The event highlighted the organization’s recent conservation milestones, honored outstanding volunteers and partners, and shared exciting updates on the Hamer Community Conservation Center, including its groundbreaking.
Members voted to approve the board slate, re-electing Randy Hudson, Terry Melton, and Andy Warner, and welcoming new candidate Mick Trombley.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious charcuterie spread while connecting with fellow conservation supporters and exploring interactive ClearWater stations.
At the Annual Meeting in 2023, Kevin McGarry and Deb Nardone announced plans for a permanent home on a 10-acre site along Spring Creek in Houserville.
This year, that vision became reality with a ceremonial groundbreaking in August, and construction officially began mid-October.
Volunteer Awards
During the celebration, ClearWater honored several dedicated individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to conservation in the region.
Award recipients included Carolyn and Elwood Hatley, Dave Wolfgang, Kevin Brandt, Chicory Lane, Jeff Molek, Cole Transportation Inc., and Rep. Paul Takac, all recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
-- Hamer Leadership Award: The Donald Hamer Leadership Award named in 2005, at ClearWater’s 25th anniversary to honor Don Hamer for his leadership legacy, this honor is awarded to a member of the ClearWater family that has shown significant leadership in advancing ClearWater’s vision of including everyone in conservation.
Carolyn and Elwood Hatley were honored posthumously to their daughters, Leslie Ann Peters and Catherine Ann Felker, for their enduring commitment to ClearWater’s mission.
Carolyn’s active involvement in multiple committees and her welcoming presence at community events exemplified leadership and dedication.
Their legacy will be commemorated at the new Hamer Community Conservation Center’s reception area.
-- The Barbara Fisher Volunteer Award: Named in 2005 to honor Barbara Fisher for her 25 years of dedicated and passionate service, this award is given to ClearWater Conservancy volunteers that exemplify our organization’s mission and dedicate their time to help conserve our region’s natural resources.
This year, Dave Wolfgang and Kevin Brandt received the award this year for giving back to the community through time spent stewarding riparian buffers, live stake planting, invasive plant control, easement monitoring, Master Naturalist, and more.
Their dedication to supporting ClearWater’s mission and efforts to protect and restore the environment in Central Pennsylvania has been extremely helpful.
-- The Community Conservation Commendation Award: This award is given for exemplary service to our community and the environment.
This year, Chicory Lane, presented to Catherine and John Smith, was awarded for playing a vital role in helping connect, protect, restore, and steward this beautiful place we call home.
Chicory Lane was recognized for transforming their 69-acre property into an ecological reserve through decades of restoration and conservation efforts. Their work continues through the ChicoryLane Foundation and public education initiatives.
-- Centering Connections with the Outdoors Awards: This award is given to one individual and one community partner who has played a significant role in connecting individuals with the benefits of spending time outside and building a sense of belonging within the Centred Outdoors and ClearWater community.
This year we recognize Jeff Molek and Cole Transportation Inc. for going above and beyond to foster a commitment to appreciating and stewarding the natural world around us.
-- George Harvey Memorial Spring Creek Heritage Award: Presented jointly by ClearWater Conservancy and the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this award recognizes Rep. Paul Takac for his service on local councils and watershed commissions to protect and preserve the Spring Creek Watershed.
Representative Takac served in local government as a member of the College Township Council and as chair of both the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and the Centre Region Council of Government's Public Safety Committee.
The ClearWater Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and locally formed conservation organization nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania.
Since 1980, ClearWater has worked to improve and protect the natural resources of central Pennsylvania for all, through land conservation, water resource protection, and environmental outreach to the community.
We are an accredited land trust having protected over 11,000 acres of land and water, restored more than 270 acres of streamside forests along more than 28 miles of stream, and we help engage thousands of people in the outdoors each year.
(Photo: Chicory Lane with other award winners, courtesy ClearWater Conservancy.)
Related Articles This Week:
-- Lancaster Conservancy Announces Acquisition Of 180 Acres In York County To Establish The Eagle View Nature Preserve; Solidifies Opposition To Cuffs Run Pump-Hydroelectric Facility [PaEN]
-- Natural Lands Preserves Nearly 14 Acres In Bucks County To Add To State Game Lands [PaEN]
-- South Mountain Partnership: Tuckahoe Project Receives Spirit Of South Mountain Award [PaEN]
-- Penn State Ag Council Honors Jim MacKenzie, Octoraro Native Plant Nursery; Kelly Shenk, Ag Advisor To US EPA With Leadership Awards [PaEN]
-- WeConservePA Call For Presentations 2026 PA Land Conservation Conference April 29 To May 1 In Lancaster [PaEN]
-- Penn State Master Gardeners Recognize Lisa & Dave Doseff Of Lancaster With 20th Habitat Of Merit Award [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- PittsburghUnonProgress.com: Conservation Partnership Helps Allegheny County Farms Remain Viable With Environmental Benefits
-- Republican Herald: Schuylkill Commissioners Approve Money For Farmland Preservation
-- Warren Times: Game Commission Hears Local Land Acquisition Complaints, But Remedies Uncertain
-- Warren Times Editorial: Rural Tax Base Needs Protection From Expanding Public Land Acquisitions
-- WHYY: Philadelphia Land Bank Buys 35 Garden Lots, Advancing Land Preservation Plan
[Posted: October 25, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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