The Penns Valley Conservation Association (PVCA), a 501c (3) non-profit charitable organization established in 1994, has provided a successful mechanism for public input and leveraged resources to protect, conserve, and promote the environmental qualities of the Penns Creek Watershed.

 

 

 

PVCA’s Mission is to serve as a steward for the natural and cultural communities in the Upper Penns Creek watershed. We seek to preserve and honor the agricultural roots of Penns Valley by protecting and conserving its waters, farmlands, forests and rural heritage.                                                                                                             PVCA Mission Statement

 

 

 

 

 

PVCA’s Vision:   We envision an engaged community, where growth is balanced with support for healthy natural systems that foster the local economy. Our valley has dark night skies, clear streams, healthy forests, prosperous farms, and local jobs.

                                                                                    PVCA Vision Statement

 

 

 

PVCA is the outgrowth of a citizen effort in the early 1990’s to stop the expansion of a  quarry in Aaronsburg, PA.   Since its incorporation in 1994, PVCA has successfully lobbied for Exceptional Value designation of portions of Pine and Elk Creeks, a special recognition of outstanding water quality. We do periodic water monitoring through partnerships with other like-minded organizations, and are currently exploring supporting an effort to get “Wild Area” designation for parts of Penns Creek.

 

 

 

 

 

PVCA has employed an Environmental Educator in the Penns Valley Area School District since 2004, engaging students in a curriculum oriented toward the environment, ecosystems, invasive species, and conservation in both the classroom and in the field utilizing the great resources of the Penns Valley Environmental Center . PVCA and partners developed the privately-owned “Muddy Paws Marsh” Wetland Education Center in Penn Hall, Gregg Township .  This resource is used for environmental education, invasive species control projects and training, and also offers opportunities the public to explore the wetland habitat using a unique boardwalk and trail system affording access to the inner portion of the Wetland.

 

PVCA has managed well over a half million dollars of public grant fundsof direct benefit to the Watershed including the aforementioned accessenhancements to the Wetland Center, the school-based environmentaleducation program (for 8 years), an annual “Spring Cleanup" and manyother habitat restoration and agricultural BMP projects throughout the PennsCreek Watershed.

 

 

 

 

 

PVCA has sponsored publication of important resources; “Waterways & Wildlife”, the practical guide written by Nell Hanssen, the eclectic compendium A Penns Creek Companion, authored by Doug Macneal, and its quarterly newsletter highlighting the work of PVCA and its partners.

 

 

 

The Association raises funds to support these many initiatives through membership investments, special appeals, and the Annual “Crickfest” Celebration of the Watershed and its People held the Sunday before Labor Day.

 

 

 

Please join us in becoming a steward of Penns Valley ….A Valley worth preserving. 

 

 

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