Celebrate 20 Years of Watershed Restoration!!!!

For two decades (!!!), the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition has worked to address water quality issues impacting the Slippery Rock Creek and its tributaries.  As a result, over 15 miles (!!!) of streams have been greatly improved and billions of gallons of water cleaned!!!   On Saturday, October 10th, celebrate 20 years of restoration and recovery with the Coalition.  Kayak trips, bus tours, hands-on family activities, stream “stomps” and wetland hikes, will take place between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  All activities will begin at Jennings Environmental Education Center.  Everyone is welcome, and all activities are free; however, some require advance registration.

Kayak Sojourn

During the kayak sojourn, float the Slippery Rock to experience the beauty of this creek and paddle past recently completed stream-bank stabilization projects.  Two sojourns will be conducted for ages 14 and up, one from 9:00 AM to noon, and another from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  A limited number of kayaks will be available. Personal kayaks and canoes are welcome.  Registration is required, beginning September 10, and can be easily completed by calling Jennings at 724-794-6011.  An adult must accompany youth ages 14 – 17.

Bus Tour

The bus tour will feature abandoned mine drainage passive treatment systems located throughout the watershed and will be led by those involved in the design, construction, monitoring, and maintenance.  Two tours will be conducted.  One will begin at 9:00 AM and be repeated at 1:00 PM.  Children’s activities will be available on the tours.  Registration is required, beginning September 10, and can be easily completed by calling Jennings at 724-794-6011.

Other Activities

The Watershed Science Lab, located in the Jennings classroom, will be open throughout the day and will be sure to get kids excited about science.   Explore Jennings’ stream, wetland, and passive treatment system on your own or with Jennings staff.  No registration is required for these activities.

If you can’t join us for the 20th Anniversary Celebration, be sure to visit Jennings sometime this autumn to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery.  JEEC is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays and on weekends as scheduled.  The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset for hiking and other environmentally-related activities.