News
Ned Smith Center Launches Pennsylvania’s First State Wild Mushroom Conservation and Education Area
March 14, 2025
MILLERSBURG, PA–The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art received funding for a major fungi educational and conservation project through the DCNR's Wild Resource Conservation Program (WRCP). One of 11 conservation projects approved statewide in 2024, this $30,000 grant enables the Center to establish Pennsylvania’s first Wild Mushroom Conservation and Education Area (WMCEA) on 72 acres of Ned Smith Center lands between the Rail Trail and Wiconisco Creek.
The Center plans to conserve this area, already abundant with seasonal fungi, by encouraging native flora, fauna, and funga while eliminating invasive species. The grant enables the Center to transform the designated conservation area into a first-of-its-kind educational site, complete with interpretive signage for use in public and school programs and unique new activities designed for fungi enthusiasts.
Over the next two years, Center staff and volunteers will complete the project in three phases. Phase one involves site analysis and conservation efforts. Next, Center staff will develop educational materials, programs, and signage. Building upon these first two phases, the project culminates with creation of a new Ned Smith Center Mushroom Club and club programming.
The Ned Smith Center’s Director of Educational Programming Emily Rosmus sees this grant as the beginning of a comprehensive fungi conservation and education program which will continue to grow. “My hope is that this initiative will provide a framework and example for other organizations to follow, spreading and reinforcing the importance of fungi appreciation.”
Some initial projects call for volunteers, giving those seriously interested in joining the NSC Mushroom Club an opportunity to assist with project implementation and become founding members of the club. “Volunteers will play a crucial role in the project's success and have the unique opportunity to help shape its future,” said Rosmus.
“On behalf of the Center, I’d also like to express my deep gratitude to key individuals who have made this initiative possible,” Rosmus continued. “Longtime volunteer Jerry Hassinger has been an invaluable resource. Without him, this project would not have come to fruition. Special thanks also go to DCNR Conservation Mycologist Hannah Huber, whose expertise in fungi conservation has been instrumental in providing guidance and support as the Center embarks on this exciting journey.”
For more information on the Wild Mushroom Conservation and Education Area and the Ned Smith Center Mushroom Club, visit nscmushroomclub.com.
Melanie Morrison Joins Our Team as Events Coordinator
Melanie joined the Ned Smith Center in February 2025, bringing with her 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector across various roles. She is excited to contribute to the Ned Smith Center team and help make each event as successful as possible.
Originally from Lancaster County, Melanie moved to Millersburg in 2006. Since then, she has volunteered many hours for various community activities. She believes this picturesque community has much more to offer than many realize and hopes that promoting events at the Ned Smith Center, as well as in the surrounding area, will attract more guests.
In her free time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and their dog, Moose. She also loves reading, cooking, spending time at their cabin, and catching up with family and friends.
William Kobel Joins Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art Board of Trustees
January 28, 2025
The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art welcomed lifelong Millersburg resident William Kobel to its Board of Trustees at its January quarterly meeting.
“Everywhere Bill goes, he drives positive change,” said Ned Smith Center Executive Director Lara Maupin. “I know he can help the Center reach a new level of excellence when it comes to getting the word out about all we have to offer. I’m very excited to work with him.”
Kobel currently serves as Executive Vice President of JPL, a full-service advertising agency with 100 employees and offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York City. He helped transform JPL from a small video production company to a full-service marketing firm. Prior to JPL, Kobel worked for a private equity firm, evaluating and transforming the marketing departments and go-to-market strategies of newly acquired companies.
Kobel started his career in the community as a news director at WQIN, Lykens and reporter for the Upper Dauphin Sentinel newspaper, going on to work in public and media relations and marketing for Capital Blue Cross and within the Highmark Blue Shield system.
Previous community involvement includes serving on his alma mater Central Penn College’s Board of Directors, the Twin Valley Soccer Club’s Board of Directors, and as a member of the Millersburg Area High School’s boys soccer team boosters.
“I’m driven by a vision to help our community evolve into a vibrant destination that offers unique experiences and opportunities,” said Kobel. “I look forward to sharing my expertise to help the Ned Smith Center continue to thrive, providing great experiences for our community.”
The Ned Smith Center Welcomes Dharla Maiden Back to the Board of Trustees
January 16, 2025
The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art Board of Trustees welcomed Millersburg resident Dharla Maiden to the Board at its January quarterly meeting.
One of the founding organizers of the Ned Smith Center, Maiden owned and operated a window treatments business in Millersburg for 37 years, after which she served as the Director of the Millersburg Area Senior Center for a decade. She has served as a Board member of both the Senior Center and the Ned Smith Center.
In her time of designing window treatments, she came to know Ned and Marie Smith. When asked how she became one of the group of community members who developed the plans and recruited the funds needed to create the Ned Smith Center after Smith’s death in 1985, Maiden replied, “I loved Ned. I was fortunate enough to know him.”
Maiden recalls that one of the hardest parts of getting support to create the Ned Smith Center was “convincing people he was worth it.” Maiden explained that Smith was so humble that local residents did not always fully recognize how great his work was. However, she felt his masterpieces needed to stay in his hometown of Millersburg and she worked alongside a small group of dedicated volunteers and Smith’s widow Marie to make this dream a reality.
In the early years of the Ned Smith Center, Maiden filled several officer roles, participated in the Fund Development Committee, Site Selection Committee, Architectural Committee, and participated in the original capital campaign. The Center was founded and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1993, and opened at its current location in 2004, eventually housing three art galleries, a gift shop, staff offices, and educational spaces. Maiden currently serves as a member of the Ned Smith Center’s Arts and Entertainment Committee.
“Having Dharla back on the Board will benefit the Center greatly,” noted Executive Director Lara Maupin. “Her background knowledge, passion for our mission, creativity, and positive outlook are tremendous assets. I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”
The Center Welcomes Our New Nature & Arts Educator, Greg Pizzano
Greg joined the Center in November of 2024. Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Greg spent much of his childhood exploring the woods behind his home and traveling to as many national parks as he could. He discovered his love for nature and education during his undergraduate years at Penn State while participating in an outdoor school program at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center. Since graduating in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in outdoor recreation, Greg has worked for various environmental education programs across the country from the Catskill Mountains of New York to the Coastal Redwood Forests of California. During his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, climbing, skiing, and attending Penn State football games.
Welcome to the team, Greg!