The Center for Land Use and Sustainability (CLUS) was honored by 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania during their annual Commonwealth Awards on December 15. 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is the statewide nonpartisan advocate for responsible and efficient land use and partner for great places to live and work. The Commonwealth Awards honor projects, plans and initiatives that demonstrate smart growth, community resilience and equity principles in action.

CLUS received the Joanne Denworth Founders Award, which recognizes visionary institutional leadership that exemplifies sound land use principles. For nearly two decades, CLUS has worked to foster healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities through applied research, experiential learning opportunities for students and interdisciplinary, cross-sector partnerships.

“We are so honored to be recognized with this award,” said CLUS director Dr. Claire Jantz. “We are proud to be a resource for our region, where we can bring the technical expertise of our faculty, staff, and students to help inform land use decisions that foster sustainability.”

Their land use planning and decision support projects include, Appalachian Trail Resource Condition Assessment, Kittatinny Coalition and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Partnership. CLUS has also partnered on land use projects with the Loysville Village Municipal Authority, Cumberland County Planning Commission, Friends of Camp Security and the Shippensburg Shade Tree Committee.

Last spring, CLUS moved to its new location at 29 E. East King Street, Shippensburg. The new downtown location provides the center greater integration into the region they serve.

Learn more about CLUS!