Did you know that in the French Creek watershed there are species of plants and fish whose very survival depends on the unique habitats of this watershed? Or that there are 15 WPC-owned preserves within the French Creek watershed where you can hike and enjoy nature? Home to the eastern hellbender and more fish and mussel species than any other comparable stream of its size in northeastern North America, French Creek hosts abundant wildlife and rare plant and animal species.
In this webinar, you’ll discover the vast variety of plants and animals found in the French Creek watershed. You’ll learn how we work to conserve land along French Creek and its tributaries, improve water quality, control invasive species and partner with organizations and landowners to restore stream habitat and protect land, and remove debris within the watershed. We’ll also share more about those 15 preserves that everyone can enjoy!
Join two Conservancy staff, Senior Director of Conservation Science Charles Bier and Watershed Manager Kylie Maland, for a fascinating discussion on our past, current and future work in French Creek and why it matters to you. We’ll also share how you can help!
About the Presenters
Charles Bier, Senior Director of Conservation Science
A Western Pennsylvania native, Charles studied ecology at the University of Wisconsin. He has broad experience in regional flora, fauna, ecosystems and conservation issues with a focus on rare and endangered species, natural communities and biodiversity conservation. He is a research associate at Carnegie Museum of Natural History in the Section of Invertebrate Zoology and serves on several state committees including the Governor’s Invasive Species Council and DCNR’s Ecosystem Management Advisory Committee.
Charles joined the Conservancy staff in 1981. After working for WPC at Bear Run Nature Reserve for one year and as director and zoologist, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program for 23 years, in 2006 he became the senior director of conservation science, with the responsibility to support all WPC programs by applying science.
Kylie Maland, Watershed Manager
Kylie has a B.S. degree in wildlife and fisheries resources from West Virginia University with more than 20 years of experience as an environmental conservation professional in the nonprofit sector. Since 2006, she has served the Conservancy’s Watershed Conservation Program, currently as watershed manager overseeing projects in the Lake Erie and Ohio River basins. Kylie coordinates partners, resources and funding to provide technical assistance to private landowners and public land managers to implement stream restoration and conservation solutions that improve water and habitat quality. Kylie also provides outreach to communities and landowners, and facilitates partnerships with conservation organizations and regulatory agencies to develop comprehensive watershed conservation plans and action strategies.