In The Loop

While the Authority believes that every day is a time to celebrate our Earth, we would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the special day that started a movement over 42 years ago. On April 22nd, millions of people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012, to help make a difference in our world. It's a unique day to pay special attention to our surrounding environment and the impact it has on our everyday lives. Numerous events take place all across the county, from clean-ups to festivals. What will you do to celebrate?  For more information and ideas on how you can get involved, visit PA's Earth Day Central.

Let's celebrate our Earth together!

It was an exciting way to kick-off spring…popcorn, Cracker Jacks, ice cream and BASEBALL. 

Last evening, LCSWMA celebrated the first game held on Creswell Park’s new ball field in Manor Township. LCSWMA built the new field, late last year, as part of its continued effort to support the local community and provide recreational opportunities for residents.

Jim Warner, LCSWMA’s CEO, threw out the first pitch in an opening ceremony and shared his delight in seeing this project come to fruition. He spoke about his vision for the Authority to continually give back to the community and support healthy activities for kids and their families. Brian Snyder, President of the Penn Manor Youth Baseball & Softball Association (PMYBSA), presented Jim with a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new field.

The teams played a great game and showed off their baseball skills. All players and spectators were treated to a goody bag from LCSWMA, filled with some baseball favorites—popcorn and Cracker Jacks.

We’d like to give a BIG thanks to Turkey Hill Dairy who showed their support by handing out free ice cream and drinks to all who attended. Even some animal friends enjoyed a treat. There were smiles all around and a great time had by all.

Thank you Lancaster County! It’s a pleasure partnering with you.

William Ebel, who serves on LCSWMA's board of directors, has been selected as a finalist for the 2012 Lancaster Conservationist of the Year. The Authority extends our congratulations to Mr. Ebel. We look forward to learning who will be named the winner. For more information, click here to view the press release issued by the Manheim Township Park and Recreation Department.

To read more about Mr. Ebel, click here.

We have some exciting news to share! LCSWMA has received a $75,000 grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the Chestnut Grove Natural Area (CGNA) Ecological Restoration Project. Ths grant will be used towards LCSWMA's efforts of restoring 93 acres of welands, wet meadows and uplands in Manor Township.

Located near our Frey Farm Landfill, the 93-acre site is part of the larger CGNA project, totaling 170-acres of restoration and preservation. This comprehensive project seeks to restore healthy, native habitats for wildlife, in addition to creating passive recreation and educational opportunities for public use.

LCSWMA employed Applied Ecological Services to develop a master plan for the site and hired LandStudies as the consultant to implement the plan, which will span several years. The CGNA project is a collaborative effort of LCSWMA, Lancaster County Conservancy, PA Chapter of the America Chestnut Foundation, Open Space Committee, Manor Township and Franklin & Marshall College.

Registration is now open for the 2012 Great American  Cleanup of Lancaster County. Event coordinators can register their event at www.gacofpa.org which is the Great American Cleanup of PA website. This event is held in conjunction with the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup and in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association and other partners.

The 2012 Great American Cleanup of PA begins on March 1st and ends on May 31st. During this period, registered events can get free bags, gloves, and vests from PennDOT district offices. Events can consist of litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification projects, special collections, compost and recycling events, and/or educational events. Events must be registered  through the Great American Cleanup of PA website, www.gacofpa.org, to get free supplies.

In 2011, over 600 volunteers collected 17,215 pounds of litter, debris, and bulky waste from public lands and rights-of-way in Lancaster County. Plus, an additional 2,750 people attended educational sessions.

To register an event, volunteer for an event in your neighborhood, or for additional information on the Great American Cleanup of PA, visit www.gacofpa.org. Any additional questions can be answered by Barbara Baker, Great American Cleanup of Lancaster County Coordinator, at bbaker@lcswma.org.

The Lancaster County Conservancy's proposed Urban Forest Center project is about to take another step forward. Two public meetings have been scheduled to present the master plan for the Center and to encourage public ideas and comments on the plan. The public is urged to attend one of these meetings to learn more about the project and provide ideas to make this a project that truly reflects the needs and desires of the community. Refreshments will be served. The meetings are scheduled for:

Monday, February 27th from 7 - 9 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church on Marrietta Avenue, Lancaster.

Saturday, March 10th* from 9 - 11 a.m. at James Street Mennonite Church on West James Street, Lancaster.

*Please RSVP for the March 10th meeting to bmoyer@lancasterconservancy.org or call (717) 392-7891.

LCSWMA is pleased to announce that we've achieved another perfect year of protecting the environment at our Frey Farm Landfill. Click on the image below to view the Frey Farm Landfill as it compares to its peers in environmental performance.

LCSWMA is purchasing the property located at 1301 Harrisburg Pike, next to its Transfer Station Complex in Lancaster. The property, 1.8 acres in size, is currently owned by Way Delivery Services. Purchase price is $1.2 million, with a sale date effective on January 1, 2012. The property houses Way Delivery Services, 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Adecco USA and the Lancaster Postal Employees Credit Union. LCSWMA will lease the property for all of 2012 and expects approximately $75,000 in lease payments. LCSWMA's interest in the property is for future expansion. Details on the type of expansion are undefined at this time.