Conservation in Your Life Study Packet 2025 PDF

Please note dates are included for historical context. THE FOCUS OF STUDY IS THE 3 CONTRIBUTION EACH OF THESE INDIVIDUALS MADE TO CONSERVATION. John J Audubon was an ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He painted, catalogued and descri...

Please note dates are included for historical context. THE FOCUS OF STUDY IS THE 3 CONTRIBUTION EACH OF THESE INDIVIDUALS MADE TO CONSERVATION. John J Audubon was an ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He painted, catalogued and described the birds of North America. An edition of Audubon’s Birds of America was published in the United States in 1842. He made many expeditions in North America, documenting his findings in words and images. The National Audubon Society was incorporated and named in his honor in 1905. John J Audubon (1785-1851) Famous Conservationists Rachel Carson was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She was a zoologist and marine biologist. Carson was very concerned about the use of pesticides. Most notable is her book, Silent Spring, (1962) which focused on the pesticides and the environmental connectedness. She promoted the responsible and carefully managed use of pesticides (primarily DDT) with an awareness of the chemicals’ impact on the environment. In 1980, Carson was honored by the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Rachel Carson (1907-1964)  4 Aldo Leopold was born in Burlington, Iowa. He is considered the “father of wildlife management.” Leopold was an ecologist, forester and environmentalist. He was influential in the development of modern environmental ethics and in wilderness protection. An advocate for the preservation of wildlife and wilderness areas, he became the founder of the Wilderness Society in 1933. He wrote A Sand County Almanac which spurred the environmental movement and a widespread interest in ecology as a science. Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) Famous Conservationists John Muir was born in Scotland and emigrated to the United States in 1849. His letters, essays, and books telling of his own adventures in nature were quite popular. He founded the Sierra Club in 1892. Muir’s first book, The Mountains of California, was published in 1894. His direct activism helped to save the Yosemite Valley and other natural areas. The John Muir Trail, the John Muir Wilderness and Muir Woods National Monument are named on his honor. His image appears on the 2005 California State quarter. John Muir (1838-1914)  5 Gifford Pinchot was born Simsbury, CT. He was the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and served 2 terms as Governor of Pennsylvania. As Chief of the U.S. Forest Service under President Theodore Roosevelt, Pinchot was famous for the management and development of forests in the United States. He supported scientific conservation for the planned use and renewal of the Nation’s forest reserves. Gifford Pinchot State Park in Lewisberry, PA and Gifford Pinchot National Forest in WA are named in his honor. Gifford Pinchot (1865-1946) Famous Conservationists Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the U.S. and was a solider and a naturalist. President Roosevelt understood the growing negative influence and long-term effects of human forces on the planet. He decided that it was overdue to put the issue of conservation high on the national agenda. He worked with all the major figures of the movement, especially his chief advisor on the matter, Gifford Pinchot. Roosevelt set aside more land for National parks and nature preserves than all of his predecessors combined. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the Badlands commemorates Roosevelt. Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)  6 Izaak Walton was born in England. He was a biographer and author. In 1653, the first edition of his famous book, The Compleat Angler, was published. It is about the joy and strategy of fishing. The Izaak Walton League, inspired by and named for Izaak Walton, is an American association of sportsmen. Founded in 1922, its mission is to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife. The Izaak Walton League of America, York Chapter #67 has been involved with the Envirothon for many years. Izaak Walton (1593-1683) Famous Conservationists Gaylord Anton Nelson was an American politician and environmentalist from Wisconsin who served as a United States Senator and Governor. A Democrat, he was the founder of Earth Day, which launched a new wave of environmental activism. After Nelson's 1980 defeat for re- election, he became counselor for The Wilderness Society in January 1981. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to civilians in the U.S., from President Bill Clinton in September 1995 in recognition of his environmental work. Gaylord Anton Nelson (1916-2005)  7 Laws, Regulations and Government Involvement The following is a brief summary of selected major environmental laws and involvement at the Federal, State and local levels. Sources for this information include: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PA Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, York County Parks, York County Conservation District, and the York County Solid Waste Authority.  