Developed in 2011 by the National Park Service in partnership with several national- and community-based organzations, as a program to connect the public, especially youth, to the parks and to strengthen the National Park Service role as an education source, the Pathways to Green Careers Program incorporates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education during informal after-school and summer sessions, in an effort to develop the next generation of environmental stewards, citizen scientists, and civic leaders!

The Pathways to Green Careers site is designed to provide information to students, parents, and members of the community regarding the purpose, goals, and specifics of the Pathways to Green Careers Program.  Visit the site often, and follow the progress of the National Park Service and students from the Greater Johnstown High School.  Look for video, photo, and blog updates, follow us on twitter, check out our facebook page - however you chose to stay informed, do so and be apart of this great program!

 

 

"[I]n every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks."

-- John Muir - Steep Trails (1918)

Familiar with events like Johnstown's Thunder in the Valley or the Stonycreek Rendezvous?  Greenhouse Park, a popular event venue located along the Stonycreek River on PA Route 403 near Tire Hill, hosts a variety of annual community events including Thunder in the Valley and the Stonycreek Rendezvous!

To help get the park ready for this summer's events, students involved in the Pathways to Green Careers Program volunteered their time and efforts on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 to assist in the clean-up/restoration of a native plant garden at the park!  Melissa Reckner, Director of the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy's Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team led the initiative, guiding students through the weeding, edging, and mulching of the garden.  Check out the before and after photos posted to the right!

Kudos to the students who - despite the forecast of rain and scattered thunderstorms - participated in the service project and did an awesome job revitalizing the garden!  Thankfully, in the afternoon, the weather broke, providing clear, sunny skies just long enough for the project to be completed!

While the project provided a service to the community, it also reinforced lessons that the students have been learning over the past few weeks.  Remember in mid-April, Kristina Strosnider, Acting Executive Director of Natural Biodiversity, spoke on the use of native species to create sustainable landscapes.  Also, remember that the students researched native plant species which will be planted at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial to create a sustainable native plant garden at the site.  The native plant garden restoration project at Greenhouse Park allowed students to see, first-hand, the beauty and value of native plants and also provided students with a visual/physical example of what to expect the native plant garden at the Johnstown Flood National Memorial to look like.  

Check out the photos from yesterday's event on the Pathways to Green Careers Program Facebook Page!

What's happening at Greenhouse Park?

  • May 18-19, 2012:  The 2012 Stonycreek Rendezvous, hosted by the Benscreek Canoe Club, will be held next Friday and Saturday (May 18-19) at Greenhouse Park!  The event features whitewater rafting trips down the Stony provided by local outfitters - Coal Tubin'  and Wilderness Voyagers.  The event's schedule also includes a downriver canoe race, a silent auction, and live music!
 
  • May 31-June 3, 2012:  The 2012 Kiski-Conemaugh River Sojourn will be held May 31-June 2, 2012.  Participants in this four-day event will paddle through Conemaugh and Packsaddle Gaps and down the lower Conemaugh and Kiski Rivers!  The course follows the Kiski-Conemaugh rivers between Johnstown and Avonmore in southwestern Pennsylvania.  The trip features remnants of the PA Main Line Canal!

 

  • June 16, 2012:  A full-day of on-shore and off-shore festivities are planned for the Stonycreek River of the Year Celebration scheduled for Saturday, June 16th and based at Greenhouse Park.  The Stonycreek won the statewide River of the Year Contest based on local efforts to restore native fisheries. The celebration will start at noon and will feature local bands, exhibits by local watershed organizations, and boating activities and demonstrations!
 
Next Week...
Next Wednesday (May 16, 2012), students involved in the Pathways to Green Careers Program and the Greater Johnstown High School Key Club will restore the "Johnstown Welcome Garden" at the intersection of Bedford and Adams and also plant the Memorial Flag Garden at the Sandyvale Cemetery Memorial Garden.  Check back next week for photos from the event!  
 
Want to be involved in the Pathways to Green Careers Program as a student participant or partner organization?  Interested in signing-up for next year's program?  
Contact Emily Pudliner ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).

 


This Memorial Day, support your local community and volunteer
at Sandyvale Memorial Garden's Memorial Day Celebration at Sandyvale Cemetery in the Hornerstown neighborhood of Johnstown! 

All student volunteers will receive a FREE hot air balloon ride!

What: 
Volunteer at the Memorial Day Celebration at Sandyvale Cemetery
- help direct traffic and assist in crowd control. 

When: 
Monday, May 28, 2012

Where: 
Sandyvale Cemetery - Hornerstown - Johnstown, PA

Contact: 
Contact Emily Pudliner ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) for more information.

Check out the Sandyvale Memorial Day Celebration flyer for more information!