The Pennsylvania State Senate declared April 26 through May 2, 2026, as “Conservation District Week” in the state, according to an announcement on Apr. 23 by Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The resolution was sponsored by Yaw and Sen. Elder Vogel, chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
The week aims to recognize the work of county conservation districts across Pennsylvania that focus on protecting natural resources through leadership, education, and planning. Yaw said, “Through leadership, education and planning, our county conservation districts are committed to protecting our natural resources. 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, local offices hold events and meet with legislators in their home counties to address community conservation concerns. 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. With offices in every county except Philadelphia, conservation district professionals are experts on local water and soil issues. Their work makes your community a better place to live, work and raise families.”
The PACD acts as a collective voice for these districts by providing advocacy efforts along with education programs for constituents throughout its network.
Yaw has contributed extensively within his community by coaching Little League Baseball and youth soccer according to his official website. He has also been recognized 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 key committees including Environmental Resources & Energy according to his official website, served as vice chairman for Urban Affairs & Housing according to his official website, and represented areas including Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga,and Union counties according to his official website.
Brown concluded that PACD’s statewide network is prepared “to address future issues” while supporting locally led efforts.
