Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grant 2024 Awardees
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has awarded more than $155,000 to local organizations that are striving to improve the welfare of our watersheds. In its second year, The Stream & Watershed Enhancement Grant program is supporting 34 community-based environmental projects or events that will enhance, restore or protect our Basin’s waterways.
Awardees include county conservation districts, environmental volunteer groups, educational institutions, municipalities, youth groups and a fire department. Abandoned mine drainage education, aquatic organism passage, a recreational disability access study, water trail and stream quality signage, waterway road salt monitoring, a pet waste cleanup campaign, and kayak safety training are just a few examples of the chosen projects that will create a safer, more vibrant basin. Half of the projects awarded will directly benefit environmental justice communities.
- Research Foundation for State University of New York at Oneonta
- Destination Marketing Corporation
- Otsego County Conservation Association Inc.
- Chenango County Soil & Water Conservation District
- Sidney Central School
- Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board
- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County
- Tioga County Soil & Water Conservation District
- Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy
- This Is My Quest, Inc.
- Borough of Archbald (Total Grant Services)
- North Branch Land Trust
- Earth Conservancy
- Renovo Fire Department Emerald Hose & Ladder Company - Renovo EMS Inc.
- Anderson Creek Watershed Association
- Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance
- ClearWater Conservancy of Central Pennsylvania, Inc. - Centre County PA Senior Environmental Corps
- Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
- The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
- Juniata County Conservation District
- Blair County Conservation District
- The Lebanon Valley Conservancy
- Manada Conservancy
- Dauphin County Conservation District
- Lebanon County Conservation District
- East Cocalico Township
- Londonderry Township
- Lower Allen Township
- Letort Regional Authority
- Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County
- City of Lancaster
- Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
- Penn State Extension - Watershed Alliance of York
- Izaak Walton League of America, York Chapter #67
*See map for project locations
Saving the Puddles of the Forest: Research, Education & Restoration of Susquehanna River Basin Constructed Vernal Pools & Amphibians
The Research Foundation for SUNY (on behalf of SUNY Oneonta) in New York proposed a project that will provide research data on wood frog mating behavior, egg laying and calling. The proposed project pertains to vernal pool restoration and watershed management and evaluates the effectiveness of constructed vernal pools within the Otsego Lake watershed region of the Susquehanna River Basin. High resolution temperature recordings will be used to construct a dataset of baseline information for understanding vernal pool water quality in the face of climate change. The research will be conducted by a SUNY Oneonta student as part of their Master of Science degree in biology, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Elizabeth Bastiaans. Findings will be used to guide future vernal pool construction restoration efforts. Additionally, this research will provide biodiversity-based data to guide the use of deicing agents (road salt) within the Susquehanna River Basin.
Destination Marketing Corporation for Otsego County is a not-for-profit 501c6 that is the designated Tourism Promotion Agency under the New York State Tourism Matching Funds Program for Otsego County. The New York Susquehanna Basin Water Trail was conceptualized by a small group of Tourism Promotion Agents among New York State's Southern Tier, involving collaboration amongst Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Otsego, Steuben and Tioga Counties. Along the trail there are 50 launch sites, a handful of portages, a few dams and other hazards. This proposed project would fund the site selection work for all signage along the water trail for way finding, portage and warning signs.
The Otsego County Conservation Association’s project in New York is geared towards a community-driven river cleanup initiative that will contribute to reinvigorating the beautiful banks and streambed of the upper Susquehanna River, from Cooperstown to Oneonta. Their mission is to significantly enhance the previous efforts led by the Cooperstown Lions Club over the past six years by mobilizing a larger segment of the local community to clean extensive stretches of the riverfront, promoting environmental stewardship. Participants will engage in various activities including walking, kayaking, and shallow diving to recover debris, garnering a deep appreciation for the river’s ecological health along the way. The proposed project would cover staffing, volunteer coordination, promotional initiatives and the costs associated with proper refuse disposal. Following the cleanup, the County Conservation Association will host a celebratory gathering to recognize volunteers, complete with educational booths focusing on water quality and ongoing community engagement opportunities.
