The Environmental Discussion Panel is just the first step to overcoming the horrible statistics that plague York County, such as York is the 14th worst city in the entire nation for air quality and pollution (Los Angeles ranks #1 worst!).

Step 2 is defining a list of environmental organizations that currently exist and expanding their rosters of volunteers to help in the battle to take back York from polluters and ignorance.

Step 3 is creating organizations to cover the gaps when there are no current environmental groups in the county.

I thought it would have been more helpful if each panelist had listed their own organization and told audience members how to become a part of that vehicle for environmental advocacy. Since few of them did, I will create that list and get back to you. That way these organizations can become more visible, and we can change the lazy mindset and image of York County.

Here's a starter:
Michael Helfrich, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, has a website where volunteers can sign up and get their hands dirty by cleaning up the rivers. That website is:
http://www.lowersusquehannariverkeeper.org/

Here's a volunteer program that Gifford Pinchot's website sponsors. I don't think this was mentioned at the panel either.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cons/

In their words, "Imagine being able to say that you played a role in helping enhance our bountiful natural lands. Well, you can. Through the Conservation Volunteer program at the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), you can don your work clothes and help build a trail, plant a flower garden, teach a group of students about wildlife, or welcome visitors to "your" campground."

And they said nobody is planting trees any more...

Tell York County Representative Eugene DePasquale what you think of making Pennsylvania energy independent and other "green" initiatives for the state.

http://www.pahouse.com/DePasquale/Energy.asp

After listening to this man talk, at Martin Library's panel, I can tell that Mr. DePasquale genuinely cares about York and the environment. He wants York Countians to help lead the way by giving their input.

If you go to the Shank's Mare website, there is a link for the Watershed Alliance of York. You can sponsor and get involved in stream-cleanup by going to this website:

http://www.watershedsyork.org/