My interest in conservation and nature was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents who exposed me to hunting, fishing, forestry and the great outdoors. Having lived in a large metropolitan area I saw first hand how development was over taking our open spaces. With a desire to introduce my children to nature and the outdoor recreation which I enjoyed, I purchased a 35 acre property in Scotch Hill. I then realized that conservation was more than just owning land. Conservation is practicing stewardship and making your property better than it was when you obtained it. As a nonresident for many years, I had minimal success at enhancing the habitat or improving the forest stand but gained valuable insight on conservation and stewardship. After retiring from IBM and relocating to Hillwood, a 175 acre parcel near Lucinda, I was able to concentrate my efforts to manage and improve on what was there. To guide my activity, I had both a forest stewardship & a wildlife management plan written. Hillwood was certified by the American Tree Farm System and we were later honored as the 2008 Pennsylvania Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year.

Desiring to learn more about conservation I became a Pennsylvania Forest Steward, joined the Clarion County Forest Stewardship Committee, and assisted in establishing the Woodland Owners of Clarion – Allegheny Valley where I serve as president. WOCAV is an organization dedicated to providing outreach and education to the community on conservation, stewardship, and habitat improvement, as well as promoting sustainable forestry practices.

I have served as a Public Director of the Clarion Conservation District since June of 2006.

Chairman,

George Schmader