ClearWater Awarded 2,500 Watershed Mini Grant to Promote Watershed Health

Communications Director, Katie Molinengo receiving BHE GT&S Watershed Mini Grant Award

State College, PA — March 27, 2025 —

ClearWater Conservancy is proud to announce it has received a $2,500 grant through the BHE GT&S Watershed Mini Grant Program, administered with support from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The grant will support marketing and outreach efforts aimed at educating the public about the importance of healthy watersheds and clean water resources.

Funding from the Watershed Mini Grant Program will enable ClearWater Conservancy to expand public awareness initiatives that highlight how watershed health directly impacts drinking water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and local communities. Efforts include educational materials, digital outreach, and community engagement activities designed to connect residents with the waterways that sustain their region.

“Healthy watersheds are the foundation of clean water and resilient ecosystems,” said Katie Molinengo, Communications Director of ClearWater Conservancy. “This grant allows us to better tell the story of why watershed protection matters and how individuals and communities can play a role in safeguarding these vital resources through community engagement.”

The BHE GT&S Watershed Mini Grant Program supports local organizations working to protect and restore watersheds through on-the-ground projects and public education. The program is made possible through funding and partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, whose mission is to protect and restore exceptional natural places throughout western Pennsylvania.

The award ceremony was at the Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center. Awardees presented their projects to their fellow conservationists in the region and shared what their organization does for the health of their watersheds and communities. ClearWater's Communication Director, Katie Molinengo delivered a presentation of the marketing and educational material ClearWater will share with the public about conservation, restoration, and stewardship for the watershed and lands.

Communications Director, Katie Molinengo presenting the marketing, outreach and watershed education project to the funders and fellow awardees.

ClearWater Conservancy’s outreach efforts supported by this grant focuses on translating complex watershed science into accessible, engaging information for the public, helping foster a stronger connection between people and the water resources they depend on every day. It also serves as a way to share the different approaches that ClearWater can help with when caring for land and water. This grant allows for print material to reach landowners that have properties in priority conservation areas as well as sharing educational brochures at tabling events as well as social media posts and ads reaching new audiences.

For more information about ClearWater Conservancy and its watershed protection initiatives, visit ClearWaterConservancy.org or follow @ClearWaterConservancy.

ClearWater Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and restoring water resources through conservation, education, and community partnerships. The organization works to ensure clean water and healthy watersheds for current and future generations.

About BHE GT&S: Financial support for this project is provided by BHE GT&S which is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities served by BHE GT&S companies.

Western PA Conservancy This grant program was administered by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in commitment to its core mission of conserving Pennsylvania's diverse ecosystems through science-based strategy, leadership, and collaboration.