The Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance (SCRA) is excited to announce its inaugural conference, Abandoned Mine Pools as Beneficial Resources, taking place June 4–5, 2025, at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. SCRA is proud to partner with the Sierra Club North Central Pennsylvania Group (NCPA), whose members will be volunteering their time at the conference. Volunteers will assist with guest arrivals, registration, and general support, helping ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all attendees. The Sierra Club’s involvement highlights the spirit of community partnerships. This is the first conference organized by SCRA and we’re grateful to have the support of our friends at the Sierra Club.
With close to 20 speakers from academia, government agencies, industry, and non-profit sectors, the conference will bring together leading experts to share cutting-edge research and practical applications aimed at turning environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation, reclamation, and community revitalization.
Registration for the conference is open through May 16, 2025. All members of the public are welcome to attend. The General Admission price is $100 with a reduced Student rate of $25. Seating is limited. Your registration fee includes lunch on Day 1 and light refreshments throughout the event. (Dinner will be on your own.)
“This conference is an important step toward reimagining how we address Pennsylvania’s legacy abandoned mine pools,” said Heather Makal, SCRA Director. “We are honored to have the Sierra Club join us in making this event a success. Their support, along with the expertise of our presenters, will help advance the discussion on opportunities for environmental restoration.”
The Abandoned Mine Pools as Beneficial Resources conference promises to be a catalyst for advancing sustainable solutions for abandoned mine lands. Read about the conference agenda here and register here.
The conference is co-sponsored by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, Kleinfelder and Tetra Tech.
Several years ago the Sierra Club supported SCRA in their effort for a Huplit Grant to restore a section of Shamokin Creek.
Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance has been very active in involving school students in some of their projects. The North Central Pennsylvania Group fully supports the efforts to positively involve students in improving their environment. We are pleased to assist SCRA in their efforts to promote a positive benefit from the mine pools in the Kulpmont area.
This blog was included as part of the May 2025 Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!