The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) recently held its annual conference in Harrisburg. Several conservationists were recognized during an awards luncheon on July 19.

The Legislator Leadership Award was presented to Sen. Scott Martin, who was nominated by the Lancaster County Conservation District. This award recognizes legislators for outstanding efforts to further the activities and accomplishments of the state's conservation districts or PACD on a statewide basis. As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Martin is an advocate for conservation efforts across the state. He worked to enact the legislation that created the new statewide Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, which represents a $154 million investment to help improve water quality and soil health. Martin was also instrumental in providing additional funding to conservation districts for their operational needs through the state budget process.

Piper Sherburne was one of two recipients of the President's Award. The PACD executive board president - currently Kelly Stagen - selects an individual, organization, or agency to receive this award in recognition of their outstanding efforts that have resulted in furthering the accomplishments of PACD. Sherburne is PACD's South East Region director and chair of the Berks County Conservation District board. She was recognized for her efforts to eradicate the spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania. Sherburne is known locally, statewide, and now nationally for her knowledge and input regarding this invasive pest.

For more information about the work of the state's 66 conservation districts, visit http://www.pacd.org or http://www.facebook.com/PAConservation.