VOLUME LXIV • SUMMER/FALL 2018Local ConnectionsThomas D. Saunders PRESIDENT AND CEOMessage from the PresidentThe Western Pennsylvania Conservancy works across a wide, beautiful and quite varied region. We would be remiss, and removed, if we did this work only out of our central office in Pittsburgh. So, we work close to the residents of Western Pennsylvania in locations across the region. We have offices in Mill Run and Ligonier in the Laurel Highlands, Indiana, Franklin, Ridgway, Hollidaysburg, Harrisburg, and yes, Pittsburgh.Western Pennsylvania’s cities, towns and subregions are unique, each with its own conservation needs and priorities. Our goal is to work in partnership with these varied communities and their residents. Our offices in Pennsylvania’s smaller towns are often located on revitalized main streets, where we are a part of the community. These locations allow us to partner with residents, and serve as a walk-in location for people who want to know where to hike, fish, hunt and paddle in places nearby. Our offices are community-gathering spots, too, for meetings and for collaborating on local conservation efforts. Many new ideas, partnerships and volunteer efforts, from caring for protected lands to planting trees along streams, originate from these offices.Conservation is about people and communities as much as it is about saving Western Pennsylvania’s landscapes and natural heritage. Conservancy staff members know this well, and have the opportunity to work regularly with landowners, partners, members and volunteers out of our local, regional offices.Because our staff members live in the communities where they work, they have a local vantage point from which to work with others to help determine the best approaches to protecting and restoring the exceptional places in our region. These neighborhood connections matter to us and further our commitment to advance conservation efforts locally. By fostering relationships, working closely with residents and building partnerships, our grassroots efforts are not only effective locally, they have more impact regionally. For example, local craft experts from Fayette and surrounding counties built Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. So, it’s fitting that today many of our Fallingwater education programs are inspiring local children to be the next designer, craftsperson or architect.In this issue of Conserve, we are highlighting the eight sites from which the Conservancy works, some of the staff who work at these locations, and examples of conservation projects in those locations. I encourage you to visit one of our local offices that are scattered across our wonderful region. Whatever part of our Western Pennsylvania region you represent and call home, we appreciate your support.Cover: Students perform watershed sampling at WPC's Helen B. Katz Natural Area.CONTENTSWPC Office LocationsDedicated Volunteers are Helping to Restore Toms Run Nature Reserve Greening and Beautifying Downtown PittsburghFallingwater Education Program Helps Local Classrooms Solve ProblemsLocal Stream Guardians Protect Bobs CreekWPC’s Local Staff Advances Northcentral Land and Water EffortsLigonier a Hub for Laurel Highlands WorkWPC Joins Partners to Protect Globally Rare EcosystemPartnership Crosses State Lines to Protect Water QualitySound Science Brings Local Students to Katz Natural AreaCultivating a Future for ConservationField Notes: Through Local Care "Their" Creek Lives OnFor information on WPC and membership: 412-288-2777 Toll Free: 1-866-564-6972 info@paconserve.org WaterLandLife.org Visit WaterLandLife.org/Get-Involved Find more information about WPC and Fallingwater by visiting us on: 3467810121415161819CONSERVE2PITTSBURGHWPCRIDGWAYAlleghenyRegional O ceFRANKLINNorthwestRegional O ceMILL RUNFallingwaterLIGONIERLaurel HighlandsRegional O ceINDIANAWatershed ConservationO ceHOLLIDAYSBURGJuniata and Potomac RegionConservation O ceHARRISBURGPennsylvania Natural Heritage Program O cePITTSBURGHFALLINGWATERINDIANAWPC HEADQUARTERS 800 Waterfront Drive Pittsburgh, PA 152221-866-564-6972 info@paconserve.orgENTRUSTED TO WPC 1478 Mill Run Road Mill Run, PA 15464724-329-8501 fallingwater@paconserve.orgWATERSHED CONSERVATION OFFICE 1067 Philadelphia Street, Suite 101 Indiana, PA 15701724-471-7202 water@paconserve.orgRIDGWAYFRANKLINHOLLIDAYSBURGALLEGHENY REGIONAL OFFICE 159 Main Street Ridgway, PA 15853814-776-1114 alleghenyproject@paconserve.orgNORTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE 1140 Liberty Street, Suite 100 Franklin, PA 16323814-346-0377 northwest@paconserve.orgJUNIATA AND POTOMAC REGION CONSERVATION OFFICE 405 Allegheny Street, 2nd Floor Hollidaysburg, PA 16648814-696-9356 info@paconserve.orgHARRISBURGLIGONIERPENNSYLVANIA NATURAL HERITAGE PROGRAM OFFICE 400 Market Street, 5th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101717-787-9755 naturalheritage@paconserve.orgLAUREL HIGHLANDS REGIONAL OFFICE 227A West Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658724-238-2492 laurelhighlands@paconserve.orgOUROFFICES3DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS ARE HELPING TO RESTORENATURE RESERVELarge areas of undeveloped forested land are rare in Allegheny County, especially in highly developed areas near Pittsburgh. However, there is no shortage of people who appreciate that these natural areas still exist, especially when those areas are right at their doorsteps.