The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation will initiate the first enhancement to its proposed Wildlife Center, slated for construction in the Tom Ridge Wetlands along old Route 220 South in Huston Township, Centre County.

The restoration project had been delayed for one year due to high water levels caused by record rainfall throughout the summer and fall of 2018.  Movement of big construction equipment was impossible due to the excessive water and deep mud.

The restoration of 600 feet of Bald Eagle Creek will begin the week of July 22 and take approximately one week to construct.

“This long-awaited project will set the wheels in motion for the development of the Wildlife Center,” said Susan Hawthorne, Executive Director of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation.

The first phase will include the development of a one-mile ADA-compliant walking trail, observation/viewing areas, accessible fishing platform and education pavilion.  The restoration will improve fish habitat by creating deep water and cover for the fish and reduce the bank erosion where the accessible fishing platform will be constructed. 

“The accessibility that is built into the design of the Wildlife Center will provide all persons, regardless of physical limitation, the opportunity to connect with nature through participation in fishing, hiking or wildlife viewing, allowing them to experience the restorative benefits that being outdoors offers,” adds Hawthorne.

The accessible fishing platform is one feature of this model.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s program, Partners for Fish and Wildlife, is funding the effort that will eliminate stream bank erosion and improve the quality of fish habitat. 

The Bald Eagle Creek is stocked with trout and is a very popular fishing destination. In addition to trout, the creek supports small mouth bass, rock bass, white suckers, catfish and other fishable species. 

Fundraising efforts for the Wildlife Center, a project of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation, are in full swing. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation office by calling 814-238-8138 or make a donation online.

(Photo: Part of proposed ADA-compliant walking trail.)

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[Posted: July 18, 2019]

7/22/2019