8 Federal and State Laws The Clean Water Act Pollution Prevention Act 1972 1990 Federal law established the basic Federal law that focuses on structure for regulating discharges reducing the amount of pollution of pollutants into the waters of the through cost-effective changes in US and regulating quality production, operation, and raw standards for surface waters. materials use (source reduction). Implemented pollution control Source reduction refers to programs and made it unlawful to practices that reduce hazardous discharge any pollutant from a substances from being released point source into navigable waters, into the environment prior to unless a permit was obtained. recycling, treatment, or disposal. National Pollutant Discharge Pollution prevention also includes Elimination System (NPDES) other practices that increase permit program in place to control efficiency in the use of energy, discharges. water, or other natural resources, and protect our resource base through conservation. Practices include recycling, source reduction, and sustainable agriculture.  9 Federal and State Laws Endangered Species Act PA Clean Streams Law 1973 1937 Federal law that provides a State law which was one of the program for the conservation of first such environmental laws in threatened and endangered the country to bring industrial plants and animals and the wastes under legal control. habitats in which they are found. Aim was “to preserve and improve The list of threatened and the purity of the waters of the endangered species is maintained Commonwealth for the protection by the US Fish and Wildlife Service of public health, animal and of the Department of the Interior. aquatic life, and industrial Species include birds, fish, insects, consumption and recreation.” reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, Water quality standards were flowers, grasses, and weeds. developed for all surface waters in The Act can control pesticide use the 1960s and are reviewed every if it determined that an three years. endangered species or its habitat will be adversely affected by the use of pesticide.  10 PA State Agencies PA Game Commission (PGC) In existence for over 100 years, the PA Game Commission has four main focus areas: Wildlife Management - managing all wild birds and mammals by monitoring wildlife populations, establishing laws and regulations, setting seasons and bag limits, making habitat improvements, providing outright protection, educating the public, and assessing public expectations. Wildlife Protection – enforce hunting and trapping laws, investigate hunting accidents, conduct wildlife surveys, assist in research projects, provide education. Wildlife Habitat Management - each State Game Land has an individual management plan designed to improve wildlife habitat and provide recreational opportunities. Currently 300 State Game Lands comprise more than 1.4 million acres. Information and Education - officers, professionals and volunteers provide thousands of hours annually giving wildlife programs at schools, outdoor shows and other events. PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Established in 1866, it is one of the oldest and most effective conservation agencies in the nation. Its mission is to provide fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic resources. Its goals are: Protect, conserve, and enhance all aquatic resources. Provide protection for aquatic resource users. Advocate for the safe use of PA aquatic resources. Provides un-powered boat permits. Kayaks, canoes, rowboats and other un-powered boats used in PFBC lakes or access. areas, PA State Parks, or PA State Forests must be properly registered, or display a valid and official Commission use permit, or display an official and valid watercraft launch or mooring permit issued by DCNR.  11 PA State Agencies (continued) PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Established in 1995, DCNR is charged with: Maintaining and preserving the State parks. Managing State forest land. Providing information on the State’s ecological and geologic resources. Establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas. Federal Agencies U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Established on December 2, 1970 (shortly after the first Earth Day). Purpose was to consolidate in one agency a variety of federal research, monitoring, standard-setting and enforcement activities to ensure environmental protection. Lead agency that was responsible for monitoring off-site radiation levels at the most serious US commercial nuclear power plant accident - the partial meltdown of the Unit 2 reactor on Three Mile Island.  