Selinsgrove, PA – Chesapeake Conservancy announced that Adrienne Gemberling has joined the organization as the Susquehanna technical coordinator for the Conservancy’s Implementing Precision Conservation in the Susquehanna River Watershed project.

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Chesapeake Conservancy, in partnership with Susquehanna University, Bloomsburg University, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources was recently awarded funds through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Innovation Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grant program. Gemberling was hired as part of the project which aims to implement riparian buffers on agricultural lands based on geographic information systems (GIS) prioritization of opportunities.

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In her position, Gemberling will provide technical coordination of restoration, monitoring, and related activities. She will also work with Susquehanna University and Bloomsburg University to coordinate internships, student projects and student volunteer work and integrate watershed issues into teaching, research and public outreach.

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“I am excited to work with the Chesapeake Conservancy and all of our project partners on a cutting edge restoration approach that is beneficial to the residents of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, funders and on-the-ground partners, local waterways, and ultimately the health of the Chesapeake Bay itself,” Gemberling said.

She is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a degree in biology and has a master’s degree in biology with a focus on freshwater ecology from Missouri State University. Gemberling is a native of central Pennsylvania and currently resides in the small town of Mifflinburg.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Adrienne to the Chesapeake Conservancy. She comes to us with a breadth of local, on-the-ground knowledge which will expand the capacity of our work in Pennsylvania,” Chesapeake Conservancy Vice President and Director of Programs Jenn Aiosa said.

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“Adrienne brings to this position not only excellent experience and technical skills, but also a unique knowledge of the Susquehanna River Valley, as she has lived in the area and worked in our focal watersheds with landowners, governmental agencies and non-profits,” Susquehanna University Director of the Freshwater Research Initiative John Niles said.

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Niles added that having an employee from the Chesapeake Conservancy hosted at Susquehanna University confirms the University’s commitment to the preservation, protection and restoration of our local streams and creeks.

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“The ability to partner with the Chesapeake Conservancy and others on implementing precision conservation in the Susquehanna River watershed is a great example of how non-profit groups, governmental agencies and higher education can cooperate together on ecological issues. Combining research, GIS and new technology with on-the-ground restoration efforts will reduce runoff of sedimentation and nutrients into local waterways, and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. We hope our commitment will motivate other organizations to participate as well,” Niles said.