FRANKLIN TWP, PA — This past week, in recognition of Earth Week, Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) alongside the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, took significant strides towards enhancing the natural landscape and ecological health of Big Elk Creek State Park in Chester County. Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Norristown crew were seen planting a variety of trees along the waterway, marking a pivotal moment in the park’s restoration project that spans over 300 acres.
This initiative not only commemorates Earth Day on April 22 and Arbor Day on April 26 but also sets a precedent for conservation efforts aimed at improving local water quality, biodiversity, and creating vital wildlife habitats. The tree planting effort is part of a broader mission to bolster streamside buffers and native meadows, which play critical roles in mitigating climate change impacts. These include carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, reduction in mowing requirements, cooling of water temperatures during peak summers, and providing essential resources for pollinators and wildlife.
Funded by a grant through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program, supported by federal dollars, this restoration work underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing water quality and restoring natural habitats through strategic reforestation. The initiative is spearheaded by DCNR in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, aiming to plant trees along streams statewide for myriad environmental benefits.
The undertaking at Big Elk Creek has been praised by Ryan Davis, Senior Forests Projects Manager at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, for its scale and potential impact on the stream’s ecosystem and surrounding forest areas. The project involves a four-member crew from the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, a statewide workforce initiative designed to introduce young individuals aged 15-25 to conservation careers and related job opportunities.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget highlights the significance of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps by allocating $5 million towards a regional effort. This investment is aimed at diversifying and strengthening conservation career pathways for the youth, further emphasizing the importance of nurturing a new generation of environmental stewards.
In addition to tree plantations, the restoration project also includes the seeding of approximately 80 acres of meadows on former agricultural lands, expected to bloom this spring. The ongoing tree planting encompasses more than 255 acres of streamside buffer areas within the park, transforming hay or crop fields into thriving ecosystems. Among the 2,000 trees and shrubs being planted are species such as red and silver maple, hackberry, redbud, and tulip-poplar, among others, chosen for their ecological benefits and adaptability to the local environment.
This comprehensive restoration project, supported by a roughly $3 million grant to the Alliance, extends beyond Big Elk Creek State Park, involving additional locations aimed at enhancing Pennsylvania’s natural landscapes. The inclusion of Big Elk Creek State Park into the state park system in September 2022 marks a significant milestone in Pennsylvania’s dedication to preserving and enriching its green spaces for future generations.
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