Western PA Conservancy, Partners To Improve Fish Habitat On South Branch French Creek In Erie County

Fish such as rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass and more in South Branch French Creek will have improved habitat, thanks to a current project of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in partnership with the Fish and Boat Commission and Union City Borough.

A tributary to French Creek, the most biodiverse creek in the eastern United States, South Branch French Creek is popular with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

The project began September 14 and will last through September 30, weather permitting, near the Little League ball fields in Union City, Erie County.

Luke Bobnar, watershed projects manager with the Conservancy, says approximately 3,000 feet of the stream will be improved by streambank stabilization techniques and the addition of fish habitat structures. 

The project aims to reduce sedimentation and streambank erosion and improve habitat for fish and other aquatic species.

"The work will involve strategically placing logs and rocks to stabilize the streambank and streambed and provide places for fish to rest and hide, and installing cross vanes, mudsills or log-frame stone deflectors to direct water away from the streambank to reduce erosion," Luke says. 

In the future, live-stake trees could be planted to increase streambank stability.  

The habitat structure installation could create muddy water in the stream, but Luke adds water quality will not be affected during construction. 

He notes that work will be done primarily from the south embankment.

Luke noted that the work must be done during low-flow conditions to install the structures at the correct elevation and with the least amount of environmental damage. 

The work will be done around the baseball schedule to ensure the safest working conditions and the least disturbance to the public.

The Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Plus Program provided financial assistance for the project.

In preparation for this work over the past two years, the partners have been working with volunteers to remove and kill Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose and other invasive weeds at the site. 

The weed control effort was funded in part by a sub-grant from Union City Borough through a Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) grant to educate the public.

Landowners interested in managing invasive weeds and landscaping with native plants on their properties, or anyone interested in more information about the South Branch French Creek habitat improvement project may contact Kylie Maland, WPC’s watershed manager for Lake Erie and Ohio River basin, at 814-776-1114 or kmaland@paconserve.org. 

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is a private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932, WPC has helped establish 11 state parks, conserved more than 297,000 acres of natural lands, protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, and assessed thousands of wildlife species and their habitats. 

The Conservancy owns and operates Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and symbolizes people living in harmony with nature. 

In addition, WPC enriches our region’s cities and towns through 130 community gardens and other green spaces and thousands of trees that are planted with the help of more than 7,000 volunteers. 

The work of the Conservancy is accomplished through the support of more than 10,000 members. 

(Photo: South Branch French Creek stream restoration site.)

Related Articles This Week:

-- Western PA Conservancy, Partners To Improve Fish Habitat On South Branch French Creek In Erie County  [PaEN] 

-- Swarthmore College Hosts The Swarthmore Fungi Fest Sept. 29 to Oct. 2  [PaEN]   

[Posted: September 15, 2026] PA Environment Digest

Swarthmore College Hosts The Swarthmore Fungi Fest Sept. 29 to Oct. 2

Delaware County-based Swarthmore College will host the Swarthmore Fungi Fest September 29 to October 2 on campus and at the Crum Woods.

Fungi Fest brings the College into a growing movement to learn from fungi to remediate our relationships with ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human world in a time of climate crisis. 

The Fungi Fest, organized by Josie Low ’27, will explore the social and ecological importance of the fungal kingdom, conservation efforts in Pennsylvania

This weeklong series of events culminates with a conversation between internationally acclaimed scientist and author Merlin Sheldrake and Pennsylvania’s first official state mycologist, Hannah Huber. 

Together, they will reveal the interconnected role of fungi in the interdisciplinary contexts of science, law and government, and creative writing and art.

“Swarthmore is the perfect place for mushrooms,” says Low. “We have a humid climate, the Crum Woods, and most importantly, a passionate community. Although we don’t have a formal mycology class, I can feel the excitement when mushrooms begin emerging in the fall. I want Swarthmore Fungi Fest to be a symbiotic place for both academia and community science, bridging disciplines and mediums, and bringing together fungi and people.”

The events include a guided walk in the Crum Woods; a film screening; an exhibition; a cooking demonstration; an introductory lecture on mycology by accomplished mycologist, educator, and Swarthmore alum Alden Dirks ’16.

“As the environmental emergency has worsened, there’s been a growing awareness of the interconnectivity of the living world,” said Merlin Sheldrake. “Fungi are really powerful poster organisms for ecological thinking.” 

Swarthmore Fungi Fest is supported by the William J. Cooper Foundation, Swarthmore College Libraries, the Biology Department, the Campus and Community Store, the English Department, the Environmental Studies Program, the Film and Media Studies Department, Kitao Gallery, the Office of Sustainability, the Teaching and Learning Commons, and Scott Arboretum & Gardens, as well as local mycology clubs the Philadelphia Mycology Club and the New Jersey Mycological Association.

