PA Sea Grant, Benedictine Sisters Of Erie Host Nov. 6 Walking Tour Of Sevenmile Creek Restoration Site

PA Sea Grant and the Benedictine Sisters of Erie are hosting a public tour November 6 to view the restoration of approximately 500 feet of Sevenmile Creek starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Glinodo Center located at 6270 East Lake Road in Harborcreek Township.

Each year tons of sediment erodes from the banks of Sevenmile Creek, which flows through Glinodo, and into Lake Erie.

This erosion and excess sediment is detrimental to the health of the stream, to macroinvertebrates, fish and other aquatic species, to the stability of streamside properties, and ultimately to the health of Lake Erie.

The restoration of this stretch of Sevenmile Creek will improve fish habitat and water quality, and will reduce sedimentation entering the stream by 45.6 tons annually.

The project includes the widening and re-vegetation of an existing forested riparian  buffer which will help to stabilize the banks and provide shade, while also providing vital habitats for birds, mammals, and other wildlife.

The project also includes monitoring of improvements to determine the pre and post-construction fish and macroinvertebrate populations, and educational activities to inform the public of the project and its benefits.

These efforts were made possible by the Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Greener Program, which awarded $141,891 in 2015 to the project. Growing Greener remains the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania's history to address Pennsylvania's critical environmental concerns of the 21st century.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant and the Benedictine Sisters of Erie encourage the community to participate in the event to learn more about Sevenmile Creek, the project, the positive improvements they may see because of the work, and to ask questions.

Contact Dave Skellie or Tom Cermak of PA Sea Grant with questions or for additional details, at 814-217-9011.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the PA Sea Grant website.  Follow them on Twitter.  Like them on Facebook.