WeConservePA has published three new guides at ConservationTools.org. The content of each is briefly described below. Adverse Possession in Pennsylvania A long-time trespasser may gain ownership of land by using it with no documented challenge for 21 years. Landowners can avoid this threat with some good, basic practices. (link, 7 pages) Adding to Land Under Conservation read more
Conservation Resources
Comments on Model Conservation Easement Changes Due Sep. 25
WeConservePA proposes two changes to the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants. Send comments on these changes to aloza@weconservepa.org by 9/25/2020 to be considered in the finalization of any changes. WeConservePA proposes a new subsection under 8.09 “Guides to Interpretation”: (f) Interpret in Favor of Conservation Objectives. If any read more
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice Resources
WeConservePA has compiled links to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) resources. Topics range from anti-racism resources, to diversity and inclusion in conservation, to personal reflections. If you are aware of other good resources to include in this compilation, please contact WeConservePA communications specialist, Hilary Hirtle, at hhirtle@weconservepa.org. read more
A Message to Our Members and the Manada Conservancy Community
Conservation of our natural resources is often viewed as separate from the nurturing of human life, but it is all part of what we often call the web of life. Because of this, our mission is inextricably tied to justice, inclusion, diversity, understanding and knowledge. A culture of oppression can undermine any and all efforts to preserve our living planet and all the beings read more
WeConservePA COVID-19 Resources
WeConservePA has compiled links to COVID-19 related resources to aid conservation organizations. Topics covered range from health and safety guidelines for park facilities, to fundraising and financial assistance, to human resources and workplace safety. If you are aware of other good resources to include in this compilation, please reach out to WeConservePA communications read more
We’re trying but we know we need to do more.
Black Lives Matter. In the wake of amplified protests and awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement, and because our organization believes that Black Lives Matter, our staff has increased our continued dialogue and commitment to this issue in an effort to be better and contribute toward a healthier, more sustainable community for all. The recent experience of fellow read more
Breathing the Same Air
It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, as we all know, with the racial tragedies that have taken place and the issues that have again surfaced. They weren’t far below the surface. This has been a particularly difficult two weeks for me. I’m coming up on one wonderful year this month in leading The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC), and as many of you know, read more
Checking in! Here’s how NPC is doing…how are you?!
Hello again Friends, We are now a month into the stay-at-home order. Some things haven't changed. I am still yelling at some form of technology at least once a day, grant applications are being written (often the reason for yelling at technology), and logistics are being discussed for the 2020 stream season. Some things have changed in that month. The trees are budding read more
The Virtual Outdoors
Virtual Wildflower Walk - Manada Conservancy https://vimeo.com/411827312 Lunch & Learn: The Value of Our Parks and Forests - Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKs2o3NTgrw read more
PPP Loan Forgiveness
Article from the Walz Group. As we continue to work through the various aspects of the CARES Act and related PPP loans, many of you have been asking about the forgiveness components of the Act. We are here to help you plan for the coming weeks by offering our assistance and some tools for navigating the forgiveness portion of the PPP Loans. We know that you will be balancing read more
Changes Posted to Model Grant of Conservation Easement
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has finalized changes to four provisions in the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants. PALTA also has made various updates and improvements to the commentary including two new supplemental provisions: “Providing for Alternative Minimal Protection Areas” and “Explicitly Addressing Changes in Conditions.” The read more
A note from our President Phil Wenger: A time for healing
Message from Phil Wenger, president of Lancaster Conservancy 50 YEARS OF SLOW GROWTH For two generations, the Conservancy has linked arms with those passionate about nature. We came together to protect habitat because we love the sound of song birds. We acquired and conserved our few remaining forests to protect the fish that swim in our waterways. We stayed true to our read more
You ARE making a difference, thank you!
Message from Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. Dear friend of NPC, I'm writing this message to you today to remind you - whether you even realize it or not - that you have helped so many of your neighbors and friends over the last couple of weeks. Your support of land conservation has created new access points to the Pine Creek Trail, you allowed the Jacoby read more
Escape Isolation and Find Yourself Outside
Message from Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. Dear friends of Natural Lands, As we adhere to public orders regarding physical distancing and self-isolation, I am reminded of the appreciation that astronaut Scott Kelly—who spent a year in space—shared when asked what he missed most during his mission. It turns out it was the simple pleasures associated with time read more
PALTA COVID-19 Resources
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has compiled links to COVID-19 related resources, including (but not limited to) topics such as business guidance, fundraising, financial assistance, and workplace health to assist conservation organizations. If you are aware of other good resources, please contact PALTA Communications Specialist, read more