ClearWater Conservancy Receives More Than $469,000 to Support Conservation and Outdoor Access in Centre County

ClearWater Conservancy has been awarded more than $469,000 in state grant funding from Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' (DCNR) to support conservation, recreation, and outdoor-education initiatives in Centre County. ClearWater's Riparian Conservation program and the Centred Outdoors program both received these awards.

The Riparian Conservation Program received the $383,600 award that will support the installation of approximately 15 acres of riparian forest buffers in the Susquehanna River Watershed in Centre County. Project work will include landowner outreach and engagement, buffer plantings and post-planting establishment, project signage, and other related site improvements. These buffers will help reduce pollutants and sediment entering local waterways, stabilize streambanks, improve groundwater recharge, and enhance habitat for wildlife.

The grant is part of the Pennsylvania DCNR's Natural Resources’ broader initiative to promote sustainable environmental practices and improve the health of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. “We’re so grateful to receive funding from DCNR to continue our work restoring forested riparian buffers in the region,” said Jennifer Dombroskie, Riparian Program Manager at ClearWater Conservancy. “These buffers will not only protect our local waterways but also contribute to the overall health of the entire watershed, benefiting communities, wildlife, and future generations.”  

ClearWater Conservancy also received $85,800 to support coordination and implementation of the Centred Outdoors program, which works to expand equitable access to outdoor recreation. Funding will support programming across Centre and surrounding counties, increase program visibility, and provide staff support to strengthen and expand the initiative. “We have such high gratitude for our strong partnership and ongoing support from DCNR. This grant and their commitment to conservation makes so much possible for the program, helping connect the community to natural spaces—including DCNR lands—across the region,” said Katie Molinengo, ClearWater Conservancy’s Communications Director.

Both grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which supports projects that develop and improve parks, protect natural resources, and connect people with the outdoors.

For additional details about the DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, visit: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/grants/grant-funding-sources

See the full list of grant recipients at: https://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=10535469&DocName=2025_C2P2_Grants_List_Final.pdf

For more information about ClearWater Conservancy’s work, visit clearwaterconservancy.org.

ABOUT PA DCNR – COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The bureau’s mission is to lead community conservation partnerships that protect natural and heritage resources, advance environmental stewardship, and provide recreational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians.

ABOUT CLEARWATER CONSERVANCY

ClearWater Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and locally formed conservation organization based in central Pennsylvania. Since 1980, ClearWater has worked to protect and restore the region’s natural resources through land conservation, water resource protection, and community environmental outreach.