12 County Government and Programs Apollo County Park Raab County Park York County Parks Department Heritage Rail Trail Rocky Ridge County Park Highpoint Scenic Area Spring Valley County Park John Rudy County Park Established as a County department in 1968, its mission is Wallace Cross Mill to enhance the quality of community life, acting as a Native Lands County Park William Kain County Park steward of the environment. County parks acquire, Nixon County Park preserve, and manage parkland and offer recreational and educational opportunities. York County Parks maintains over 4,500 acres for your enjoyment. York County Conservation District The York County Conservation District is the county government office devoted to assisting residents with their natural resource and environmental concerns. The District was founded in 1938 when 554 farmers signed a petition requesting assistance for protecting the natural resources of York County. The YCCD not only assists farmers, but also all county residents, by promoting the maintenance, improvement and wise use of land, water, soil and other related natural resources within the County. The mission is accomplished through educational programs and the administration of laws and regulations for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the State Conservation Commission. Areas of interest and programs of the YCCD include: erosion and sediment pollution control, biosolids management and conservation, water resources planning, PA Nutrient Management Act, annual seedling sale, PA Natural Areas Diversity Inventory (PNDI), Watershed Program, & educational opportunities such as the York County Envirothon!  County Government and 13 Programs York County Solid Waste Authority YCSWA was established in 1971 by the County Commissioners to ensure the adequate and proper disposal of all municipal solid waste generated in York County. The Authority developed a comprehensive integrated municipal waste management plan which emphasizes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. In 1989, the Resource Recovery Center began processing York County waste and generating electricity. The Authority also helps municipalities with recycling. No matter where you live in York County, your trash hauler delivers your garbage to the York County Resource Recovery Center. The Center is a waste-to-energy facility that burns garbage in accordance with strict environmental standards. Garbage is the “fuel” that is used to heat boilers to make steam. The steam powers a turbine and a generator to produce electricity. Instead of putting raw garbage into a landfill, it is now “recycled” into electricity! The heat produced by combusting garbage is used to boil water to create steam. The steam pressure is harnessed to operate a turbine and generator. Generator produces enough continuous energy to power more than 20,000 homes!  14 Conservation at the municipal level Citizens can participate in a variety of activities to conserve our natural resources!  15 THE HISTORY OF EARTH DAY Setting the stage for the first earth day In the 1970’s, Americans were slurping leaded gas through massive V8 sedans. Industry belched out smoke and sludge with little fear of legal consequences or bad press. Air pollution was commonly accepted as the smell of prosperity. “Environment” was a word that appeared more often in spelling bees than on the evening news. Although mainstream America largely remained oblivious to environmental concerns, the stage had been set for change by the publication of Rachel Carson’s New York Times bestseller Silent Spring in 1962. The book represented a watershed moment, selling more than 500,000 copies in 24 countries, and beginning to raise public awareness and concern for living organisms, the environment and links between pollution and public health. Earth Day 1970 gave voice to that emerging awareness and putting environmental concerns on the front page. The Idea for the first Earth Day Earth Day 1970 achieved a rare political alignment, enlisting support from Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a Republicans and Democrats, rich and poor, US Senator from Wisconsin, conceived city slickers and farmers, tycoons and labor Earth Day after witnessing the ravages of leaders. The first Earth Day in 1970 is credited the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, with launching the modern environmental CA. With the emerging public awareness movement. It is now recognized as the about air and water pollution, having a planet’s largest civic event and led to the national day to focus on our environment creation of the United States Environmental would force environmental protection Protection Agency and to passage of onto the national stage. Senator Nelson landmark environmental laws in the United announced the idea for a “national teach- States, including the Clean Air, Clear Water in on the environment” to the national and Endangered Species Acts. “It was a media; persuaded Pete McCloskey, a gamble,” Nelson recalled, “but it worked.” conservation-minded Republican Congressman and Denis Hayes from As 1990 approached, a group of Harvard to help. They built a national staff environmental leaders asked Denis Hayes to of 85 to promote events across the land. organize another big campaign. This time, April 22, falling between Spring Break and Earth Day went global, mobilizing 200 Final Exams, was selected as the date. million people in 141 countries and lifting environmental issues onto the world stage. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans Earth Day 1990 gave a huge boost to took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums recycling efforts worldwide and helped pave to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable the way for the 1992 United Nations Earth environment in massive coast-to-coast Summit in Rio de Janeiro. It also prompted rallies. Thousands of colleges organized President Bill Clinton to award Senator protests against the deterioration of the Nelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom environment. Groups that had been (1995)—the highest honor given to civilians in fighting against pollution and loss of the United States—for his role as Earth Day wilderness suddenly realized they shared founder. common values.  16 Earth Day Today As the millennium approached, Hayes agreed to spearhead Earth Day is now a global another campaign, this time event each year. It is focused on global warming and a push for clean energy. With 5,000 estimated more than 1 environmental groups in a record billion people in 192 184 countries reaching out to countries now take part in hundreds of millions of people, what is the largest civic- Earth Day 2000 combined the big-picture feistiness of the first focused day of action in the Earth Day with the international world. grassroots activism of Earth Day 1990. Earth Day 2000 used the power of the Internet to organize activists, but also featured a drum chain that traveled from village to village in Gabon, Africa. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall in On Earth Day in 2010, Earth Day Network Washington, DC for a First brought 250,000 people to the National Mall for Amendment Rally. Earth Day a Climate Rally, launched the world’s largest 2000 sent world leaders the loud environmental service project - A Billion Acts of and clear message that citizens Green - introduced a global tree planting around the world wanted quick initiative that has since grown into The Canopy and decisive action on global Project, and engaged 75,000 partners in 192 warming and clean energy. countries in observing Earth Day. What is Earth Day? What is meant to accomplish? On April 22, 1970, millions of people took to the streets to protest the negative impacts of 150 years of industrial development. In the U.S. and around the world, smog was becoming deadly and evidence was growing that pollution led to developmental delays in children. Biodiversity was in decline as a result of the heavy use of pesticides and other pollutants. The global ecological awareness was growing, and the US Congress and President Nixon responded quickly. In July of the same year, they created the Environmental Protection Agency, and robust environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, among many.  17 RECYCLING INTERESTING FACTS AND FIGURES TRASH ALUMINUM AND STEEL On average, each one of us produces A recycled aluminum can is back on 4.5 pounds of solid waste each day! a grocery shelf as a new can in as For a family of four, the yearly total little as 60 days! comes to about 6,500 pounds - nearly Like all metals, aluminum and steel the weight of a hippopotamus! can be recycled indefinitely. In fact, nearly 75% of all the aluminum produced since 1888 is still in use today. PAPER PLASTICS A ton of recycled paper can save 17 Over 500 million plastic straws are trees, 380 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards used every day in the US, which of landfill space, 7, 000 gallons of would fill over 127 school buses DAILY! water, and 4,000 kilowatts of energy - 5 recycled plastic soda bottles provide enough to heat an average home for enough fiber to make one XL t-shirt, 6 months! one square foot of carpet, or filling for one ski jacket. The US Environmental Protection Agency requires PA and our neighbors in the 19 Chesapeake Bay Watershed - DE, DC, MD, NY, VA, and WV- to reduce these pollutants by specific amounts by 2025. PA’s targets are: Nitrogen: reduce by 34 million pounds per year Phosphorus: reduce by.7 million pounds per year Sediment (soil): reduce by 531 million pounds per year In order for PA to reach its targets, Phase 3 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plans (WIP) have been developed for the State and 4 pilot counties, including York. York’s plan is called the York County Clean Water Action Plan. The York County Planning Commission and the York County Conservation District partnered with the York County Coalition for Clean Waters, to develop the Plan. The goal of the York County Plan is to reduce nitrogen by 4 million pounds per year by 2025 by focusing on 3 Priority Initiatives: Change regulations to streamline processes between Federal, State, and Local governments. Implement projects on the ground that reduce pollutants entering our streams. Control erosion and sediment runoff through the Clean Water/Healthy Watersheds Program. 4 million pounds is ~ 160 school buses! x 160!  