Green Valleys Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania

Watershed protection - assessment of the watersheds of northern chester county (french, pigeon, pickering, valley creeks and stony run) biological conditional provides the detailed information needed to identify the sources and impacts of stressors. Mapping of impaired waters and provides a guide to the least stressed areas in the watersheds where watershed ecosystems should be most intact. This enables prioritization of conservation and restoration efforts, and forms the basis for effective advocacy. Data collected helps with the development of long-term trend information and provides quantitative information about the effectiveness of protection and restorations programs, as well as warning of new degradation. Assessments include chemical and microbiological monitoring, (continued on schedule o) macroinvertebrates, habitat assessments, gis mapping and modeling. Restoration work includes restoration of forested streamside buffer, agricultural best management practices and Green stormwater infrastructure. Schuylkill water stewards volunteer training program teaches participants about watershed issues, enabling them to be better advocates for our streams.

Welkinweir - the Association's headquarters and former home of the Association's founding members, who donated the property. The estate house and 162 permanently protected acres are listed on the natural register of historic places; an adjacent 62 acres are under permanent protection. The property features an arboretum of rare or unusual trees and shrubs and formal gardens set within ecologically diverse forests, meadows, wetlands, ponds, and stream habitats as well as an ever-growing collection of projects that demonstrate sustainable practices and nature-cased infrastructure. We provide training through summer internships for students in the fields of horticulture, forestry, ecological restoration, who go on to work at public and private gardens. Welkinweir is where many of (continued on schedule o) the Association's educational programs take place. A very limited number of special event rentals (primarily weddings, but also memorial services, business meetings, and civic functions) are allowed in the arboretum and at the estate house during the spring and fall. Funds generated are used to support the continued preservation and restoration of the historic property.

Environmental & watershed science education - connecting people with nature has been a part of the Association since its founding fifty years ago. Summer nature camp, our longest running program, encourages a child's natural curiosity of the outdoors by engaging them in fun and educational activities. Summer internships give students in the fields of education or science majors' experiential learning opportunities including program preparation and delivery to children both on-site, in libraries, and at schools. On-site programs include pond & stream studies, nature-themed walks, and scout badge programs. In school programs include after school clubs focused on watershed science education and station-based programming focused on meeting school standards.