OVERVIEW
The Allegheny County Parks Foundation worked with the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program of Allegheny County to complete ecological stream assessments in all 9 County Parks over a three-year period. This work builds upon the work of our Ecological Assessments and Action Plans.
These stream studies complement our ecological work by diving deeply into the condition of the streams through the assessment of their chemistry, macro-invertebrate biological community, and physical condition using standardized procedures over a one-year period in each park. The Parks Foundation and Allegheny County use these studies to help guide decisions in land use, land management or restoration activities and projects.
Since the conclusion of the three-year study period, the Master Watershed Stewards have continued to perform quarterly chemical sampling and annual macro-invertebrate sampling of the previously studied streams. This long-term approach allows for continued tracking of chemical conditions and macro-invertebrate communities, providing valuable insight into how stream health is changing over time.
PHASES
- 2021-2022: Hartwood Acres Park, Harrison Hills Park & White Oak Park
- 2022-2023: Deer Lakes, Round Hill & Settlers Cabin Park
- 2023-2024: North Park, Boyce Park & South Park
PARTNERS
- Allegheny County
- Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program
FUNDING
The Allegheny County Parks Foundation raised the funds for this project. Funding was provided by:
- Community Foundation for the Alleghenies on behalf of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds