Climbers Run Stream & Wildlife Habitat Restoration Project Fall - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Climbers Run Stream & Wildlife Habitat Restoration Project Fall 2014 Fall 2016 226 Frogtown Road, Pequea PA 17565 Greg Wilson Lydia Martin Conservation Officer Director of Education Donegal Trout Unlimited Lancaster County
Climbers Run Stream & Wildlife Habitat Restoration Project Fall 2014 – Fall 2016
226 Frogtown Road, Pequea PA 17565
Lydia Martin Director of Education Lancaster County Conservancy Jenna Mitchell Pennsylvania Program Manager Alliance for Chesapeake Bay Greg Wilson Conservation Officer Donegal Trout Unlimited
Before Photos
April 19, 2014
Erosion & sediments loads impacting stream & aquatic habitat for native brook trout
Bob Kutz, Adam Smith & Bryon Miller & Lydia Martin, LCC
Review of the project
Estimated start date for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Mid-Late January 2015
PARTNERS: Donegal Trout Unlimited & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
March 3, 2015
Grade and stabilize the border between the LCC boundary and Martin property; these improvements will help with minimizing erosion along the steep banks
After Photo
A few more before photos
Before Photos
April 19, 2014
Photos: Mike Burcin
Conditions in early spring while trying to walk along the stream; undercut banks; vegetation was dense throughout the understory
February, 2015
During Photos
February 11, 2015
Wood chips for trails, native plants, equipment use & professional services
Equipment & Materials
Engaging partners along the way
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead
Volunteers & Partners Critical to Support of Project Efforts
Floodplain Mix along some areas of the riparian buffer
March 30, 2015
Goals to Restore & Increase Native Species Diversity, Reduce Erosion & Protect Water Quality
April 11, 2015
A community effort to plant native trees & shrubs
Volunteers from LCC, DTU, Sierra Club, Lancaster County Conservation District, PA Master Naturalists, & Scouts
Mascot Nelly on Trout Patrol!
Students learn about macroinvertebrates Water Quality Volunteer Coalition (WQVC) teaching children and adults about water testing at Climbers Run Leaf packs are so cool!
Environmental Education & Research Opportunities Reach All Ages
WQVC Volunteers
May 28, 2015
fallen logs, vernal pools & stream species diversity
Develop a Baseline of Existing Species & Habitat
May 28, 2015 May 28, 2015
Life in and along the stream
Appreciating local biodiversity in natural areas
Protecting natural areas takes planning, time & commitment for healthier ecosystems & communities
LCC, DTU and Scouts plant more native trees & shrubs
BEHIND THE SCENES: A huge thanks to Garry & all DTU nursery volunteers who grew native plants for stream restoration work this year!
Saving nature through your support!
By the numbers: Nov 2014 – Nov 2016
DTU contributed approximately 850 native trees and shrubs from their nursery for the stream restoration project U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service donated 22 wildlife boxes for the project 350+ volunteers donated over 1,500 hours of volunteer service to plant trees/shrubs, remove invasive species, and clean up trash
Pre-Condition of Stream & Riparian Buffer Post Stream & Riparian Buffer Restoration Direct & Indirect Benefits
Watershed Function
Highly eroded banks impacting downstream communities Floodplain restoration and structures reduce erosion and help stabilize stream bank conditions Reduction in sediment loads impacting waterways downstream to the Chesapeake Bay
Physical and Chemical Function
Degraded conditions influence health of eastern brook trout and aquatic species Improvement to water quality and support of physical and chemical function within the watershed Scientific model to observe and document restoration techniques and impact to aquatic and terrestrial species
Biological Function
Prolific invasive species reducing biodiversity through competition and altering ecosystem function Restore riparian vegetation communities, aquatic species and terrestrial wildlife Promote ecological sustainability and protection of special species in a PA Natural Heritage Area
Preserve Management
Limited ability to adequately manage riparian buffer due to invasive species and size of infestation Trash and debris along stream channel Removal of invasive species through adaptive management practices of highly disturbed areas Cleaner buffer without trash and debris potentially increasing erosion and contaminating water Access provides ongoing education, research, and stewardship opportunities to the public Promotes passive recreation uses Positive partnerships create
wildlife habitat
Climbers Run Wildlife Habitat and Stream Restoration Project Overview
Stream Restoration Signage
Partnerships in Conservation
Conservation projects happen because people care and work together! Thank you for your support & commitment!
The Lancaster County Conservancy
www.lancasterconservancy.org
& Donegal Trout Unlimited
www.donegaltu.org
Lancaster County Conservancy
Because clean air, fresh water and wild places are vital to every generation.
The Beauty of Climbers Run
Climbers Run Preserve, home of the Conservancy’s new research & education center, is
1 of 44 preserves
protected for public benefit.
wild brook trout stream
Susquehanna Riverlands Research & Education Center