ClearWater Conservancy Recognizes Awardees, Unveils Plans for ClearWater Community Conservation Center, and Highlights Campaign Progress
ClearWater Conservancy hosted its Annual Meeting and Celebration on Thursday, October 17 at Mount Nittany Winery in Centre Hall PA, drawing over 100 attendees to honor the community's support for recent conservation successes, recognize outstanding volunteers and supporters, and share exciting updates on the ClearWater Community Conservation Center.
Members had the opportunity to vote on a new board member slate and a more inclusive and accessible membership policy. Attendees enjoyed delicious wine, food, and camaraderie, along with a wellness activity led by Olivia Stas from ClearWater’s Centred Outdoors program.
The evening highlighted the Campaign to Connect, a vital fundraising initiative aimed at accelerating local conservation efforts and establishing the Center along a quarter mile of Spring Creek in Houserville, at the heart of the Spring Creek Watershed.
About the Annual Volunteer Awards
During the celebration, ClearWater honored several dedicated individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to conservation in the region. Award recipients included Ford Stryker, Beth and Matt Powell, Steve Neely, Appalachian Outdoors, and Jennifer Shuey, all recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
Caroline Hatley presenting the Barbara Fisher Award to Ford Stryker
The Barbara Fisher Volunteer of the Year Award: Named in 2005 to honor Barbara Fisher for her 25 years of dedicated and passionate service, this year’s award is presented to FORD STRYKER, a long-time member and volunteer whose dedication to conserving our region's natural resources is exemplary. He has served as a former Board member and has made significant impacts through his work on the Facilities Committee. Ford has significantly contributed to the planning of the new ClearWater Community Conservation Center and has helped raise substantial funds through his role as co-chair of the Golf Fest Committee.
(Left to right)
Barbara Fisher seated and recognized during the Barbara Fisher Volunteer of the Year part of the cermoney.
Award Winner Ford Stryker
The Community Conservation Commendation Award: This award is given for exemplary service to our community and the environment. MATT and BETH POWELL receive this award for their unwavering support of ClearWater. Matt and Beth have shown up for ClearWater more times than you can count over the past year. Over the past year, they have been involved in numerous conservation efforts, including two buffer projects and monthly easement monitoring. As a PA Master Naturalist (Beth) and a PA Watershed Steward (Matt), they demonstrate leadership and commitment to environmental protection. Their thoughtfulness, willingness to help others, and passion for protecting the environment makes them outstanding members of the ClearWater Community.
Matt & Beth Powell recipients of the Community Conservation Commendation Award
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 STEVE NEELY and APPALACHIAN OUTDOORS for going above and beyond to fostering a commitment to appreciating and stewarding the natural world around us.
Steve Neely
Bridget Whyte giving the Centering Connections with the Outdoors Award to Steve Neeley while Donnan Stoicovy presents
STEVE NEELY began volunteering with Centered Outdoors last year, inspired by the program's mission to help preserve and protect the natural beauty of central Pennsylvania. Steve is an exceptional volunteer for the Centred Outdoors program. His charisma, patience, and confidence as a hike assistant have greatly contributed to the success of our events. Steve’s ability to make participants feel welcome and comfortable ensures that everyone has a positive and memorable experience.
Steve Neely
Bridget Whyte posing with Amber Peffer of Appalachian Outdoors
APPALACHIAN OUTDOORS is committed to supporting initiatives that preserve open spaces, protect wildlife, and promote sustainability. Believing in the power of outdoor experiences to foster appreciation for nature, they sponsor various events and programs.
Their generous contributions have established the Centred Outdoors Community Gear Library, stocked with over 50 essential items like trekking poles and backpacks, enabling more community members to explore the outdoors. Through the "Sock Sundays" initiative, they’ve provided raffle prizes for over 30 events, boosting community engagement. Their active outreach efforts have also helped amplify the Centred Outdoors message, reaching more individuals eager to connect with nature.
Jennifer Shuey receiving the George Harvey Memorial Spring Creek Heritage Award presented by Donnan Stoicovy
George Harvey Memorial Spring Creek Heritage Award: Presented jointly by ClearWater Conservancy and the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this award recognizes JENNIFER SHUEY, the former Executive Director of ClearWater (2000-2015), for her lasting impact on the organization and her ongoing contributions to conservation in the community. She has been involved with the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited as a consistent partner and sponsor. She is also one of three Trustees of the Hamer Foundation and is blessed to be able to follow in Don's footsteps to make transformational investments in many worthwhile conservation and community projects and organizations. She annually donates her highly prized artwork for the live auction. She continues to be passionate about the natural resources of Central Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Crisfield presenting at her first Annual Meeting as Executive Director
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN TO CONNECT
ClearWater's Campaign to Connect is a $10 million campaign to connect and protect priority landscapes and streams while enhancing everyone’s appreciation and understanding of the natural world.
ClearWater envisions these vital efforts unfolding in a place where both people and nature can connect and grow. This place, the ClearWater Community Conservation Center, will be located along Spring Creek, in the center of the Spring Creek Watershed where so much of our work is focused. The Center will be home to offices, gathering spaces, and outdoor demonstration areas where everyone can experience and contribute to conservation efforts relevant to our local region.
ABOUT CLEARWATER CONSERVANCY
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 200 acres of streamside forests along more than 26 miles of stream, and we help engage thousands of people in the outdoors each year.
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