All events are free and open to the public, though some may require registration in advance.

Click Here for a schedule of events and registration information.

Visit the Swarthmore Fungi Fest webpage to learn more.

(Photos: Alden Dirks ’16, Hannah Huber, and Merlin Sheldrake.)

Related Articles This Week:

-- Western PA Conservancy, Partners To Improve Fish Habitat On South Branch French Creek In Erie County  [PaEN] 

-- Swarthmore College Hosts The Swarthmore Fungi Fest Sept. 29 to Oct. 2  [PaEN] 

[Posted: September 15, 2026]  PA Environment Digest 

Report: Winter Heating Oil Costs Expected To Increase Over 31%, Electric By 9%, Natural Gas By 5.8%

On September 14, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association released a report saying home heating costs are projected to rise by 8.7 percent this winter, more than twice the rate of inflation, driven primarily by higher electricity, and heating oil costs. 

Heating oil costs are projected to rise by 31.3 percent, largely because of the sharp increase in heating oil prices driven by the war in Iran

Families that rely on electric heating are projected to see costs rise by 9.0 percent, while households using natural gas are expected to see heating costs increase by 5.8 percent. 

Across all fuel types, these increases in heating costs are being moderated by expectations for a warmer winter due to El Niño, which typically brings warmer-than-normal winter temperatures to much of the United States, reducing the amount of energy households need to heat their homes.

Approximately 51% of households in Pennsylvania heat with natural gas, 26% with electricity, 13.5% with heating oil, 5% with propane and 4.5% with wood or other sources

NEADA is urging Congress to increase Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)  funding from $4 billion to $7 billion to help families manage rising home energy costs. 

Energy bills are taking up a growing share of household budgets, particularly as energy prices continue to rise. 

For low and moderate income households, the issue is not simply that energy costs are rising. 

Higher heating and electricity bills leave families with less money for food, housing, transportation and other basic necessities. 

Increasing LIHEAP funding is therefore essential to helping families afford their energy bills, avoid falling into utility debt and keep their homes safely heated and cooled.

Click Here for a copy of the report.

Click Here for the NEADA announcement.

[NOTE: The US Energy Information Administration has not yet put out its winter heating costs report which is usually the most comprehensive.]

Related Articles This Week:

-- PUC Study Warns Rapid Data Center Growth Will Cause PJM Electric Grid To Fail Reliability Standard In 2027, If No Further Actions Taken  [PaEN] 

-- PPL Electric Files Proposal With PUC To Make Electric Transmission Costs More Transparent, Establishes New Way To Assign Costs Incurred For Data Centers To Those Customers  [PaEN]  

-- PA GreenGov Council, Penn State Sustainability Host 2026 Sustainability Week Oct. 5-9 With Timely Webinars Exploring The Future Of Pennsylvania's Energy  [PaEN] 

-- Solar Energy Canopy Installation Nearly Complete At PA Turnpike’s Headquarters Building In Dauphin County  [PaEN] 

-- Allegheny County, City Of Pittsburgh, Solar United Neighbors Launch Switch Together To Help Local Homeowners Reduce Energy Costs By Going Solar  [PaEN]  

-- DEP, PHFA Host Sept. 24 Webinar On New Homeowner Energy Efficiency Loan Program To Reduce Your Energy Costs  [PaEN] 

-- Report: Winter Heating Oil Costs Expected To Increase Over 31%, Electric By 9%, Natural Gas By 5.8%  [PaEN]  

NewsClips:

-- Utility Dive: PA PUC Report: PJM Faces 2030 Reliability Crisis If Data Center Load Growth Continues; PJM Agrees Demand Growing Faster Than The Ability To Build New Power Sources

-- PennLive - Charles Thompson: PUC Report Warns Of More Power Outages As A.I. Data Centers Surge In Pennsylvania 

-- WHYY - Sophia Schmidt: A.I. Data Center Growth Could Mean Blackouts In Coming Year, PA PUC Report Says

-- The Center Square: PUC Warns A.I. Data Center Demand Threatens Electricity Grid Reliability

-- PA Senate Republican Statement On PUC Power Grid Report [No Solutions Included]

[Posted: September 15, 2026] PA Environment Digest

Allegheny County, City Of Pittsburgh, Solar United Neighbors Launch Switch Together To Help Local Homeowners Reduce Energy Costs By Going Solar

On September 15, Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh, with national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, announced the launch of Switch Together, which will help local homeowners save on solar installations-- including optional battery storage and EV chargers. 

It does so by harnessing the power of community through a group buying model.

