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About Us |
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Contact Us: |
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The Octoraro Watershed Association is dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural and historical resources of the Octoraro Watershed. The watershed covers 208 square miles and includes fourteen townships and four boroughs in Southern Chester and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania and Cecil County Maryland. The Octoraro Creek flows into the Susquehanna River downstream from the Conowingo Dam, which in turn empties into the Chesapeake Bay.
The Watershed Association was founded in 1967 by a group of Chester and Lancaster County residents dedicated to protecting water quality, promoting sound land use practices and raising environmental awareness.
In 1983 we were instrumental in placing thirty-four miles of the East and West branches and the main stem of the Octoraro Creek in the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Program. This was one of Pennsylvania's first Scenic River designations. In 1986, we developed the Octoraro Taskforce which studies the problems of the Watershed and made recommendations to the townships and boroughs for stream corridor protection. In 1998 and 1999 through a grant from Pennsylvania DCNR and with the help of a community taskforce we studied and prepared a Watershed Conservation Plan.
Our educational programs include a stream bank stabilization project with the Solanco High School FFA Chapter. We will also be working with students to construct a Demonstration Project on the Solanco High School Campus. OWA worked with providence Elementary School to build a nature study center on their campus. We also worked with the teachers there to develop a continuing curriculum that will utilize the nature center throughout the students educational career. |
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We are partnered with owners to improve water quality. Through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife “Partners for Wildlife” Program and County Conservation Districts property owners are installing stream bank fencing and riparian buffers. These projects seek to restore wildlife habitat, stabilize stream banks, and filter pollutants from watershed stream banks. These programs are constantly expanding to include new partners. Our continuing goal is to improve water quality throughout the Watershed.
Twice a year we publish our Newsletter “Octoraro Meanderings” which disseminates historical, environmental, scientific, and education information. Annually we sponsor a Traveling Photograph Contest and Silent Bid Auction to Promote the Association and public appreciation of the Watershed. Proceeds are used for your education and conservation programs.
We hold our annual membership meeting each spring which includes dinner, the photo contest, a guest speaker, and our business meeting. Our Board of Directors meet quarterly. These meetings are held in the watershed office and are open to members and the public.
Membership The Octoraro Watershed Association’s programs are supported entirely by membership dues and private contributions. Members include individuals, families, and organizations who are concerned with the environment and dedicated to economically sound conservation.
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Grants: The OWA is a Non-Profit organization that is funded by grants. Any information of grants that we might be eligible for are always welcome. Please e-mail suggestions to owa1@epix.net. |