If you like beer, you should love forests.
However, many of our forests are threatened by development, catastrophic fires, poor management, non-native pests and a changing climate. As a result, beer's main ingredient could be at risk.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Pennsylvania and the Hershey, Pa.-based Tröegs Independent Brewing are working together to conserve Pennsylvania’s forest and water resources, particularly along the Kittatinny Ridge, the state’s most important migratory corridor for birds and animals. These efforts are taking form in a variety of ways.
- During the fall, we are collaborating on an OktoberForest campaign to raise awareness for the role healthy forests play in filtering water, beer’s main ingredient.
- In honor of Earth Day, we convened to give away 100 Scarlet Oak trees in recycled Tröegs Sunshine Pilsner and Field Study beer cans.
- Later in 2019, we plan to unveil a nature inspired mural that will be located directly across the street from the state capitol building in Harrisburg.
TNC and Tröegs are also planning additional events that will showcase our commitment to conserving healthy forests that are critical to both clean water and good beer. Stay tuned!
Both organizations appreciate the relevance America’s forests have for clean water, and also a brewery’s bottom line. In fact, 95 percent of beer is water, and more than half of America’s water comes from our forests.
“America’s forests improve the quality, and quantity, of water supplies in many ways—shading streams and lakes to prevent evaporation; filtering sediment and pollution; and securing soil so it can store water like a sponge,” says Josh Parrish, director of TNC’s Working Woodlands program, which engages forest landowners in sustainably managing productive forestlands to benefit wildlife and people.
Recently, forests have become threatened by more severe fires, drought and increased pest damage. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that about half of its forested lands are in need of restoration in order to maintain natural benefits for people, water and wildlife.
“We have 250 co-workers at Tröegs and thousands and thousands of beer lovers traveling to our brewery every year,” says founding brother Chris Trogner. “Part of having a strong team and a healthy business is taking responsibility for the places where our co-workers and fans live, work and play.”
His brother, brewmaster John Trogner, adds, “Water is by far the biggest ingredient in beer. It’s the canvas that we paint on, and without a reliably clean and healthy source of water, great beer simply isn’t possible. We’re excited to be partnering with TNC.”
Watch a one-minute video highlighting the connections between healthy forests, water and beer.
Founded in Pennsylvania in 1996 by brothers John and Chris Trogner, Tröegs Independent Brewing is driven by a sense of adventure and curiosity. From the beginning, the brewery has been built by family, friends and kindred spirits who share a love of great beer.
Resistant to fit into any specific category, the folks at Tröegs take bits and pieces from English ale, German lager and other traditions to explore and develop new varieties of great-tasting beer. Bringing their beers and homemade snacks to life involves securing local ingredients from producers who become business associates and also friends. As Central Pennsylvania natives, Chris and John Trogner endeavor to make a positive impact by supporting local vendors, producers and causes they believe will collectively help the region to flourish. They pursue these relationships from their little corner of the beer world in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Working Woodlands
Launched right here in Pennsylvania, The Nature Conservancy's Working Woodlands program engages landowners in managing forests to benefit nature and people.