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 …
Living in the Midst of Climate Change
I am currently expecting the arrival of my first child. When people ask, “Are you excited? Are you nervous?,” my answer confirms both. I mean, what expecting parent isn’t nervous? I’m not necessarily worried about the birthing process or caring …
Mountain Watershed Association Presents Stream Sessions Film Series
This summer, Mountain Watershed Association is partnering with Working Films to present the Stream Sessions Film Series that will include four films scheduled for August, September, October, and November. Venues will vary with each film to make each a unique …
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 …
When Water, Ecology, and Agriculture are Left Out: What You Need to Know About the Proposed PA Science Standards
This week, an email came through my inbox from the PA Association of Environmental Educators with the subject, “TOMORROW – Town Hall: PA Proposed Science Standards.” My interests were peaked. Last Winter, pre-pandemic, I spent a fair amount of time …
Education & Outreach: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!
On March 13, 2018 our Education & Outreach Coordinator, Jena, had the pleasure of working with Ms. White’s preschool class of the Head Start/Early Head Start of Fayette County. As a part of MWA’s mission, we provide free, educational outreach …