keep an eye out for riparian wildlife, and enjoy a morning paddle with your friends at Berks Nature.
Bring your own kayak or rent one from us – we will be outfitted with kayaks from Take it Outdoors! Transportation back to your car after the paddle will be provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old to paddle in a double kayak and 14 years old to paddle solo in a single kayak.
Please note, end times are approximate.
Bring a change of clothes and a bathing suit to make the most of this event.
Registration closes Thursday, August 22nd
Bring your own kayak: $50
Rent a single kayak: $90
Rent a double kayak: $130

Association of State Drinking Water Administrators Hosting Two Anniversary Webinars ASDWA40 ON 8/14 & SDWA50 on 8/21
2024-08-14 11:00 - 12:00
ASDWA40 Webinar: Join us on August 14 from 11 AM-12 PM EDT for a webinar featuring a panel discussion celebrating the 40th anniversary of ASDWA on December 14th. The panel will feature current and past presidents of ASDWA that will describe their experiences in working with water systems and the Headquarters and the Regional offices of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) implementation. ASDWA’s members have played a key role over the years in protecting public health with their 24/7/365 efforts with the over 150,000 regulated public water systems (PWSs). The panelists will describe their personal and programmatic successes, as well as the current and future challenges facing the water sector. Click here to register.
SDWA50 Webinar: Join us on August 21 at 2:00-3:00 PM EDT for a webinar with a short series of presentations, followed by a panel discussion celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) on December 16th. The panel will consist of Alan Roberson, Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, Jennifer McLain, Director of the Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water (OGWDW) at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Peter Grevatt, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Water Research Foundation (WRF) and former Director of OGWDW. Each panelist will provide a perspective on the successes of the SDWA, as well as the current and future challenges facing the water sector. Click here to register.

Penn State Ag Progress Days
2024-08-13 09:00 - 2024-08-15 16:00
Hosting an in-person event, where all can come together to connect
Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, held annually during three days in August, is Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition. With over 400 exhibitors from the United States and Canada, there is something for everyone to enjoy at no cost as parking and admission are free. The show is hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and showcases educational programs, current research, and the latest innovations in agricultural equipment and technology.
2024 Event Information (click here for more information)
Dates
August 13, Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
August 14, Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
August 15 Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location
Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center
2710 W. Pine Grove Road
Pennsylvania Furnace, PA 16865

Do-It-Yourself Electronics for Environmental Monitoring
2024-08-13 08:30 - 2024-08-14 17:00
This workshop will help you learn the skills necessary to assemble, program, and deploy a water monitoring station, and give you the knowledge and resources to continue learning on your own.
Where: Stroud Water Research Center, 970 Spencer Road, Avondale, PA 19311
Audience: Beginners and those with intermediate experience programming data loggers and using environmental monitoring equipment.
Cost: $135 per person.
Registration is required and limited to 24 participants.
Learn more and register here

SAN Abandoned Mine Drainage Workgroup Meeting (Virtual)
2024-08-08 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for our Abandoned Mine Drainage Workgroup meeting to connect partners and projects in the Schuylkill Watershed!
If you have an agenda item to discuss, plan to attend, or would like more information, please email Meghan Rogalus, SAN Manager, at mrogalus@delawareestuary.org. You can receive email reminders and Zoom details for the AMD workgroup meetings by signing up here.
This meeting will be held virtually on Zoom.

Source Water Collaborative- Using Clean Water Act Discharge Permits to Protect Drinking Water Sources Webinar Aug 5th
2024-08-05 02:00
The Source Water Collaborative is hosting a webinar on August 5th at 2:00pm ET about a new tool – Using Clean Water Act Discharge Permits to Protect Drinking Water Sources – a guide to engaging in the water pollution discharge permitting process. The guide is designed to help drinking water utilities, local government entities, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders understand and provide meaningful comments on Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for facilities that discharge PFAS chemicals and other pollutants that impact drinking water sources.
Register for the webinar here.
Participants will:
1. Learn how participating in the permit process can reduce pollution that impacts drinking water sources
2. Get tips on how to use the guide’s tools to identify relevant permits and provide meaningful comments
3. Hear from drinking water utility professionals & other stakeholders who have commented on Clean Water Act permits.
Speakers:
* Meg Parish, Environmental Integrity Project
* Erika Pauken, American Water
* Jennifer Peters, Clean Water Action
* Richard Stuck, Greater Cincinnati Water Works
* Deirdre White, ASDWA

The 2024 Virtual Conservation District and PA Agency Ag. Meeting
2024-07-31 09:00 - 14:00
The 2024 Virtual Conservation District and PA Agency Ag. Meeting will be held via Teams on July 25th and July 31st.
The annual meeting is being led by DEP staff and presenters will bring the perspectives of our various partners in conservation.
Staff from CCDs, DEP, SCC, NRCS, PACD, DCNR, Penn State, and other partners in conservation are encouraged to attend.
The agenda will include agency updates, a retrospective view of our journey in conservation, general session, and focused breakout sessions for in-depth learning.
Plan to attend both dates.
Click here to register