The Chenango County Environmental Resource Council in New York partners with a local conservation group, the Chenango Greenway, to coordinate a volunteer Chenango River cleanup day within the city of Norwich. The purpose of the cleanup is to remove debris before it has the potential to enter into the rivers or streams, and carried downstream toward the Chesapeake Bay. These areas have a high potential for seasonal flooding and are at risk for trash migration. The EPA’s Trash Free Waters program labels garbage found in U.S. rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks as “aquatic trash.” This type of pollution degrades water quality, endangers wildlife, and mars recreational areas on both public and private lands. Aquatic trash, especially plastics, can release harmful or toxic chemicals into water sources. Wildlife often mistakes this trash for food, leading to ingestion or entanglement, which harms populations. In 2023, the team cleared 4,080 pounds of garbage from the river trails. Recognizing the need for expansion, the involved agencies proposed a project to extend the program to reach additional small villages and communities within Chenango County to broaden the scope of volunteer cleanup efforts along the Chenango River and within community parks.
The Sidney Central School in New York has a unique program called the Sidney High School Flood Monitoring Program, which was started through a Service-Learning grant from State Farm Insurance in 2007 in response to the devastating flood of 2006. Students installed, and continue to maintain, eight remote rainfall/weather/stream gauge stations in the Upper Susquehanna River Basin. Data from these stations is sent to the GOES-East weather satellite every hour. The network of stations is displayed through the National Weather Service's HADS network. Students interpret this data and use mathematical model and computer model weather forecasting data to issue local weather forecasts and flood potential forecasts to local officials and emergency personnel. This program proved to be very beneficial during the flood of September 2011 as the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee deposited heavy rainfall over the Upper Susquehanna Basin. Forecasts of rainfall, river crest time and height allowed emergency personnel to safely evacuate residents and save valuable property. The satellite transmitters for these stations will become obsolete and will need to be replaced in the next two years. The project will replace transmitters in three of the stations.
The Broome-Tioga Stormwater Coalition (BTSC) is comprised of 15 designated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) communities in Broome and Tioga Counties, New York. The Coalition works together to meet minimum control measures for stormwater management including promoting public education and outreach, public participation and best management practices. The majority of the Coalition is either a NYS Disadvantaged, Justice 40, Environmental Justice, or underserved community. The BTSC proposed a project for a large-scale Pet Waste Campaign targeting the disadvantaged communities within the Coalition boundaries. The pet waste stations would be installed in community parks or other high-trafficked areas in the MS4 as part of the public education and public participation initiative to encourage cleaning up pet waste and the protection of the basin’s waterways. The proper disposal of pet waste is paramount in an MS4 as pet waste left in yards, streets and parks can flow directly into the storm sewer systems and into our waterways. Pet waste is a large contributor to pollutants in our waterways which increases nutrient loads, encourages algal blooms, can make people and animals sick, and damage the health and natural balance of our ecosystems. BTSC communities have several waterways that are impaired for different uses (fishing, recreation, swimming), as well as some that are specifically impaired with phosphorous, which pet waste directly increases in our waterways. The project's goals include protecting our watersheds as well as educating and involving the public in proper stormwater management.
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County, New York (CCE Chemung) 4-H has developed a watershed education curriculum based on the book Brooke Meets A Stream Doctor by Jennifer Fetter. This hands-on education program sparks interest and awareness of watersheds and stream health among students in grades 4 through 7. Students will learn how to positively impact their local watersheds through daily life changes, conservation action projects, and exploring career opportunities. Students will learn methods for determining stream health, develop watershed action projects, and practice stream watershed maintenance skills. Skills taught will include water testing, kick-net studies of macroinvertebrates, plant ID, and habitat management. Educated and inspired youth will be more likely to incorporate environmentally friendly habits into their daily lives, be more interested in seeking volunteer opportunities within watershed groups, and have the skills to start their own action projects in their community. The project plan is to coincide with the Chemung County Soil and Water Conservation Districts Field Day held annually in May 2025. In addition to the classroom approach, this program is adaptable to after-school 4-H clubs and has been successfully used with homeschooled youth. CCE Chemung plans to deliver this curriculum to Elmira and Elmira Heights School Districts in New York.
The Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in New York, is a member of the Tioga County Water Quality Coordinating Committee which formed in response to non-point source pollution problems and water quality issues. The committee is made up of several county, town and village members whose purpose is to use their expertise and knowledge, as well as other local, state or federal cooperating agencies, to protect and preserve water resources in Tioga County. The proposed project’s focus is to outreach, educate and promote use of stormwater rain barrels to two designated disadvantaged communities in Tioga County. Tioga SWCD plans to purchase rain barrels and distribute them free of cost to urban landowners within the disadvantaged communities. In addition, Tioga SWCD will develop educational and promotional materials on the benefits of rain barrels and promote them in our local newspapers, social media and the municipal town halls.
The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy proposed a unique series of community outreach events in Blossburg, PA related to the restoration of the Tioga River from abandoned mine drainage impairment. This project includes 10 outreach programs, co-sponsored by the Blossburg Memorial Library, that are intended to engage with community members of varying ages to begin their process of thinking about what a restored Tioga River will look like and how restoration will impact their individual lives and the community. The programs offered will all have a water quality, coal mining, or environmental restoration theme and will all include information about the major project to restore the Tioga River.
This is My Quest, a non-profit in Pennsylvania, runs the AquaQuest program that educates and engages youth and community members in watershed conservation, restoration and protection within the Susquehanna River Basin. The program aims to foster a deeper understanding of water resources and inspire active stewardship of local ecosystems by combining STEM-based learning with hands-on conservation activities. The program works to increase community awareness and understanding of the watershed's health and the importance of protecting local streams and rivers. The program also works to improve riparian buffer zones through tree planting and debris removal and to empower youth and community members to take active roles in conservation, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to protect local waterways. By addressing water quality, aquatic habitat protection, and community outreach efforts, this program aligns with the mission of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. The proposed project is for the construction of a classroom for the AquaQuest program. This classroom will serve as an educational hub where students learn about water conservation, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental stewardship. The funding will cover materials and any necessary infrastructure improvements required to build and equip the space for learning activities.
The Borough of Archbald proposed to enhance water-based recreation opportunities by constructing a fishing pier on the Lackawanna River in Pennsylvania. This project will serve as a community hub, providing a safe and accessible space for students, families, and local residents to engage in fishing and other recreational activities. The pier will serve as an outdoor classroom, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in subjects such as biology, ecology, and environmental science. The design of the pier prioritizes inclusivity, featuring ramps and other accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully participate in recreational activities. This focus on accessibility aligns with the Borough’s commitment to creating equitable community spaces. The pier will provide a safe, outdoor recreational space that encourages physical activity and mental well-being. In light of increasing concerns about sedentary lifestyles, this project offers a constructive outlet for community members of all ages. In addition, the project will include educational signage about local aquatic ecosystems and sustainable fishing practices.
North Branch Land Trust proposed a project focused on increased land and watershed protection and stewardship in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania through invasive species management and watershed educational resources. North Branch Land Trust proposed working with a professional native habitat restoration specialist to target invasive species at locations in Luzerne County Preserves and create educational brochures for Hanover Crossings Marsh Sanctuary and Forest Echo Bird Sanctuary with a focus on watershed stewardship.
