ClearWater Conservancy Celebrates Conservation Achievements, Honors Local Leaders, and Breaks Ground on New Hamer Community Conservation Center
- leahfuller36
- 2d
- 3 min read
State College. PA -- Oct. 23, 2025 -- ClearWater Conservancy welcomed over 100 community members to its Annual Meeting and Celebration on Sunday, October 19 at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. The event highlighted the organization’s recent conservation milestones, honored outstanding volunteers and partners, and shared exciting updates on the Hamer Community Conservation Center, including its groundbreaking.
Members voted to approve the board slate, re-electing Randy Hudson, Terry Melton, and Andy Warner, and welcoming new candidate Mick Trombley. Attendees enjoyed a delicious charcuterie spread while connecting with fellow conservation supporters and exploring interactive ClearWater stations.
At the Annual Meeting in 2023, Kevin McGarry and Deb Nardone announced plans for a permanent home on a 10-acre site along Spring Creek in Houserville. This year, that vision became reality with a ceremonial groundbreaking in August, and construction officially began mid-October.
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 Carolyn and Elwood Hatley, Dave Wolfgang, Kevin Brandt, ChicoryLane, Jeff Molek, Cole Transportation Inc., and Paul Takac, all recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to protecting and enhancing the natural environment.
Hamer Leadership Award: The Donald Hamer Leadership Award named in 2005, at ClearWater's 25th anniversary to honor Don Hamer for his leadership legacy, this honor is awarded to a member of the ClearWater family that has shown significant leadership in advancing ClearWater’s vision of including everyone in conservation. Carolyn and Elwood Hatley were honored posthumously to their daughters, Leslie Ann Peters and Catherine Ann Felker, for their enduring commitment to ClearWater’s mission. Carolyn’s active involvement in multiple committees and her welcoming presence at community events exemplified leadership and dedication. Their legacy will be commemorated at the new Hamer Community Conservation Center’s reception area.
The Barbara Fisher Volunteer Award: Named in 2005 to honor Barbara Fisher for her 25 years of dedicated and passionate service, this award is given to ClearWater Conservancy volunteers that exemplify our organizations mission and dedicate their time to help conserve our region’s natural resources. This year, Dave Wolfgang and Kevin Brandt received the award this year for giving back to the community through time spent stewarding riparian buffers, live stake planting, invasive plant control, easement monitoring, Master Naturalist, and more. Their dedication to supporting ClearWater’s mission and efforts to protect and restore the environment in Central Pennsylvania
has been extremely helpful.
The Community Conservation Commendation Award: This award is given for exemplary service to our community and the environment. This year, ChicoryLane, presented to Catherine and John Smith, was awarded for playing a vital role in helping connect, protect, restore, and steward this beautiful place we call home. ChicoryLane was recognized for transforming their 69-acre property into an ecological reserve through decades of restoration and conservation efforts. Their work continues through the ChicoryLane Foundation and public education initiatives.
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 Jeff Molek and Cole Transportation Inc. for going above and beyond to foster a commitment to appreciating and stewarding the natural world around us.
George Harvey Memorial Spring Creek Heritage Award: Presented jointly by ClearWater Conservancy and the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this award recognizes Paul Takac for his service on local councils and watershed commissions to protect and preserve the Spring Creek Watershed. Representative Takac served in local government as a member of the College Township Council and as chair of both the Spring Creek Watershed Commission and the Centre Region Council of Government's Public Safety Committee
Comments