Franklin County Conservation District, PA

09/03/2026

Thank you for the mention, we were happy to see you and so many partners in attendance!

08/18/2026

Happy from our new friend, Riffle!

Meet our District’s Conservation Ambassador, a Woodland Box Turtle named Riffle. Woodland box turtles, along with all of our native turtle species, thrive with clean, intact ecosystems but are unfortunately faced with many threats such as habitat loss, road mortality and illegal capture for the pet trade. Circumstances prohibit Riffle from continuing to be a wild turtle. She is now permitted through our partnership with the PA Fish and Boat Commission to help us promote healthy watersheds in Franklin County for people and wildlife alike!

08/05/2026

Today is National Oyster Day! Conservationists celebrate the incredible benefits of oysters and their ability to filter sediment from water. Unfortunately, only about 3% of native oyster populations remain. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/chesapeake-bay/oyster-restoration

Overfishing for oysters in the Chesapeake Bay has led to a decline in their population. Lower populations lead to habitat destruction that in turn lowers water quality. Lower water quality can cause disease that also lowers oyster population.

Fortunately, work is being done in the Chesapeake Bay to restore oyster populations. https://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/blog/designated-non-harvest-areas-are-an-important-factor-for-successful-oyster-restoration

06/25/2026

What a joy to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Conservation District, as well as honor 105-year old Sam Worley with the premiere Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award, and honor Alan Gift as the 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year.

(More photos of the event will be posted once we receive them from the photographer.)

06/24/2026

Thank you for your visit with Sam and for joining us for the banquet!

06/24/2026

Thank you, Secretary Redding!

06/24/2026

We are so thankful that Molly & Shannon (Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc.), Secretary of PA Ag Secretary Russel Redding, Jill Whitcomb (PA DEP), and Chris Thompson (Lancaster County Conservation District) made the trip to Franklin County to celebrate with us!

06/19/2026

On Wednesday, the Franklin County Commissioners recognized the Franklin County Conservation District, PA for its 70 years of service to our region.

The Franklin County Conservation District was formally established in 1956 through the leadership and commitment of local farmers, landowners and community leaders dedicated to the conservation of soil, water and natural resources. Over its seven decades, the organization has partnered with county leaders, agricultural producers, municipalities and residents to protect the county’s natural resources, improve water quality, soil health and erosion control, all while advancing conservation practices that benefit local communities and beyond.

The Conservation District's 70th anniversary marks an important milestone recognizing the dedication of its staff, board members, partners and volunteers. The commissioners expressed their gratitude to the organization's service to Franklin County, its residents, communities, industries and for continuing conservation efforts to preserve the county’s natural resources for future generations.

Pictured (from left): Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst, District Manager Dave Stoner, Conservation District Board Chairman Evan Burkholder and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski.

06/12/2026

We missed National Corn Day by a day but thought it was too cute not to share. You’ll find sweet corn at your local farmers markets this summer. Eat it fresh or preserve it for winter. Nothing beats the flavors of sweet corn fresh from the fields. Support our local farmers!

06/05/2026

Scholarship Opportunity for Rising College Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors who live in Franklin County!

If you have graduated high school or are a current college student and wish to advance your education within a field with an environmental concentration, then this scholarship may be for you!

Fields of study include, but are not necessarily limited to: Agriculture, Agri-Business, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Fisheries, Forestry, Geo-Environmental Studies, Land Use Planning, Conservation of Natural Resources, Surveying, Wildlife Conservation, and Environmental Biology.

Deadline to apply is Friday, June 12th.

An application can be found on our website:

FCCD Scholarship Applications are now available and due FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026. OPEN TO: Rising College Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors Click HERE for more info.