“It’s such a beautiful and special place,” says Joy Ruff, describing Toms Run Nature Reserve, where she and her husband, Derek, frequently hike with their dogs Dexter and Bailey. “We live in Ohio Township and really appreciate that this beautiful urban forest is right in our backyard. There’s no other place like it close by.”In addition to its natural beauty and recreational value, it has ecological significance as well; it is one of fewer than 40 Natural Heritage Areas across Allegheny County that host important plant and animal habitats. This is far fewer than other counties, which makes safeguarding Toms Run all the more important.Toms Run Nature Reserve is located just 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh in western Allegheny County near I-79 and Route 65 in Ohio and Kilbuck townships. In 1977, the Conservancy began protecting land to create the reserve, with its forested hillsides that include large stands of mature maple, oak and American beech trees. Over the years, more land was protected and added to the reserve, and by 1991, it had stretched to 317 acres. Toms Run, which flows along the eastern border, is the largest of several streams on the reserve.Over the past decade, the Conservancy has focused on removing the physical remnants of years of agriculture, gas and residential development. Those efforts included demolishing dilapidated buildings, capping abandoned oil and gas wells, and limiting the use of ATVs and dirt bikes.CONSERVE45Joy is one of the more than 500,000 people who live within 10 miles of the reserve. Along with a group of other dedicated volunteers, Joy has helped the Conservancy in its efforts to restore the property’s natural features and improve wildlife habitat. Volunteer activities have included pulling invasive plants, clearing trash and creating paths for new trails – one of which will be an ADA-accessible path along one of the small streams. She’s committed to working with the Conservancy because she wants to see the reserve restored and believes the area is the perfect place to attract and foster the next generation of nature lovers.“It’s a great opportunity to teach and show the importance of forests and water quality protection right in the middle of a populated, developed area,” she said. “It’s a great place to hike now, so I’m excited about what the future holds for Toms Run Continued on page 6.and for so many different people.”Andy Zadnik, WPC’s director of land stewardship, is excited about Toms Run’s future, too. Working from the Conservancy’s Pittsburgh office located only 11 miles away, Andy is leading the work to enable more people to explore and experience the reserve. “I have a personal, vested interest in Toms Run, not only because of my job but because it’s close to my home,” Andy said. “I want my family and others to experience and care for this natural area today and years to come.”Plans are in their final stage for an expanded, ADA-accessible parking lot that will accommodate school buses. Work on the 2.5-mile trail loop is expected to begin in spring 2019, with the help of professional trail builders and local volunteers. Future plans also include trail and educational signs.PITTSBURGHWPC28Ohio RiverMonongahela RiverAllegheny River1 mi.2 mi.0ScaleTOMS RUNNATURE RESERVE“We live in Ohio Township and really appreciate that this beautiful urban forest is right in our backyard. There’s no other place like it close by.”- Joy Ruff, Ohio Township, Pa.Joy and Derek Ruff live near Toms Run Nature Reserve in Allegheny County and regularly volunteer at workdays to clear invasive plants and plan trails on the reserve.Toms Run Nature Reserve is located 10 miles from the city of Pittsburgh. GPS: 40.52995, -80.11289The Conservancy began protecting land in 1977 to create Toms Run Nature Reserve, located just 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.5GREENING AND BEAUTIFYING DOWNTOWN PITTSURGHWhile the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s work extends throughout the region and beyond, we have been a presence in Pittsburgh since our founding there in 1932. One of the most visible projects in the city has been our downtown greening beautification, which complements city revitalization efforts by many partner organizations. Hundreds of hanging flower baskets, gardens and street planters add beauty and color to downtown sidewalks and bridges. The Conservancy has planted 32,098 trees in the Pittsburgh area since 2008 through the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh partnership and the Pittsburgh Redbud Project. Not to mention 95 community flower gardens in Allegheny County alone.These projects are possible thanks to generous support from the Conservancy’s many downtown philanthropic and community partners, such as Colcom Foundation, Laurel Foundation, Allegheny Regional Asset District, Huntington Bank, City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Last year, students from Pittsburgh’s Environmental Charter School used Toms Run as an outdoor classroom to identify various bird species. With the upcoming improvements, and others that will be possible in the future as additional resources are available, many more school groups and nature lovers will be able to enjoy and learn at this close-at-hand nature spot.Andy coordinated several workdays over the past few years, at which Joy and other dedicated volunteers, including Troy Cook, Nelson Craige and Conservancy board member Dan Nydick have participated. Andy said his son Ethan participates in these workdays, too, and provides them all with inspiration to make Toms Run a place where other young kids can learn, enjoy and explore.Andy said thank you is not enough for all of the volunteers’ time, help and support.