Earth Conservancy (EC) proposes to enhance approximately 110 linear feet of riparian forest buffer along the newly rebuilt Espy Run stream channel in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, PA. This effort is an important piece in EC’s broader initiative to restore lands and waterways damaged by historic anthracite coal mining in the Lower South Valley, a region encompassing several small communities around the City of Nanticoke. For decades, EC has worked to repair the Nanticoke Creek watershed, an 8.2-square-mile sub-watershed of the Susquehanna River Basin, through treatment of acid mine drainage discharges and reclamation of abandoned mine lands. Espy Run, a tributary to the Nanticoke Creek, was one of the most affected with approximately 6,000 linear feet of the streambed impacted by mining activity, leaving hydrology, water quality, and ecosystems all impaired.
The Renovo Fire Department in Pennsylvania proposed a project seeking grant funding for new water rescue equipment. The fire department hopes to purchase an ice rescue sled, which can also be used for low head dam rescues and swift water rescue, updated water rescue boots, and some miscellaneous equipment for rescues. This new equipment will help keep the department’s rescue personal and victims safe during an incident, which is the number one priority during any incident that the department responds too. The fire department started a water rescue program in 2015 because the closest water rescue was thirty minutes away from Renovo. The members that are a part of the team trained hard to get the proper training to do rescues when needed. The department’s water rescue team is also called throughout Pennsylvania, if needed, for water emergencies.
Members of the Anderson Creek Watershed Association in Pennsylvania test water at several locations throughout the watershed monthly to monitor the quality of water that flows through it. The Anderson Creek Watershed is located in a region historically impaired by abandoned mine drainage. The Watershed Association tests the pH, temperature, conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity from the north end of the watershed to the confluence at the Susquehanna River. By continually monitoring the creek, the association can report any significant changes to the Clearfield County Conservation District to investigate. The Watershed Association uses two testers, but one of the testers is four years old and starting to have problems. The proposed project seeks funds to purchase a new one.
The Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance (SCRA) proposed a conference will that explore the possibilities of tapping the potential resource of flooded mines to provide economic revitalization and environmental remediation to coal region communities. Experts in various disciplines will discuss how mine pools can become valued assets to coal region citizens instead of liabilities. There is considerable collaboration with local partners of SCRA including faith-based groups from local churches, community improvement organizations, local and state politicians and local news media. SCRA has a long-standing positive relationship with citizens in local coal region communities. The conference is geared toward furthering this goal to help promote community resilience and reduce the harm done by acid mine drainage.
The Centre County Senior Environmental Corps is a committee of the non-profit ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA, Inc. that is responsible for obtaining their own funding for their work. The mission of the Centre County Senior Environmental Corps is to develop and support teams of citizens to gather and publish data on the quality of the water at the head of the Susquehanna River Basin, particularly those in Centre County, Pennsylvania. About 60 volunteers are divided into 13 teams to sample water and macroinvertebrates at 52 sites on 35 Centre County streams. As of August 2024, depending on the site, five to more than 20 years of monthly data on stream quality have been collected, recorded and made accessible to the general public through their website. The Centre County Senior Environmental Corps proposed to purchase new meters to replace those that have been in use for more than 10 years in order to continue their volunteer water quality monitoring work.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) proposed a project, with partners that will identify impediments to Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) within the Cush Creek watershed in Pennsylvania. Utilizing the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative’s non-tidal culvert assessment protocol and database along with the Cush Creek Coldwater Conservation Plan and internal prioritization methods, WPC will recommend up to three road/stream crossings to be replaced with AOP-friendly structures as recommended by the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies’ Stream Crossing Standard. The project also proposes a better cooperative relationship among partners for future work within Indiana County and the upper Susquehanna watershed.
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) in Pennsylvania is conducting an inventory and analysis of 26 West Branch Susquehanna River water accesses to evaluate the ADA and Universal accessibility of the overall water access for the Lower West Branch Susquehanna River. This study is one of the first of its kind, and SGP is hoping to replicate this throughout the Susquehanna Greenway and educate other water trail managers and watershed stewards on ways to incorporate ADA or Universally accessible features into water accesses. This proposed project is for support of the on-going effort and for completion of an implementation action plan that will be a roadmap for future funding requests, routine and remedial maintenance activities, and timelines for improvements.