“Transitioning to cleaner energy is an important part of building a more resilient and sustainable Allegheny County,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Switch Together gives residents an opportunity to learn more about solar and explore whether it makes sense for their homes, while using the collective buying power of our communities to make these options more accessible. 

“We’re grateful to Solar United Neighbors and our partners at the City of Pittsburgh for bringing this program back to our region.”

“At a time when energy costs are putting more pressure on families across the city, this program makes solar an accessible option at a discounted price to help sustainably lower utility bills,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor. “I’d like to thank Solar United Neighbors and Allegheny County for their partnership in bringing this opportunity to our communities.”

Switch Together makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education through online resources and in-person events. 

During the 2025 Greater Pittsburgh Switch Together program, residents saw an average discount of 16% for their solar proposals. 

More than 400 Allegheny County residents joined the program last year.

“If you’ve ever thought about going solar, now’s your chance,” said Rachel Pecharka, Solar United Neighbors Pennsylvania Program Associate. “With energy costs rising as high as they’ve ever been, solar can help you save money by taking control of where your energy comes from. Doing so through the solar co-op provides peace of mind that you’re making the right decision for you and your family.”

“Switch Together gave me the confidence to make the move to solar,” said David Heyman, a previous participant. “Because the program was introduced through the City of Pittsburgh, I trusted the process from the start. The installation was straightforward. 

“My installer, Green Rack Solar, kept me informed every step of the way, and now my solar system simply does its job in the background. I don't have to change my routine or think about when I'm generating power. 

“It's one of the few technologies I've adopted that requires virtually no interaction, yet every day I get the satisfaction of knowing my home is powered in part by clean electricity I'm producing myself.”

How Does it Work?

The program organizes a reverse auction with qualified installers who compete to offer their most competitive prices. 

This ensures participants receive a discount on a high-quality solar installation. In addition to the group discount, the program’s installers will offer a vetted and competitive solar lease or power purchase agreement option. 

This can be a great option for residents who do not wish to purchase their solar system through cash purchase or loan financing.

How to Participate

Visit switchtogether.com/greaterpittsburgh to register or learn more. The final day to register and accept a personal recommendation is November 18, 2026. 

Participants will receive a free personal recommendation upon registering. Registration is free, and there is no obligation to accept an offer.

Solar United Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that represents the needs and interests of solar owners and supporters. Group buying programs, like Switch Together are part of the organization’s mission to create a new energy system with rooftop solar at the cornerstone. 

Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.

Related Articles This Week:

-- PUC Study Warns Rapid Data Center Growth Will Cause PJM Electric Grid To Fail Reliability Standard In 2027, If No Further Actions Taken  [PaEN] 

-- PPL Electric Files Proposal With PUC To Make Electric Transmission Costs More Transparent, Establishes New Way To Assign Costs Incurred For Data Centers To Those Customers  [PaEN]  

-- PA GreenGov Council, Penn State Sustainability Host 2026 Sustainability Week Oct. 5-9 With Timely Webinars Exploring The Future Of Pennsylvania's Energy  [PaEN] 

-- Solar Energy Canopy Installation Nearly Complete At PA Turnpike’s Headquarters Building In Dauphin County  [PaEN] 

-- Allegheny County, City Of Pittsburgh, Solar United Neighbors Launch Switch Together To Help Local Homeowners Reduce Energy Costs By Going Solar  [PaEN] 

-- DEP, PHFA Host Sept. 24 Webinar On New Homeowner Energy Efficiency Loan Program To Reduce Your Energy Costs  [PaEN] 

-- Report: Winter Heating Oil Costs Expected To Increase Over 31%, Electric By 9%, Natural Gas By 5.8%  [PaEN]  

NewsClips:

-- Utility Dive: PA PUC Report: PJM Faces 2030 Reliability Crisis If Data Center Load Growth Continues; PJM Agrees Demand Growing Faster Than The Ability To Build New Power Sources

-- PennLive - Charles Thompson: PUC Report Warns Of More Power Outages As A.I. Data Centers Surge In Pennsylvania 

-- WHYY - Sophia Schmidt: A.I. Data Center Growth Could Mean Blackouts In Coming Year, PA PUC Report Says

-- The Center Square: PUC Warns A.I. Data Center Demand Threatens Electricity Grid Reliability

-- PA Senate Republican Statement On PUC Power Grid Report [No Solutions Included]

[Posted: September 15, 2026] PA Environment Digest

Solar Energy Canopy Installation Nearly Complete At PA Turnpike’s Headquarters Building In Dauphin County

On September 15, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced it is putting the finishing touches on a solar canopy over part of the parking lot at its Central Administration Building in Dauphin County. 

Construction of the 15-foot structure aligns with the PA Turnpike’s sustainability goals, including gaining energy independence by 2040.  

