PENN STATE EXTENSION
April 19, 2016

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect known to be established in Eastern Berks County and portions of Montgomery, Bucks and Chester Counties.  This insect has potential to severely impact a number of agricultural commodities.  Attempts are being made to eradicate this insect in the affected area.

Residents of municipalities included in the quarantine are encouraged to sign up as volunteers to band trees to trap and destroy this insect on their property. To participate, you must own property with a confirmed population of spotted lanternfly, and have Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) trees.  Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) crews will service other targeted properties where volunteers are not available.

Volunteers must attend a training session to participate.

For more details, click here.

On May 24, 2016, the Southeast Pennsylvania Conservation Districts will hold an informative workshop dealing with NPDES Construction Permitting, PCSM, and Other State Requirements. It will be held at the Montgomery County Community College Science Center Theater.  For additional information about the Workshop or to register, please click here to download the flyer.

Montgomery County Conservation District’s annual report for 2015 is now available.  To read about last year’s work and accomplishments, please click here.

The County has scheduled paper shredding, tire collection and household hazardous waste collection events throughout the County for 2016. Click here to see the schedule.

Because electronics manufacturers are not sponsoring collection events in Southeast Pennsylvania, the County is unable to offer any electronics recycling for this year. An amendment to the state electronics recycling law, called the Covered Device Recycling Act, is needed to ensure the availability of recycling outlets.

In the meantime, please make sure to pay for proper disposal of items like television sets and computer monitors. If they are still in working condition, a nonprofit like the Salvation Army or Team Children might take them.

For an overview of the Covered Device Recycling Act please see:
www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-109540/2520-FS-DEP4324.pdf.

For more information on the collection events, please go to www.montgomerycountyrecycles.org.

The Schuylkill Street Art Contest, hosted by the Schuylkill Action Network, is looking for student designs that convey an environmental message to transform into street art surrounding a storm drain.  The art will educate others on the connection between storm drains and streams.

Any student in grades 6th through 12th can participate by mailing their original artwork and a contest form to Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, 110 S. Poplar Street, Suite 202, Wilmington, DE 19801.  Submissions must be mailed by March 11, 2016.

Click here to download the contest submission form.

The winning design with a clean water message will be transformed into a public art display in a prominent County location.  First and second place will have their artwork framed and presented to the school.  First, second and third place will also receive a pizza party!

Please encourage your students to participate.  For some ideas, check out the Philly competition:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/philadelphiawater/with/17313476635/.

For questions, contact Virginia Vassalotti at VVassalotti@DelawareEstuary.org or 302-655-4990 ext. 121.