Seeking Early Sponsors!
Sponsorship opportunities are available here.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
About the Event
Celebrating Impact at the Local Level
About: The South Mountain Partnership hosts the Annual “Power of the Partnership” Celebration each year. With more than 100 people in attendance, the event celebrates the people and groups protecting and promoting this wonderful place that we all call home – the farms and farmland, historic places, businesses vibrant communities and downtowns, water and air quality, wildlife and habitat, and parks, trails, and open spaces. We take pride in making this event a fun, tasty, and meaningful program you won’t want to miss.
This year: The South Mountain Conservation Landscape is built around our incredible core of public land, and we are so excited for this event to feature the Kings Gap Environmental Education Center. Come for the incredible views, rich history, and to learn about newly completed projects at this treasured resource.
Registration includes an interactive networking hour, full local lunch, and entrance to the celebration program: inspirational speaker(s), award of the Spirit of South Mountain, award of upcoming Mini-Grant and Flex Grant projects, and an opportunity to connect and celebrate with friends and colleagues, new and old.
In addition to hearing from our host, Cumberland County, guest speakers Julie Vastine and Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward will explore the impact of local advocacy and action in our community. Those working in the conservation fields are experiencing increased challenges that affirm the importance of working together locally to ensure our home is healthy and accessible for generations yet to come. Both of these speakers have a long history of making change in the South Mountain Region. Speakers will explore what residents, influencers, and local officials should do in their community.
These celebrations are a great way to hear about amazing work happening in your home. Join us!
The event will also feature the awarding of the 2025 South Mountain Grant Program and the Spirit of South Mountain!
Come celebrate with us!
Seeking Volunteers
- We are offering a limited number of complimentary tickets in exchange for volunteering at the event.
- If you are interested, please FILL OUT THIS FORM.
Event Details
Agenda
11:00 am – 11:45 am
Networking & Connection at the Cameron-Masland Mansion
12:00 noon – 12:30 pm
Lunch Served
Locally sourced and seasonal.
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Welcome
Dr. Claire Jantz, Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Cumberland County Commissioners Kelly Neiderer and Jean Foschi, and Generous sponsors
1:10 pm – 1:20 pm
Unveiling of the Cumberland County Land Partnership Plan
Stephanie Williams, Cumberland County Planning Department
1:20 pm – 2:10 pm
Keynote Panel Discussion: Creating Impact and Change at the Local Level
Wondering how you can act to support our home despite challenging times? Julie Vastine, a resident of the South Mountain Region and participatory science leader, will address the power we have to impact change from both a research and community lens. Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward, board member of the Cumberland Valley Rails to Trails Council, Inc. will share lessons learned from building a regional trail and coordinating with diverse partners, citizens and local governments to make it happen. There will also be time for discussion with attendees.
2:20 pm – 2:45 pm
South Mountain Grant Awards
Over $50,000 of grants funds will be awarded to exciting 2025 projects.
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Spirit of South Mountain Award
Who will be awarded this distinction that recognizes individuals, projects, or organizations that have gone above and beyond to advance a positive future for the South Mountain landscape?
Join us to see!
Now accepting event sponsorships. See details here.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
