We all live downstream … and upstream.  By examining the different ways we use the land along our waterways (is it the site of a factory?  a housing plan?  a wood lot or an open field?), we can learn which choices are good for water quality and good for us and our neighbors.

The Westmoreland Conservation District is sponsoring a bus tour to portions of the Turtle Creek Watershed on September 26, to provide the public with a firsthand look at the ways that upstream land uses impact downstream neighbors. 

Participants will see the impacts of drainage from an abandoned coal mine, stormwater management techniques, erosion and sediment controls, streambank stabilization, and recreational enhancements.

The Turtle Creek Watershed drains an area of 147 square miles that extends from western Westmoreland County to eastern Allegheny County.  Turtle Creek flows west from its source in Delmont, Westmoreland County, to its mouth where it enters the Monongahela River in North Versailles Township, Allegheny County. 

The creek and its tributaries have been impacted from pollution related to past coal-mining activities and development.  Today, communities and organizations are working to repair past damage and implement innovative conservation projects.

The Westmoreland Conservation District bus tour will begin at 8:00 a.m. at The Lamplighter Restaurant in Delmont and conclude there at 1:30 p.m. after a buffet lunch and program. 

The tour is open to the public.  Cost is $20, and includes light refreshments in the morning, lunch, and bus transportation from and to the Lamplighter Restaurant.

Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Space is limited and registration and payment must be received by September 19. 

For more information, Click Here for the Tour flyer. Click Here to register online.  Questions can be directed to Jen at 724-837-5271 or send email to: jen@wcdpa.com. 

9/8/2014