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Latest Stories
Hamer Community Conservation Center Designed with a High-Performance Building Envelope to Reduce Energy Use and Carbon Emissions
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — ClearWater Conservancy is incorporating advanced high-performance building envelope strategies into the design of the new Hamer Community Conservation Center, creating a facility that prioritizes energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term carbon reduction. This work is made possible in part through support from the West Penn Energy Fund, an organization that supports transformational projects advancing sustainable energy technologies throughout th
7 days ago
ClearWater Conservancy Holds Timber Frame Topping Ceremony at New Hamer Community Conservation Center
State College, Pa., May 18, 2026 — ClearWater Conservancy staff, board members, and construction partners recently gathered at the future site of the Hamer Community Conservation Center to celebrate a major construction milestone: the topping out of the building’s mass timber frame. As part of the ceremony, attendees were invited to sign and decorate the final beam before it was lifted into place by construction crews, a symbol of the collaboration and community spirit behind
May 18
Schraer Family Conserves 245 Acres of Ecologically Significant Land in Centre County
Haines Township, Centre County, Pa. — April 30, 2026 — ClearWater Conservancy is proud to announce the permanent conservation of 245 acres in Haines Township, Centre County, through a conservation easement with the David and Cynthia Schraer Living Trust. The project protects an exceptional landscape on Shriner Mountain, located adjacent to a Centre County Farmland Trust (CCFT)–preserved farm just east of Aaronsburg in Penns Valley, and includes the Stover Gap Biological Diver
May 2
ClearWater Submits Formal Comments to the DEIS for the Proposed Route 322 Connector Project.
Centre County, Pa. — April 20, 2026 — ClearWater Conservancy has submitted formal comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed State College Area Route 322 Connector Project. As an accredited land trust serving Centre and surrounding counties, ClearWater’s comments reflect its commitment to protecting the region’s land and water resources and ensuring that major infrastructure projects are designed with long-term environmental sustainability in
Apr 29
Centred Outdoors Kicks Off 10th Season of Centred Outdoors in April
Free Guided Outings, Wellness Programs, Special Topics and Adventure Hikes State College, Pa., April 8, 2026 — ClearWater Conservancy announced the 2026 schedule for the 10 th anniversary season of Centred Outdoors , made possible through support from community partners and funders including Mount Nittany Health , the Hamer Foundation , the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources , and Happy Valley Adventure Bureau . Centred Outdoors invites people o
Apr 9
ClearWater Conservancy Unveils New Logo Highlighting Community-Centered Conservation
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - April 2, 2026 - Today, ClearWater Conservancy announces the launch of a refreshed brand featuring a new logo, typeface, and a modern visual identity that reflects the organization’s evolution and role in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. This brand update arrives at a pivotal moment for ClearWater, as the organization expands its conservation impact, deepens its partnerships, and prepares to welcome the community into its new permanent h
Apr 2
Newly Preserved Smith Farm Aids in Clean Water and Air; Maintains Working, Scenic Farmland
Don and Esther Smith watched over the years as the landscape surrounding their 75-acre family farm changed from rural to suburban. They did not want to see their historic house and barn demolished, nor their land bulldozed for development. They preserved their land in December 2025 with a conservation easement held by the Centre County Farmland Trust — realizing a decision they made 14 years ago. Don and Esther Smith’s newly preserved farm in Spring Township will continue to
Mar 31
Centre County Leaders Call for Transparent, Community-Driven Future for Rockview Lands
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – March 24, 2026 – Centre County agricultural, conservation, and community leaders are calling on Governor Josh Shapiro and state agencies to ensure a transparent, community-driven planning process for the future of the SCI Rockview lands—one of the most defining and visible landscapes in central Pennsylvania. Following the announced closure of SCI Rockview, local leaders acknowledge the difficulty of the Commonwealth’s decision and the significant workfor
Mar 25
ClearWater Conservancy Receives More Than $844,300 to Support Conservation and Outdoor Access in Centre and Huntingdon Counties
ClearWater Conservancy has been awarded more than $844,300 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 , the Centred Outdoors program and Rothrock Trail Alliance each received these awards. The Riparian Conservation Program received the $383,600 award that will support the installation o
Jan 30
Building Our Future Home While Staying True to Our Conservation Mission
Five years ago, ClearWater Conservancy identified the need to expand the pace and scope of our conservation mission to permanently protect and connect local landscapes and waterways here in Central Pennsylvania. Envisioned was a place where both people and nature can connect and grow. This place – the Hamer Community Conservation Center – will be located along Spring Creek, in the heart of the Spring Creek Watershed where so much of our work has been focused. The Center will
Jan 16
ClearWater’s Art & Chocolate Opening Reception on First Friday, December 5 at 3 Dots Downtown
3 DOTS DOWNTOWN, STATE COLLEGE, PA, Dec. 5, 2025— From rippling waters to quiet memories of nature, the artwork on display in 3 Dots Downtown ’s gallery space for ClearWater Conservancy ’s Art & Chocolate 2026 represents nearly every season — and ecosystem — in Centre County. The art has all been generously donated by local artists in support of ClearWater’s mission to connect, protect, restore, and steward the natural landscapes that surround us. The exhibition is opening
Dec 2, 2025
Making a Difference One Cleanup at a Time
This year’s Fall Spring Creek Cleanup was a huge success! In partnership with Trout Unlimited’s redd count , the Spring Creek Watershed Commission’s Conservation and Stewardship Committee hosted an incredible event that brought our community together for a common cause. With the help of more than 40 dedicated volunteers , we removed 420 pounds of trash from four sites along our waterways. Your commitment to protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems is what makes Cle
Nov 25, 2025
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