“We still have a lot of work to do to fully implement the vision for Toms Run, but much has already been done thanks to the time, effort and dedication of our volunteers,” he added. “Their work truly exemplifies what happens when local people are passionate about supporting local land.”Interested in volunteering to help us restore Toms Run Nature Reserve? Contact us at 412-586-2356. Continued from page 5.Students from the Environmental Charter School in Pittsburgh enjoy time hiking, learning and birding at Toms Run.The Conservancy’s colorful hanging flower baskets, planters and gardens adorn many downtown Pittsburgh streets and intersections.Volunteers care for the Grant Street at First Avenue Garden in downtown Pittsburgh.Volunteers plant trees for the Pittsburgh Redbud Project.CONSERVE6Located in central Elk County, the Conservancy’s Allegheny Regional Office in Ridgway, Pa. is staffed by Land Protection Manager Matt Marusiak, Watershed Manager for the Upper Allegheny and Lake Erie Kylie Maland, and Watershed Scientist Luke Bobnar.Whether working on watershed restoration, land protection or stewardship work, Matt, Kylie and Luke are forging strong local conservation partnerships in many Northcentral communities.This area is home to the Clarion River and the Pennsylvania Wilds. And to the Allegheny National Forest and thousands of acres of other public lands, some of which were protected by the Conservancy and then conveyed to state or federal agencies. The area provides exceptional recreational opportunities for exploring nature.An avid fisherman, Matt grew up near DuBois, Pa., and as a kid played and fished in the streams and creeks he now works to protect.“It’s pretty special to have the opportunity to work to conserve this beautiful and rich area that I’m proud to call home,” Matt said. “It’s great to work with so many landowners and partners committed to the success of the forests and waterways here.”While his favorite fishing spots are linked to his childhood roots in Cameron and Potter counties, he also enjoys trout fishing along the East Branch Clarion River.Once heavily polluted, the Clarion River today is a conservation success. Since the 1970s, the Conservancy has protected nearly 13,000 acres of land along the river. With much of its riverfront now protected from development, the Clarion’s water quality continues to improve, and recent studies confirm the existence of abundant fish, aquatic insect and freshwater mussel populations. The river is among only two in the state classified as a National Wild and Scenic River, a designation that is marking its 50th anniversary this year for free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values.That is one of the reasons, Kylie explained, why participating with the Elk County Conservation District’s annual Clarion River Clean-Up is important to Matt, Luke and her. Past clean-up efforts yielded 20-foot long metal culverts, several dumpsters, a shed, tires and other large debris.“We live here in this region and care about the water quality and recreation opportunities of this river, so participating in this each year is a great way anyone and everyone in the community can get involved and rally behind this important cause,” she added.Kylie and Luke work with nearby landowners and partners to manage a variety of different watershed projects in the region. For example, they are partnering with the Elk County Conservation District and the local chapter of Trout Unlimited to facilitate stream restoration and habitat improvement projects.One of the newer efforts they are advancing involves using large woody materials to recreate natural stream habitat. They are employing this technique in sites in the Allegheny National Forest and on East Branch Spring Creek, a tributary to the Clarion River.The approach uses existing fallen trees and branches found along the streambank. Those materials are strategically placed in a stream to create plunge pools that provide critical hiding and resting places for fish and food sources for other aquatic life. And when placed along the streambank, these materials can also help stabilize banks and redirect waterflows.