Rep. Paul Takac (D-Centre) made the announcement November 1, highlighting the positive impact this grant will have on the community.
[This announcement follows a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission announced on October 23 for the same project. Read more here.]
The funding will facilitate the development of a 12,000 square foot facility on 10 acres along Spring Creek in Houserville, transforming a historic barn and its surrounding landscape into a vibrant, multi-use facility for on-the-ground conservation and education.
The new center will be adjacent to a historic farmhouse, featuring design elements that reflect the area’s rich heritage.
An ADA-compliant trail will connect the center to Spring Creek, which has been a focal point of ClearWater’s mission since its founding in 1980.
“This grant is a fantastic opportunity for our community,” said Rep. Takac. “The funds will help repurpose and renovate a historic barn and surrounding landscape into a vibrant, multi-purpose hub focused on conservation and education.
“This new facility will not only preserve a key piece of our local heritage but also provide a vital, dynamic space for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and grow together. It will include first-class meeting and workspaces, as well as hands-on opportunities for folks of all ages,” said Rep. Takac.
“As the former chair of the Spring Creek Watershed Commission, I am truly excited about the potential of this beautiful new community space to help showcase the importance of preserving and protecting healthy waterways and ecosystems. This is a win-win for both our past and our future."
Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy, expressed the organization’s excitement for this new facility: “Staff and volunteers of ClearWater Conservancy are planning an expansion of conservation services to meet growing community needs. We are nearing the completion of design and are looking forward to beginning construction in the new year. We can’t wait to move in and open the center to the community in 2026.”
Crisfield emphasized the importance of preserving local heritage and fostering collective learning: “This center will be a testament to our commitment to conservation and education. By honoring the history of our landscape and creating spaces for collaboration, we aim to strengthen our community bonds. We believe that when people come together to learn and share their knowledge, we can inspire a greater appreciation for our natural resources and cultivate a sense of responsibility for their protection.”
She added, “ClearWater is delighted about the opportunities this center will create for volunteers, local businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, partners, and future generations of residents in the region. The Community Conservation Center will provide a space for the ClearWater community to meet, work, collaborate, and inspire one another in the shared aspiration of a healthy and thriving community and environment, starting in the Spring Creek Watershed.”
The RACP is a Pennsylvania grant program designed to support regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects.
These projects have a significant impact on their communities, generating employment and increasing local tax revenues.
Visit the ClearWater Conservancy website for more information on this and other community conservation initiatives.
ClearWater Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural resources of the Central Pennsylvania region through education, outreach, and collaborative efforts to ensure a sustainable future for our communities and ecosystems.
[Posted: November 4, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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