The Pennsylvania State Senate and the House of Representatives declared April 23-30 as “Conservation District Week.”

The dates coincide with Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 28.

Each county has a conservation district office except Philadelphia. These offices have volunteer directors and staff who focus on local conservation issues. They work to ensure there is enough clean water. They also make sure there is healthy soil for the future.

“We are excited to celebrate Conservation District Week,” said Brenda J. Shambaugh, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. “We must support our conservation districts so they can protect our local areas.”

During Conservation District Week, offices across the state will hold events and programs. The McKean County Conservation District is spending the week visiting elementary school classes as they present numerous “My Growing Tree” programs and distribute tree seedlings.

Working together, citizens can ensure there is enough funding for conservation districts. The House of Representatives has less money in their budget for conservation this year, but the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts is encouraging residents to support conservation by asking legislators to fully fund conservation districts.

For more information about the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts Inc., a non-profit organization, visit www.pacd.org.