“The conservation district and the U.S. Forest Service have been important partners in promoting this technique mimicking natural stream ecosystems,” said Luke. “The partners are also working together to demonstrate these techniques to state agencies, train their employees and streamline the permitting process for this approach.” WPC’S LOCAL STAFF ADVANCES NORTHCENTRALLAND AND WATER EFFORTSCanoers take in the breathtaking views along the Clarion River, one of only two National Wild and Scenic Rivers in Pennsylvania.WPC staff position a large tree in Mudlick Run, McKean County to help restore this key element of natural stream habitat.7Water quality monitoring is specialized work and one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of public drinking water sources.That’s why Raquel Ketterman, an environmental specialist with the City of Cumberland, Md., requested help from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s watershed conservation program to test the water quality in some of the primary tributaries that supply drinking water to the city. “The Conservancy has such a good reputation in our community due to all of the previous land protection and other watershed work that has already been done over the years,” Raquel said. “So, it was a natural fit for us to partner to leverage their expertise to support our water quality needs.”More than 50,000 people depend on the City of Cumberland’s public water supply each day. The city sits at the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and its water supply originates from Lake Koon and Lake Gordon, which are located in Bedford County, Pa. The primary tributaries supplying water to these reservoir lakes are Evitts Creek, Growden Run and Oster Run as well as several unnamed tributaries within the Evitts Creek watershed, which drains a 59,400-acre area.Although the city’s water supply is monitored regularly, is safe to drink and treated in accordance with all state and federal regulations, Raquel says city leaders were concerned about emerging threats from residential, commercial and energy development that could affect water quality within the watershed.“We wanted to take a proactive step to learn more about the water quality in the tributaries to our lakes, because if those waterways are compromised, eventually our drinking water treatment process will be affected,” she added. Eric Chapman, the Conservancy’s director of aquatic science, met with Raquel and other city leaders to explain our water monitoring process and devised a needs assessment and monitoring protocol. The city had never undertaken an effort of this kind to assess these primary tributaries.“They didn’t have a baseline PARTNERSHIP CROSSES STATE LINES TOPROTECT WATER QUALITYConservancy staff and volunteers plant more than 500 trees on 4.5 acres of the Passarell Farm in Bedford County.Eric Chapman (standing) and WPC’s AmeriCorps Member Zack Rozansky collect water quality information, including water chemistry and stream temperature data.CONSERVE89for their water quality or established monitoring and sampling procedures for these tributaries, so we were pleased to partner with the city to provide this technical assistance to keep an eye on the health of their public water system,” said Eric. Eric is one of nine staff located in the Conservancy’s watershed conservation program office in Indiana, Pa. From this office, as well as offices in Ridgway and Hollidaysburg, Conservancy staff partners with local landowners, farmers and conservation and watershed groups to implement various monitoring and restoration projects in rivers and streams across our region.Work began in fall 2017 to sample water at five sites. Eric and other staff members measured and assessed nitrate, phosphate, turbidity, flow levels and macroinvertebrate communities.Tests confirmed that the water quality near farms along the tributaries had elevated levels of nitrates. Nitrates are found in agricultural fertilizers that are applied to soils to help plants grow, but when they enter local streams and creeks they can degrade water quality and kill aquatic life.“We’ve been partnering with the Bedford County Conservation District, which works with local farmers to implement best management practices, so we were interested in the Conservancy’s findings,” Raquel said. “We held public meetings, which gave us an opportunity to discuss the monitoring results with landowners and explain the importance and need to maintain our water quality efforts.”Bob and Deb Passarell were among several farmers in the watershed who wanted to do more, and asked how they could better manage their land. As a result of our partnership with the city, the Conservancy organized a tree planting in April 2018 on 4.5 acres of their farm.“It was impressive to see how engaged Bob and Deb, and many other farmers, were to make sure their farms were part of the solution and not the problem,” Eric said. “We planted 900 live stems, 360 shrubs and 540 trees along the creek on their farm. This large planting of vegetation will make a big difference in filtering this area.”With a baseline now in place, Conservancy scientists will continue working with the City of Cumberland to monitor and track changes and conditions at the sites. Work is expected to conclude in spring 2019.Local entities interested in learning more about implementing similar efforts in their communities or about other watershed conservation services, please call us at 724-471-7202 or water@paconserve.org. “It was impressive to see how engaged Bob and Deb, and many other farmers, were to make sure their farms were part of the solution and not the problem.”- Eric Chapman, WPC’s director of aquatic scienceFarmer Bob Passarell plants a tree with WPC watershed scientist Alysha Trexler.9Next >