College Township, Pa., – On December 3, College Township announced the award of $300,000 in funding for the development of the ClearWater Community Conservation Center in College Township, Centre County. The award will support essential infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and community engagement at the center.
The funding was awarded by DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), which supports environmental projects across the state to develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces, and protect vital natural habitats. The ClearWater Community Conservation Center will benefit from several accessibility additions, including the construction of a pedestrian walkway, access drive, and parking area, as well as the installation of lighting and utilities. ADA access will be integrated throughout the site to ensure that individuals of all abilities can fully enjoy the center's offerings. In addition, landscaping, a project sign, and other related site improvements will be made to further enhance the space for visitors.
“Partnering with ClearWater Conservancy, a long-standing champion for conservation and environmental stewardship, to secure funding for the ClearWater Community Conservation Center was a natural fit with the Township’s values of fostering local partnerships in support of environmental responsibility and providing educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” noted Dustin Best, Chair of the College Township Council.
Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy, expressed her excitement for the project: "ClearWater Conservancy is so grateful to College Township for partnering with us and to the Community Conservation Partnership Program for making this award, allowing us to add an accessible route from the Community Conservation Center to Spring Creek. Facilitating access to the beautiful streamside makes it easier for everyone to experience nature, and we are so excited to welcome people to our 10-acre conservation demonstration landscape."
Adam Brumbaugh, College Township Manager, shared, “We look forward to welcoming Clearwater Conservancy to their new home in College Township. The new ClearWater Community Conservation Center will not only serve as ClearWater Conservancy’s offices, but also as an important community gathering place, where visitors can interact with nature and learn first-hand about the best practices in environmental protection and land conservation.
ABOUT COLLEGE TOWNSHIP Formed on November 22, 1875, College Township is a Township of the Second Class under the Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law. College Township is home to just under 11,000 residents, along with many of the facilities of the Pennsylvania State University, including the iconic Beaver Stadium. The township is governed by a five member Council, elected at-large to staggered four-year terms, and utilizes a Council-Manager form of government.
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
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