Juniata County Conservation District (JCCD) in Pennsylvania proposed to host two tours of stream restoration projects and to install outdoor educational conservation signage at two stream restoration project sites to help passively promote restoration work on local waters. The outdoor signage will be placed at the Port Royal Lions Club Park and at the Thompsontown AMVETS. Both stream restoration projects are easily accessible by the public and are in areas of popular outdoor events including trout fishing derbies. Through the installation of outdoor conservation signage, JCCD will continue to promote conservation efforts to the public year-round. JCCD is also planning to work with the local school district to assist with the design of the outdoor signage. JCCD has partnered with the local school district on multiple events, including trout in the classroom release days, eel release days, pollution educational events, and speaking with school clubs.
Blair County Community-Based Outreach: Creating a Multifunctional Riparian Buffer for Climate Change Resilience Education
Blair County Conservation District proposed a project to plant a Zone-3 riparian buffer at NatureWorks Park in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania expanding an existing multifunctional buffer that serves as a model for watershed improvement and climate change mitigation. A multifunctional buffer includes three zones, providing flexibility in plant selection and management to improve water quality while allowing landowners to grow perennial plants that yield harvestable products. In addition to native trees and shrubs, multifunctional buffers can feature fruit and nut trees, woody floral species, perennial flowers, herbs and botanicals. The Zone-3 area of the buffer, where mechanized planting and harvesting are possible, will be established using the lasagna gardening method, a no-till approach that enhances soil quality by layering organic materials like straw, compost and grass clippings. This method not only improves water retention but also prevents soil erosion offering streamside landowners a practical solution for establishing buffers without disturbing the soil. This buffer zone will offer multifunctional use through a mix of perennial pollinator plants along with herbs and botanicals that can be harvested for teas and medicinal applications.
The Lebanon Valley Conservancy proposed a project at Wengert Memorial Park located in Lebanon, PA. The Wengert Memorial Park was established as a trail head for the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail as it goes through Lebanon City. The project is part of a larger restoration effort in this general area along the Quittapahilla Creek, historically impaired by urban and agricultural runoff. A stream restoration project was completed in 2023 a half-mile downstream. The Lebanon Valley Rail Trail is being extended into this area. Within the park, the rail trail segment is now complete, the park amenities are being put in, and the first phase of landscaping will happen later in the fall. The Conservancy proposed a project to fund phase 2 of the landscape plan to include a riparian buffer, clearing and reseeding a steep slope area, adding quality topsoil, and putting in grassy areas along the trail. The community has already started using the rail trail extension and will be able to enjoy the playground and exercise equipment later this year. The community will be invited to the ribbon cutting planned for the spring of 2025. The Wengert Park project is an example of increasing community climate resilience as it creates a community gathering space. Green spaces that bring people together improves the overall quality of life and promotes social interaction and a sense of belonging.
The Manada Conservancy in Pennsylvania proposed a project seeking funds for a job trailer for its land conservation work. Specifically, in collaboration with South Hanover Township, Dauphin County CAP, and The Hershey Trust, a 6.5 acre riparian buffer is to be planted along the Swatara Creek. Manada Conservancy has entered into an agreement to provide stewardship of this buffer for 25 years to ensure the buffer survives and thrives. This stewardship work will involve strong volunteer support. The Conservancy also maintains fee owned properties in the watershed as well as several additional buffers. The Conservancy has reached a point where having a job trailer and additional tools to support stewardship efforts would greatly benefit their work. Manada Conservancy additionally partners with Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, Londonderry Township MS4 program, East Hanover Township, Swatara Creek Watershed Association and Tri-county Conewago Creek Association to support their buffer plantings and stewardship. The proposed job trailer would expand their reach and capabilities.
