MWA is proposing to purchase a 192.6 acre property in Fayette County which borders Indian Creek, a tributary of the Youghiogheny River, and Rasler Run, a tributary to Indian Creek. Indian Creek is designated as a high quality coldwater fishery, …
Summer Fish Surveys Went Swimmingly
In the last week of June, staff at the Mountain Watershed Association were able to slide into their hip waders to join Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) in some fish shocking. Fish shocking, also recognized as electrofishing, is an environmental survey …
An Ancient Ally: Warnings from Freshwater Sponges
Underneath the rocks that cover the floors of our watershed lives possibly the oldest animals ever recorded, sponges. They’re not much to look at, in fact, you might not notice they’re an animal at all at first glance. These tan …
Water Guardians Afterschool Club Receives Funding for 2022/2023 School Year
The Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) is happy to announce a new upcoming education project: the Water Guardians After School Youth Club. During the 2022-23 school year, this club will take place at Springfield Clifford N. Pritts Elementary in Normalville, and …
High Quality Streams – High Quality Fish
The Youghiogheny River Watershed is known for its clean and cool tributaries, fishing, whitewater rafting, and coal mining. Our industrial minded history paired with our current love for the outdoors brings many to wonder. Why did we ruin so many …
Mussel Surveys in Indian Creek
Recently, from July 20th to the 23rd, MWA conducted freshwater mussel surveys with assistance from Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC). DCNR staff members from Ohiopyle and Laurel Hill State Park were also able to participate in our study and were incredibly …
A Laurel Highlands Springtime in a Changing Climate
Spring has sprung in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. The ephemeral streams are flowing, the hillsides and valleys are blanketed with native spring wildflowers, and the neo-tropical migratory birds are making their way back to our hardwood forests, their summer …
Stream Insects Indicate Water Quality
On a warm morning in early Spring, Mountain Watershed staff made their way north on the Indian Creek Valley Trail, carrying a net, a measuring tape, empty mason jars, metal sieves, and various water sampling equipment. A whole week of …
Springs: What They Are and Why We’re Testing Them
Springs are a natural source of fresh, cold, flowing water that have undoubtedly attracted humans to them for millennia. Entire communities have been formed around springs, and many homes built before the 20th century were purposely built near springs. Springs …
MWA’s Solar Update
Since going solar, MWA has recorded our energy savings and earnings in order to present an update on our experience with this renewable source of energy.