Current Projects

Composting (on-farm)

During 2018 Capital RC&D visited farms in Pennsylvania successfully using on-farm composting systems to turn organic waste, including manure, plant material, food and bedding into a valuable soil amendment. Information about their success can be view in a series of videos

CREP

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)promotes the health of local waterways and wildlife habitats.The Capital RC&D project provides technical assistance to landowners enrolled in CREP and CRP (Conservation Reserve Program).

Grass Roots

Prescribed Grazing is an interactive planning method, done with the operator based on individual goals and needs which can include intensive rotational, rotational, and continuous grazing. ​

Growing Green Series

The Growing Green Series is intended to provide farmers with simple and easy to understand informational about some common conservation practices that can be shared with neighbors and customers to help them understand how your farm is protecting the environment. ​

High Tunnel Support

By working closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and partners, RC&D is able to provide technical support to agricultural producers utilizing high tunnel technology and NRCS resources.

Life in the Soil Video Series

 ​A video series illustrating the variety of microscopic life found in Pennsylvania Soils.

Local Food Initiative

The goal of the local foods initiative is to provide support for farmers marketing directly to consumers, as well as encouraging the consumption of locally produced agricultural products by providing options and information to consumers. ​

No-Till and Soil Health Support

This program is intended to support farm profitability and soil health with peer-to-peer and technical support for no-till systems and other soil health best management practices.

NRCS  Technical Assistance

South Central PA Food Systems Alliance
The NRCS Program Technical Assistance project provides well-trained Capital RC&D staff to the NRCS to aid in moving forward best management practices and providing educational outreach.
The South Central PA Food Systems Alliance brings together many parts of the regional food system to network, learn and collaborate.​​

Past Projects

Claremont Community Gardens

Capital RC&D is collaborating with the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (CNRC) and several other stakeholders, to introduce a horticultural therapy program to benefit the nursing home residents. ​

Conservation Stewardship Program Outreach

​The Capital RC&D is helping to “spread the word” about this new opportunity for landowners (with crop, pasture and forested areas) who are good stewards and want to potentially add additional “conservation practices.”

C-Saw Program

Pennsylvania RC&D Councils provide organizational assistance to watershed groups. ​

Park The Plow for Profit

Through the Park the Plow program, Capital RC&D promotes no-till farming as a more profitable and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional farming methods. ​

Regional Energy Initiatives

This developing project will assist landowners and private sector partners in assessing the market for renewable energy feedstock production, processing and distribution within the Capital RC&D region as well as provide resources for assistance to farms needing energy conservation “audits.” ​

SNAP Assistance Program

Information toolkits and assistance continue to be available from Capital RC&D from this now completed project.The goal of the project was to enhance and improve the marketing efforts of the region’s open-air farmers markets while increasing access for low-income citizens. ​

South Mountain Community Supported Forests

Community Supported Forests reflect a community shared land ethic. We know we want to protect the character and quality of life that Central Pennsylvania’s scenic woodlands and ridges provide us.

South Mountain Geo Trail Project

Travel across the South Mountain region and you will find an abundance of cultural and natural treasures from farms and farm markets, wineries, historic sites, forestland, unique water features, and bustling recreation assets. ​

Taste the Gifts of Our Region
Capital RC&D has designed the "Taste the Gifts of our Region" guide to acquaint the local public with Pennsylvania’s distinct agricultural heritage. ​​