10:15 am – 11:15 am
A. Environmental Benefits of Silvopasture
Presenter:
Austin Unruh, Founder and CEO, Trees For Graziers
Abstract: Silvopasture, the intentional integration of trees, forages and livestock, has numerous economic and environmental benefits to offer. In this session we will touch briefly on the economic benefits, which are the incentive for farmers to adopt this practice, and spend significant time looking at the environmental benefits of systematically integrating trees into the working farm landscape. As the single greatest means of sequestering carbon on working farms, you'll learn how silvopasture can help mitigate and adapt to climate change, store water in soils, reduce runoff, and create significant wildlife habitat.
B. Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry Response to Climate Change
Presenters:
Meredith Seltzer, Certified Climate Change Professional and Forest Program Specialist, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry
Abstract: The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in coordination with the USDA Forest Service Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science developed a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan in 2018 and began implementing it the following year. The plan set the framework for targeted climate change action by the DCNR Bureau of Forestry resulting in implementation of multiple projects on state forest land and the development of climate change tools and resources. This presentation will highlight assisted population migration experimental plantings, the ongoing development of regional lists of tree species most and least likely to cope with climate change, the inclusion of climate change resilience in land acquisition decision-making, and development of the Bureau of Forestry’s Forest Carbon Management Principles.
C. Community Scientist Development of Technical and Advocacy Resources for Watershed Health
Presenters:
Dave Manning, Valley Creek Restoration Partnership and Green Valleys Watershed Association
Joe Debes, Chester Ridley Crum Watershed Association, Stroud Water Research Center volunteer, and Westtown Environmental Advisory Committee
Carol Armstrong, Green Valleys Watershed Association, Stroud Water Research Center volunteer, Valley Creek Restoration Partnership, and Charlestown Environmental Advisory Committee
Tali MacArthur, Program Manager for Watershed Outreach, Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers
Christa Reeve, Water Quality Program Coordinator, Musconetcong Watershed Association
David Bressler, Community Science Facilitator, Stroud Water Research Center
Abstract: In community science monitoring of streams and rivers, a common challenge is effectively communicating findings to inform, influence, and inspire decision making that will catalyze better watershed management and improve or preserve Watershed health. For the past year, an ad hoc workgroup composed of community science volunteers and science professionals from across the Delaware River Basin has developed guidance and reference materials to support effective advocacy and education related to key indicators of Watershed health including stream water temperature and conductivity. The group has also developed a support document that describes the functioning of local government and includes guidance on how to participate in decision making as a community member. In this session participants will be introduced to materials that have already been produced and others that will be developed in the future. These materials include foundational guidance documents for community scientist education and preparation for local advocacy work, as well as outreach and educational tools such as brochure/hand-outs and presentations for informing lay audiences about issues, concerns, and possible solutions. The workgroup is interested in feedback from session participants, particularly those with community science monitoring experience or direct experience in working with or serving in local government.
D. Right-to-Know and Freedom of Information Act Laws
Presenters:
Anneke van Rossum, Advocacy and Policy Coordinator, Delaware Riverkeeper Network
Carlos Donato, Fossil Fuel Infrastructure Fellow, Delaware Riverkeeper Network
Devon Guyer, Legal Research Fellow, Delaware Riverkeeper Network
Abstract: Right-To-Know and Freedom of Information Act requests can seem daunting or confusing, even for those who submit them professionally. Challenges arise in discerning how, what, and sometimes even who to ask, when seeking information through these channels. In this session you will be guided through how Pennsylvania’s Right-To-Know Law and the Federal Freedom of Information Act work by experienced staff from the Delaware Riverkeeper Network. You will learn what kind of documents you can ask for, how to submit these documents, and the various steps that comprise the records request process. This presentation will provide information for those looking to pursue records requests in their own lives, for their communities, or for work. No matter what your prior experience with records requests, you will walk away from this session empowered with the knowledge to take them on yourself.
E. Youth Engagement for Advocacy to Improve Urban River Health
Presenter:
Stefanie Kroll, Project Director, Riverways Collaboration of CultureTrust
Abstract: Riverways is a coalition of six non-profit member organizations (Bartram’s Garden, Center for Aquatic Sciences, Discovery Pathways, Glen Foerd, LandHealth Institute, and UrbanPromise) located in Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ. Since its founding in 2017, Riverways has provided its member organizations with the scientific, programmatic, and financial support necessary to operate on-water recreation programs that serve diverse youth and their communities in the region. We educate and advocate for: clean water; increased access to on-water and near-the-water experiences, particularly in communities historically denied that access; and youth to become leaders and catalysts for greater awareness and conservation of this vital natural resource. Through our Youth Council and Riverways Ambassadors Programs, high school students learn about environmental issues, skills for understanding water quality and communicating about their work. They also learn boating and guide skills to become youth leaders in their communities, with experience that supports their development into higher education or the workforce. This presentation will cover the ways we work with youth in Camden and Philadelphia to address water quality and recreation access topics.