2024 Designation Cycle Sentinel Landscapes Spotlight
2024-07-24 13:00 - 14:00
The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is thrilled to announce newly designated landscapes from the 2024 Sentinel Landscape Designation Cycle. This process, informed by ten years of lessons learned in building innovative connections between partners in conservation, working lands, climate resilience, and national defense, aims to set the stage for the next decade of impact in sentinel landscapes. Join the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership to learn about the newly designated landscapes. During this webinar, representatives from selected landscapes will explore their history, priorities, and alignment with the mission of the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership. Additionally, presenters will share best practices and insights on why they believe their applications were successful.
Click here to learn more and access the webinar link

Love Your Lake 2024 at Blue Marsh Lake
2024-07-19 17:00 - 22:00
The month of July has been designated as Lakes Appreciation Month in the state of Pennsylvania and across the country. Lakes provide valuable environmental and economic benefits, but perhaps more importantly, are a place people enjoy visiting to recreate in many different ways. Join the Blue Marsh Lake staff and partners to celebrate Blue Marsh Lake at the 4th annual Love Your Lake event with a fun-filled evening focused on how to keep yourself & our lakes safe and learn new ways to appreciate our lakes.
Love Your Lake 2024 will take place at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area on Friday, July 19th 2024, from 5:00PM to 10:00PM. The event will be broken up into two parts.
Activities and Paddle Races 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Visitors can participate in a variety of activities including:
Paddleboard and Kayak Races (all participants must be registered prior-to)
Watershed Education
Harmful Algal Blooms Safety & Information
Water Safety Education
Bobber the Water Safety Dog
Citizen Science Annual Secchi Dip-In
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
Evening Paddle/Float 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
After learning about lakes, join us to truly appreciate the beauty of Blue Marsh Lake with an evening paddle and float. All are welcome to bring your own kayak/canoe/paddleboard to join in on this evening activity. Be sure to remember all your required safety gear; bring a life jacket for everyone, a noise making device, and a means to produce a light signal.
Additionally, visitors are asked to be aware that the No Wake Zone by the Dry Brooks Day Use Area and Swim Beach will be temporarily extended to encompass the right side of the Day Use Area due to the increased paddling activities throughout the event
For full event details and race registration links visit: https://www.palakes.org/lake-appreciation-month/

Organic Field Day
2024-07-19 08:30 - 16:00
Join Rodale Institute’s researchers and expert staff at our annual Organic Field Day to learn the latest results of our farming trials and visit nearly 20 demonstration stations on our 386-acre experimental farm.
July 19, 2024
8:30am – 4pm EDT
Kutztown, PA
Cost: $25
Participants will have the opportunity to interact one-on-one with Rodale Institute experts and learn about a wide variety of research and demonstration projects, all focused on organic agriculture. Stations will be set up throughout the farm, so you’ll have the opportunity to explore our living laboratory by walking or enjoying a leisurely wagon ride from site-to-site.
Register here
Space is limited and registration is required. Please bring your own lunch (there will also be food on-site available for purchase).

EPA Webinar: Cybersecurity Refresher for Utilities
2024-07-17 10:00 - 11:00
EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience Division will provide training on cybersecurity basics to water and wastewater utilities to reinforce their foundational understanding of cybersecurity and how it applies to the water sector
Click here to register

Webinar on Understanding Extreme Weather Events: Impacts of Extreme Precipitation and the Urban Heat Island
2024-07-16 15:00 - 16:00
Registration Link: Coming Soon
Moderator: Sherri Hunt, EPA’s Office of Research and Development

SAN Agriculture Workgroup Meeting
2024-07-11 10:30 - 12:00
Join us for a hybrid 3rd quarter 2024 SAN Ag workgroup meeting
In person at the Berks County Agriculture Center (1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA) or
online via Zoom
Share project updates, upcoming events and outreach opportunities and connect with your colleagues in the watershed.
Meeting agenda (including Zoom connection details) will be shared via the SAN email listserv a few weeks ahead of the meeting.
In-person attendees are encouraged to stay for lunch at the Berks County Fair (just around the corner from the Ag Center) with your workgroup partners!

Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt
2024-06-30 11:00
The Pennsylvania iMapInvasives Program will once again be hosting its annual “Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt”
During the month of August, challenge yourself to identify, search for, and report your findings of five invasive species as part of a special statewide event. A webinar training on Tuesday, July 30 at 11am will highlight the checklist of species and explain how to report observation data to iMapInvasives. After the webinar concludes, resources will be provided to participants on how to identify each of the five species as well as the habitats they reside in. For reference, this year’s species list will include:
Bamboo (any variety) (Phyllostachys/Pseudosasa spp.)
Swallow-wort (any species) (Cynanchum spp.) (syn. Vincetoxicum spp.)
Hammerhead worms (any species) (Bipalium spp.)
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Black jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens)
Participants will be given the entire month of August to search in their local natural areas and document their findings in iMapInvasives for these species, including both presence and absence findings. All participants who complete their checklist (i.e., report at least one presence/absence record in iMapInvasives for each of the five species) will be entered into a drawing to win a prize package of outdoor-related gear and an invasive species field guide. Three lucky people will be randomly chosen as the winners of this year’s event.
If you’re interested in participating as an on-the-ground surveyor, register to attend the July 30 webinar session. Can’t attend live? Register, and after the webinar you will receive a link to watch the webinar at your convenience.
Register for the 2024 Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt.
