NAPS Receives Praise from USDA

The US Department of Agriculture awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to NAPS (Northumberland Assn. for Progressive Stewardship) and its Earth Team leader Michael Ahart, for annual creek cleanup events and other volunteer efforts. The commendation is "in recognition of contributions to the conservation of our Nation's natural resources and environment," according to the certificate.

NAPS worked closely with the USDA's National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) on several cleanup projects and plans to join efforts again for its Fall Creek Cleanup event.

NAPS annual Creek Cleanup events enlist dozens of area citizens – watermen, students, homeowners – to remove thousands of pounds of trash from area waterways. Considering the social opportunity and learning experience for community members, the true value of this activity extends well beyond the calculated value of volunteer time (nearly $5,000 at the federal rate).

Click here for article and slideshow of last year's creek cleanup.