Dear Friend,

During the weeks leading up to our virtual event, on October 8, we've been  profiling the eleven amazing women from Southwest PA we're celebrating this year. Today, for our final profile, meet one of our Women of Lifetime Achievement in Conservation, Beverly Braverman – Executive Director of Mountain Watershed Association.

Meet Beverly Braverman
Woman of the Lifetime Achievement in Conservation

Beverly Braverman was one of the founders of the Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) in 1994.  MWA is a grassroots community-based organization with its roots in the Indian Creek Watershed (a sub-basin of the Youghiogheny River), located in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties. Like so many grassroots groups, it began its existence on a dark and stormy night around a community member’s kitchen table, discussing concerns about a possible underground coal mine opening in the watershed. MWA developed a comprehensive restoration plan for the 125 square miles of the Indian Creek watershed in 1998 and has been successful in implementing that comprehensive plan over the past 22 years.

Braverman became Executive Director in 1996.  MWA continues to build capacity to implement its mission to protect, preserve and restore the Indian Creek Watershed, greater Youghiogheny River Watershed and surrounding areas with eight full-time employees, one Americorps members, and numerous supporters, volunteers, and partners. 

In 2003 MWA was invited to submit a petition to the international Waterkeeper Alliance to become the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper. When it was accepted Braverman took on that role, and in 2006 was able to hire a new employee to fill that position.

In 2010 MWA received a Growing Greener grant to develop a plan explaining the Operations, Maintenance, and Repair of all the treatment systems it had constructed. Since 2017 MWA has funded over 80 projects through the Direct Support Project and has worked with more than 40 community groups on shale and coal issues.

MWA continues to address remediation at the Marsolino discharge, the Rondell-Correal discharge, the Lawrence discharge, and the Fulton discharge.  Comprehensive water sampling is needed to determine which streams are fishable and swimmable.  In addition, the development of Marcellus gas in the area has created the urgent necessity for increased data collection.  

Braverman holds a BS, MA, MS, and JD.  Her husband of 44 years Allan Ferens and two children support the work MWA does for the environment. 

Congratulations, Beverly!

THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!

The Event Goes On!
Tickets Now Available!

WOMEN IN CONSERVATION AWARDS VIRTUAL EVENT
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2020, 5:30-7pm

TICKET OPTIONS

$40 Login Ticket for Zoom Access: 
Includes a "PennFuture Swag Bag" with: a PennFuture Mask, Hand Sanitizer, Stylus Pen & Pad made from recycled materials, and a Honey Bee Mix Seed Packet mailed to you. Ticket also includes a $25 donation to PennFuture, which makes you a member of PennFuture!

$65 Login Ticket + Honor Your Favorite Nominee!!
Pick one of the 11 Women to make a special donation in their name. You'll be recognized for this special gift during the event! Includes Login Ticket, PennFuture Swag Bag, and a $50 donation to honor the woman of your choice! This also makes you a member of PennFuture!

Bonus: the first 50 tickets sold get a PennFuture
"watchdog doggie bandana"!

NOTE: With either ticket you get one Zoom Login which can not be shared. However, you are welcome to have a socially distant gathering with your family and friends to watch the event from your home. Sorry that we can't supply the food or beverages we normally would for an event like this, but you are welcome to bring your own! It is a "Celebration" after all!

Can't make it on the 8th? No problem! A recording of the event will be made available to all ticket holders. You can also purchase a tickets as a "gift" for a friend - just let us know who you want to invite!

Special Opportunity for Small Businesses & Organizations:
Be an Award Sponsor!
Eleven Three Award Sponsorships are still available:
one for each woman - for only $150 each. 
In addition to a Login Ticket and the PennFuture Swag Bag, we'll include your logo in all future promotional materials as well as provide special recognition during the event. 

If you would like information about being an Award Sponsor, please contact Susanne Whitehead at whitehead@pennfuture.org.

Each year, PennFuture honors the accomplishments of exceptional women conservationists in Pennsylvania. The 2020 Celebrating Women in Conservation Awards are designed to encourage continuing excellence in conservation and to forge a stronger network of exceptional women working to protect Pennsylvania’s environment. The event also raises important funds to support PennFuture as a watchdog for clean air, water, and energy.

Since its inception in 2015, this event has traveled around the state to different communities to ensure recognition of local leaders, volunteers, and career professionals. And for 2020 we are celebrating women in Southwest Pennsylvania.