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 Conservancy Jenna Mitchell Pennsylvania Program Manager Alliance for Chesapeake Bay
Before Photos PARTNERS: Donegal Trout Unlimited & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Review of the project Estimated start date for U.S. Fish & Wildlife Mid-Late January 2015 Bob Kutz, Adam Smith & Bryon Miller & Lydia Martin, LCC Erosion & sediments loads impacting stream & aquatic habitat for native brook trout April 19, 2014
After Photo 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
Photos: Mike Burcin April 19, 2014 Before Photos A few more before photos Conditions in early spring while trying to walk along the stream; undercut banks; vegetation was dense throughout the understory
February, 2015
February 11, 2015 During Photos Equipment & Materials Engaging partners along the way Wood chips for trails, native plants, equipment use & professional services
Volunteers & Partners Critical to Support of Project Efforts “ 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
Goals to Restore & Increase Native Species Diversity, Reduce Erosion & Protect Water Quality March 30, 2015 Floodplain Mix along some areas of the riparian buffer
32 to 38 tri-axles of soil A. Smith, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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!
Leaf packs are so cool! WQVC Volunteers Environmental Education & Research Opportunities Reach All Ages Students learn about macroinvertebrates Water Quality Volunteer Coalition (WQVC) teaching children and adults about water testing at Climbers Run
species diversity Develop a Baseline of Existing Species & Habitat fallen logs, vernal pools & stream May 28, 2015
May 28, 2015 May 28, 2015 Appreciating local biodiversity in natural areas Life in and along the stream
LCC, DTU and Scouts plant more native trees & shrubs Protecting natural areas takes planning, time & commitment for healthier ecosystems & communities
BEHIND THE SCENES: A huge thanks to Garry & all DTU nursery volunteers who grew native plants for stream restoration work this year! 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 Saving nature through your support!
Climbers Run Wildlife Habitat and Stream Restoration Project Overview Pre-Condition of Stream & Post Stream & Riparian Buffer Direct & Indirect Benefits Riparian Buffer Restoration Watershed Function Highly eroded banks impacting Floodplain restoration and structures reduce Reduction in sediment loads impacting downstream communities erosion and help stabilize stream bank waterways downstream to the conditions Chesapeake Bay Physical and Chemical Function Degraded conditions influence health of Improvement to water quality and support of Scientific model to observe and eastern brook trout and aquatic species physical and chemical function within the document restoration techniques and watershed impact to aquatic and terrestrial species Biological Function Prolific invasive species reducing Restore riparian vegetation communities, Promote ecological sustainability and biodiversity through competition and aquatic species and terrestrial wildlife protection of special species in a PA altering ecosystem function Natural Heritage Area Preserve Management Limited ability to adequately manage Removal of invasive species through adaptive Access provides ongoing education, riparian buffer due to invasive species management practices of highly disturbed research, and stewardship opportunities and size of infestation areas to the public Trash and debris along stream channel Cleaner buffer without trash and debris Promotes passive recreation uses potentially increasing erosion and contaminating water Positive partnerships create opportunities to safeguard stream & wildlife habitat
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. Susquehanna Riverlands Research & Education Center 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 The Beauty of Climbers Run
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