The Dauphin County Conservation District proposed a project to purchase five free-standing signs to be displayed at popular boat launch and hiking trails around various streams throughout Dauphin County including Swatara Creek, Paxton Creek, Clark Creek, Conewago Creek and Spring Creek. The signage would be educational in nature, serving to communicate the biologic indicators of water quality such as macroinvertebrates. Visitors will learn about what the presence of different macroinvertebrates means for stream health and how improving stream health benefits the environment and human recreation. Visitors will also be able to use their mobile devices to access real-time data from Dauphin County stream gages as well as the most recent health reports made possible by the County-Wide Stream Assessment Program for assessing and improving stream quality throughout the county.
The Lebanon County Conservation District proposed to host the 2025 Lancaster-Lebanon Watershed Forum, which will provide an educational and networking opportunity for watershed associations in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties in Pennsylvania. Two to three invited speakers will present on local and regional watershed topics. The forum will also provide time for attendees to network, discuss projects, and share challenges and successes. This will foster a collaborative, non-intimidating environment where local grassroots conservation practitioners can share ideas and resources to further their watershed conservation efforts. The forum is also open to educators, concerned citizens and other volunteers who want to get involved in watershed protection in their communities.
East Cocalico Township in Pennsylvania has proposed a project for a graphic design competition geared toward middle and high-schoolers that provides education regarding water resources and runoff to both youth and adults. The theme of the contest will be “Know Before You Flow: The Relationship between Inlets and the Watershed.” Information pamphlets will be designed and provided to the Adamstown Area Library regarding the relationship between inlets and the watershed. In addition to the pamphlets, participants will be given a notebook bearing a logo that will be created for the contest. These notebooks can be utilized as advertising materials and can also be used to store notes or drawings relevant to the contest. Other advertising materials, such as window clings and yard signs, will be given to the library and utilized at the township building. The library will promote the contest for children grades 6 – 12 who will take the pamphlet information and design a graphic that provides some of the information within the pamphlets in a visual format. The graphics will be evaluated by a panel and one will be selected as the winner. The winner will receive a $100 gift card to a local business and their graphic will be published in the East Cocalico Township Fall 2025 Newsletter. As a result, contest entrants and their families will be exposed to important watershed information and, as a secondary result, readers of the East Cocalico Township Fall 2025 Newsletter will also be exposed to key watershed information in the form of a fun and engaging graphic.
Londonderry Township is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) community. To fulfill Londonderry’s Public Participation and Involvement, the Township proposed to host four education and outreach events. These community events will engage and educate the community about stormwater issues and solutions, as well as highlight local partners’ efforts for water quality, native plantings and outdoor recreation. Through education and outreach, the township aims to have a more knowledgeable community who are passionate about water resources and biodiversity.
With a partnership from Susquehanna Outfitters, Lower Allen Township in Pennsylvania proposed a project that seeks to provide kayak safety training courses to the community. Prior to each training session, residents would be provided with a discussion of the watershed, the area of drainage, location of the runoff, and ways residents can improve stream health. The sessions will continue with safety and training for all participants in the Yellow Breeches Creek. At the conclusion of the session, attendees will receive a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device and a certificate of completion. A third session will be provided for those wishing to advance the safety lesson with instruction on the Susquehanna River.
The Letort Regional Authority (LRA) is a public entity to protect and preserve the Letort Spring Run (Letort) and its watershed and to maintain the adjacent nature trail. The Letort is a component of the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers System and is a nationally famous limestone trout stream. While some of the Letort’s sources are visible surface waters, and are therefore identified and obvious, most sources are subsurface waters and not easily identifiable. For protection of this natural resource, it is critical to have a clearer understanding of the source areas of the Letort through hydrological tracing. LRA proposed a Letort Source Tracing Project in which source area tracing with fluorescent dyes will occur to delineate subsurface basins in limestone terrain. The project collaborates with Dr. Hurd and college students at the Department of Biology at Shippensburg State University. Dr. Hurd and students will present both written and oral reports of their findings to the LRA and broader interested stakeholders, and potentially merge the project results with complementary findings from traces and geochemical investigations on nearby springs for regional and scientific papers and presentations. Pollution reduction is the ultimate objective of the Letort Source Tracing Project.
The Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania functions as the non-profit fundraising arm of the Lancaster County Conservation District (LCCD). The LCCD has historically offered electrofishing education and opportunities to students, teachers, adults and the community for all watersheds of Lancaster County. Electrofishing is a unique educational experience that teaches the community about fish and stream health. One of the LCCD’s electrofishing batteries has begun to fail and the electrofishing equipment requires repair to run in 2025. The proposed project would use grant money to cover general maintenance and repair of the LCCD backpack electrofishing unit, purchase of a new battery, and net replacement. The project goal is to conduct educational events with three different schools and four non-school/community events reaching over 250 community members.
In the City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Long’s Park has a Water Quality Improvement Project that is a Natural Treatment System consisting of a series of wetlands constructed to significantly reduce nutrients to the Little Conestoga Creek Watershed, ultimately contributing to improved water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. The City proposed a project to install educational signage in the park, based on the biological, ecological, and engineering processes that occur at each stage of the Long’s Park Wetlands system. Six signs are being designed to reflect the City of Lancaster's commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equality. Each sign will be translated into Spanish, Arabic and Swahili. The signs will also be translated into American Sign Language (ASL) and presented in video format. All of the translations will be offered through a QR code printed on each sign. Several sign “themes” have already been established. They are “Capturing the Rain”, “Cleaning the Water” and “Creating Habitat.”
The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (LSRA) is dedicated to cultivating knowledge and motivation to steward, protect, and conserve our environment. LSRA aims to advance Pennsylvania’s preservation goals for the Susquehanna Riverlands, cultivate interest in activism and environmental stewardship, and tell the story of the Susquehanna watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. LSRA protects water quality within its 22 county region covering 8,527 square miles of the Lower Susquehanna and Juniata River watersheds from Selinsgrove, PA to Havre de Grace, MD. LRSA has partnered with the Chesapeake Commons, who proposed to configure LSRA a user-friendly mobile platform that allows volunteers to submit photos, write captions, and geo-locate their photos of smallmouth bass caught by anglers in the Susquehanna River and its tributaries that have a perceived illness, whether it may be a lesion, melanistic spot or fungal disease. The application will be built solely for LSRA’s smallmouth bass monitoring program but will be constructed in a way that allows for the expansion of the program and monitoring parameters in the future. Built-in features of the application will include geo-located photo submission, user profiles, sample metadata collection, and notification features for LSRA staff.
The Penn State Master Watershed Stewards in York County, Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Watershed Alliance of York and Stroud Water Research Center, proposed a project to establish two continuous monitoring stations on Poorhouse Run in the City of York, PA. The monitoring stations will be Stroud Water Research Center’s EnviroDIY monitoring stations using the Mayfly Data Logger. EnviroDIY is a community for do-it-yourself environmental science and monitoring. The primary focus of the monitoring stations will be to analyze conductivity data to assess if road salts are impacting Poorhouse Run. In addition, the stations will collect temperature, depth and turbidity data. The additional data will help determine if there are other stream impacts.
The Izaak Walton League of America, York Chapter #67 in Pennsylvania takes a common sense approach toward protecting our nation's heritage and improving outdoor recreational opportunities for all. The proposed project would convert a 1,000 square foot impervious area into a rain garden for pollinators and to minimize standing water and runoff from rainstorms into the South Branch Codorus Creek. The project would use area native plants and materials and soil methods recommended from Penn State University Extension Service. The rain garden would also have two information boards to educate visitors on the various species of plantings and the soil conditioning/construction of a rain garden with its benefits to the environment.