“As we drive toward becoming America’s first Sustainable Superhighway, we are excited to invest in renewable, clean energy right here in Dauphin County,” said PA Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton. “For 85 years and counting, we’ve been at the forefront of transportation innovation. Creating a sustainable future is the right thing to do – for our customers, our financial partners and the entire Commonwealth.”

One hundred and eighty-six (186) solar panels will power charging stations for the 20 electric vehicles (EVs) that park beneath, in addition to offsetting energy costs at the Central Administration Building. 

The canopy is expected to generate 136,400 kWh of electricity in its first year – the equivalent of an electric car driving the length of the PA Turnpike more than 750 times.

Funded by non-toll revenue generated from its Greensburg microgrid, the Central Administration Building Solar project, including both roof top and canopy for the inductive charging showcase, is a $2.2 million investment with an approximate 10-year return on investment. 

Excess energy will be sold back to PPL Electric, the Commission’s energy provider.

The solar canopy will eventually power the PA Turnpike’s planned Stationary Inductive Charging Showcase, which aims to enhance technical and operational knowledge of in-road EV charging, with the long-term goal of introducing the technology along the Mon/Fayette Expressway. 

In January, the Commission selected Electreon Wireless to install three charging pads that will be powered by a solar canopy. That project will begin in 2027. 

“This project is the backbone of the PA Turnpike’s inductive charging strategy to create the next generation of highway travel,” said Keith Jack, Assistant Chief of Facilities Operations and former chair of the PA Turnpike Commission’s Sustainability Committee. “It will help us deliver EV charging accessibility to our fleet and provide the tools and knowledge necessary to incorporate additional emerging technologies into our roadway.” 

Five hundred and thirty-seven (537) solar panels were added to the roof as part of the Commission’s roof replacement this summer, a project that is part of its capital plan. 

The solar canopy installation adds three more inches of insulation for higher efficiency and is expected to pay for itself within ten years.  

Last year, the PA Turnpike built a solar microgrid at its Western Regional Office that will power the PA Turnpike Commission’s 27,000-square-foot office, as well as the PSP Troop T New Stanton barracks. 

The microgrid, which operates in conjunction with a natural-gas generator as a backup, is the second of its kind that the Commission has built.  

The PA Turnpike Commission’s first solar project came in 2021 when it installed a microgrid at the Greensburg Maintenance Facility in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. 

A tolling industry first, the array of 3,224 (405 watt) solar panels generates 1.305 MW of power. 

Alongside a continuous, 1.2 megawatt natural-gas generator, the microgrid is projected to yield $450,000 in annual savings, a new revenue stream and eventual energy independence. 

Visit the Pennsylvania Turnpike Sustainability webpage to learn more about sustainability projects.

Related Articles This Week:

-- PUC Study Warns Rapid Data Center Growth Will Cause PJM Electric Grid To Fail Reliability Standard In 2027, If No Further Actions Taken  [PaEN] 

-- PPL Electric Files Proposal With PUC To Make Electric Transmission Costs More Transparent, Establishes New Way To Assign Costs Incurred For Data Centers To Those Customers  [PaEN]  

-- PA GreenGov Council, Penn State Sustainability Host 2026 Sustainability Week Oct. 5-9 With Timely Webinars Exploring The Future Of Pennsylvania's Energy  [PaEN] 

-- Solar Energy Canopy Installation Nearly Complete At PA Turnpike’s Headquarters Building In Dauphin County  [PaEN] 

-- Allegheny County, City Of Pittsburgh, Solar United Neighbors Launch Switch Together To Help Local Homeowners Reduce Energy Costs By Going Solar  [PaEN] 

-- DEP, PHFA Host Sept. 24 Webinar On New Homeowner Energy Efficiency Loan Program To Reduce Your Energy Costs  [PaEN] 

-- Report: Winter Heating Oil Costs Expected To Increase Over 31%, Electric By 9%, Natural Gas By 5.8%  [PaEN]  

NewsClips:

-- Utility Dive: PA PUC Report: PJM Faces 2030 Reliability Crisis If Data Center Load Growth Continues; PJM Agrees Demand Growing Faster Than The Ability To Build New Power Sources

-- PennLive - Charles Thompson: PUC Report Warns Of More Power Outages As A.I. Data Centers Surge In Pennsylvania 

-- WHYY - Sophia Schmidt: A.I. Data Center Growth Could Mean Blackouts In Coming Year, PA PUC Report Says

-- The Center Square: PUC Warns A.I. Data Center Demand Threatens Electricity Grid Reliability

-- PA Senate Republican Statement On PUC Power Grid Report [No Solutions Included]

[Posted: September 15, 2026] PA Environment Digest