The Pennsylvania State Senate declared on Apr. 23 that the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, will be recognized as “Conservation District Week” across the state. The announcement was made by Senator Gene Yaw, chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, who sponsored Senate Resolution 273 with Senator Elder Vogel.
This recognition highlights the role of county conservation districts in protecting natural resources throughout Pennsylvania. “Through leadership, education and planning, our county conservation districts are committed to protecting our natural resources,” Yaw said. “They are the boots on the ground, and they work to develop programs and projects consistent with environmental stewardship. I am proud to extend warm wishes to our county conservation districts and recognize next week as ‘Conservation District Week’ in Pennsylvania.”
During Conservation District Week, district offices hold events and meet with legislators within their communities to address local conservation issues. Amy Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD), said: “Conservation District Week is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on 66 individual offices across the commonwealth that work every day to improve water quality and soil health.” Brown added that except for Philadelphia County, each county has a district office staffed by professionals knowledgeable about local water and soil matters.
The PACD represents all of Pennsylvania’s county conservation districts by providing advocacy, education, training programs, coordination efforts and facilitation for both districts and their constituents. The association works closely with private organizations as well as federal and state agencies through a statewide network supporting locally led initiatives.
Yaw has also contributed significantly beyond his legislative duties; he coached Little League Baseball and youth soccer according to his official website. He received recognition as Lycoming County Solicitor of the Year in 2004 according to his official website, provided general counsel for more than two decades at Pennsylvania College of Technology while chairing its board since 2013 according to his official website, chaired both state senate committees related to environmental resources as well as urban affairs according to his official website, and represented areas including Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties according to his official website.
Looking ahead during Conservation District Week activities statewide aim not only at recognizing ongoing efforts but also at engaging communities in conversations about resource protection.
