Allegheny College: Western PA Conservancy Watershed Mini Grant Supports Creek Connections Program

Crawford County-based Allegheny College has been awarded a grant of $3,500 for water quality monitoring supplies as part of the college’s Creek Connections Program. 

This highly competitive grant was awarded after a rigorous evaluation process, with an application the committee said “was well-written, with a detailed budget narrative highlighting valuable conservation efforts.” 

Since receiving funding, Creek Connections has purchased and used a variety of equipment. This includes Hach Test Kits, which test water for alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and orthophosphate. 

Additional items include: LaMotte Equipment that contains a turbidity test kit, pH Test Kit, EC/TDS/Salt Meters, distilled water wash bottles, a pocket thermometer, and chloride quantab test strips. 

The equipment is provided to participating middle and high school science teachers in western Pennsylvania for conducting monthly water quality monitoring of their local waterways. 

This equipment, along with expertise from Creek Connections staff, brings project-based learning to students and provides Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences, which are now required for all Pennsylvania students. 

Wendy Kedzierski, director of Creek Connections, said “Support from BHE GT&S and WPC allows Creek Connections to continue providing hands-on science learning to western Pennsylvania students. Science comes alive for students when they conduct water quality monitoring on their local waterways using the same water testing equipment that scientists use daily. Students investigate and gain a better understanding of the importance of watershed health.”

Visit Allegheny College Creek Connections Program webpage to learn more.

Each year, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy accepts proposals for its Watershed Mini Grant Program, which provides assistance to the region’s grassroots watershed groups and organizations. 

WPC administers the grant program in commitment to its core mission of conserving Pennsylvania’s diverse ecosystems through science-based strategy, leadership and collaboration. 

Financial support for this project is provided by BHE GT&S, which is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities served by BHE GT&S companies. 

The program offers funding to watershed organizations in 26 Pennsylvania counties. 

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[Posted: December 20, 2023]  PA Environment Digest