18 Stormwater Many residents are working together to restore Benefits of clean local waters: and protect streams and rivers in PA’s part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed because they value clean drinking water what clean local waters mean for quality of life. food and beverage production by They are participating in community meetings farmers and outdoor projects in 43 counties in the public health watershed to determine actions that will reduce less erosion and flooding reducing the stormwater runoff pollutants. A plan was expense of repairs designed to promote the long-term viability of property value protection farming, outdoor recreation, and other economic outdoor experiences like boating and fishing sectors; protect public health and water income from recreation and tourism supplies; and help communities reduce flooding habitat for fish, insects, birds, animals by improving local water quality in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. When it rains, these pollutants run off surfaces such as farm fields, streets, and parking lots and go right into storm drains where it then goes into our streams and rivers. Stormwater runoff has contributed to the impairment of more than 15,000 miles of streams in Pennsylvania’s part of the watershed and it heads downstream to damage the Chesapeake Bay as well. w ater : m s in stor llutant Ma ff po o nt run edime n s e itr ogr orous n sph pho  20 1. Reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers and chemical herbicides and pesticides. Lawn fertilizers and chemicals are a huge source of nitrogen and phosphorus and cause toxic runoff. 2. Properly dispose of household items. Oils, antifreeze, paint, solvents, and prescription drugs should not be put down a household drain or a storm drain. 3. Landscape with native plants. Native grasses and other native plants do not require the amount of watering or fertilizing that non- natives do. 4. Plant a rain garden. In low lying areas that typically receive a lot of runoff during storms, plant with native plants. These gardens can reduce flooding and erosion. 5. Install a rain barrel (or two). Placed at the base of a downspout, a rain barrel can hold 55-75 gallons of runoff from a roof, reducing flooding and erosion. 6. Eliminate bare spots in your yard. Rain hits the hard ground and causes the dirt to wash away. Also, rain is unable to soak into the soil in a bare spot. 7. Make an appointment to service your septic system. Septic systems should be inspected annually. Failing systems can cause leakage into the ground water and eventually the Bay. 8. Resurface with permeable pavers. Permeable pavers allow rain to soak into the ground and be filtered rather than flowing to the nearest storm drain. 9. Scoop the poop! Keep your neighbors happy and keep harmful nutrients and bacteria out of the waterways by cleaning up after your pet. 10. Don’t litter! Reduce the amount of trash that could end up in the Chesapeake Bay. Adapted from a publication of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  21 Vocabulary Placing items in a recyclables collection Aspirational container that you hope are recyclable but recycling are not (also referred to as “Wish-cycling”) Organic materials-such as wood, food scraps, Biodegradable paper, and grass clippings-that decompose or decay under normal condition When consumers purchase products made Closing the from recycled content. This is the final link in Recyling Loop the recycling loop Conservation The wise use of resources Conservationist Someone who uses natural resources wisely All of the natural and living things surrounding us (including air, water, vegetation, climate, wildlife, humans) that Environment have an influence on us and our physical and biological existence  22 Vocabulary The excessive trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by a blanket of gases. When Greenhouse these naturally occurring gases increase in Effect volume, as the result of certain human activities, they contribute to global climate change The fresh water found beneath the Earth’s Groundwater surface A place where unwanted materials are Landfill deposited, compacted, and covered with dirt Any substance that negatively affects the Pollutant health of humans, animals, or ecosystems Contamination of air, soil, or water with Pollution harmful substances Discarded materials that still have useful physical or chemical properties after serving Recyclables their original purpose and can be reused or remanufactured to make new products  Vocabulary 23 To reuse materials such as glass, aluminum, Recycle steel, and plastic to make new products Resource The extraction of useful material or energy Recovery from a waste stream, such as heat from the burning of municipal solid waste Collection system in which recyclables of Single stream different materials are fully intermixed in a recycling single container and separated later The responsible overseeing and protection of Stewardship something considered worth caring for and preserving Activities designed to reduce the volume, mass, or toxicity of products throughout the Source life cycle. It includes the design and Reduction manufacture, use, and disposal of products with minimum toxic content, minimum volume of material, and/or a longer useful life The land area that drains into a waterbody, Watershed like a creek, river, stream, or ocean