Our History and Mission

SWA Mission:   “To promote the conservation of the natural resources of the Swatara Watershed by conducting scientific investigations and research, disseminating information, conducting educational programs, sponsoring conservation projects and all activities incidental thereto.”

The Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Inc. was founded in 1970 in response to encouragement from the Chamber of Commerce and State and federal agencies to promote conservation of the Swatara Creek Watershed.  The corporation was active in the 70’s then became dormant.  Approximately 1986 a group of citizens became concerned about landfills being projected close to the Swatara Creek in Schuylkill County, PA.  As a result, they formed an association known as Citizens Coordinating for Clean Water (CCCW).  This group ultimately became active with regard to broader aspects concerning the Swatara Creek Watershed.  The increased size of the organization to over 100, expanded activities, and availability of government and private grants to support some of its educational activities caused CCCW to consider incorporating.  Several of the directors of the Swatara Creek Watershed Association were involved in the affairs of CCCW and it was suggested as a matter of economy to reactivate Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Inc. whose original purpose matched those of CCCW.  The last directors of the corporation met and agreed to become active again and to assimilate the activities of CCCW.  In 2009, the organization’s name was shortened to Swatara Watershed Association.