Mountain Watershed Association

06/02/2026

Appalachia is at risk. Resource extraction, shale gas drilling, coal mining, and petrochemical infrastructure threaten our air, water, and way of life.

But communities can fight back - grassroots organizing has been proven to make real change at the local level and beyond.

Are you fighting for environmental justice, but need some help? Apply to the Direct Support Fund!

See the full video and learn more at mtwatershed.com/direct-support-fund

06/01/2026

Public Meeting Alert!

June 15 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Saltlick Township Municipal Building

We just learned about two public meetings scheduled with the Public Utility Commission about the sale of the Indian Creek Valley Water Authority to PA American Water, a private, for-profit company (and a subsidiary of the largest private water company in the country).

This is a chance to speak with the Public Utility Commission! You can attend and:

- Tell them how the sale could affect you, your family, and your wallet.
- Tell them if you support or oppose the sale and why.
- Ask them to make changes or add protections to keep your water service fair and affordable.

We'll have more details soon. In the meantime, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected] or call us at 724-455-4200!

06/01/2026

Find us in the Youghigheny watershed this month!

Tuesdays at 6 pm - Trail Tuesday walks on the Indian Creek Valley Trail (schedule is posted on the trail page)

June 3 - MWA will be tabling and selling merch at the Ohiopyle Summer Concert

June 4/6/8 - Volunteer trail work days on the Indian Creek Valley Trail (email [email protected] for details or visit mtwatershed.com/volunteer)

June 20 - Tabling at Wilderness Voyageurs' annual Beer & Gear Festival

June 28 - Family Field Day at Laurel Hill State Park

06/01/2026

We'd like to welcome our newest Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps AmeriCorps member, Rachel Mitchell! Rachel will be helping our conservation and outreach teams this summer.

Rachel is a runner, hiker, skier, and angler from Champion, PA. She's super active, but her favorite activity is pretty low-key: watching her toddlers enjoy the wonders of nature. A childhood trip to one of MWA's treatment systems along Indian Creek sparked her interest in watershed restoration.

Rachel has several years of experience working in geotechnical engineering, and she's excited to bring her skills to MWA this summer!

06/01/2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting several Climate Conversations this year, and they want your input!

These workshops are part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program to help shape Pennsylvania’s future Climate Action Plan.

There will also be an Online Webinar - June 11, 2026, 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM.

Check out this form to register for virtual or in-person workshops!

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QSiOQSgB1U2bbEf8Wpob3s018O3lYx5HkxEzUoKqkxdUNUJNWDlCTUVMVkJBQ1ZVSVc0S0s5TEJCUy4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawQ05wNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkYmREMFhpR0xSVHRic3Buc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHo4wywYPavQMeho-48Ni_CWtQPbTkd9O2Ez8MgvcOZEg8BNETpUPXFzqkPSG_aem_i6qYtrTQLrLJVXjZ8nuJDw&route=shorturl

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites you to join a Climate Conversation in your community in 2026. These workshops are part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program and help shape Pennsylvania’s future Climate Action Plan.  Each session include...

05/29/2026

We'd like to thank Amy for an awesome term as our Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps AmeriCorps member! Over the past year, Amy has helped us take water samples, maintain the Indian Creek Valley Trail, educate the community, promote events, and build our whitewater community on the Yough.

She's off to be a River Ranger on the Deschutes River in Oregon, where she'll patrol the river and educate the public about sustainable river recreation! We wish her the best of luck in her next adventure!

05/28/2026

results are in! As expected, bacteria levels are high in the watershed after heavy rain this week.

⚠️ Please use caution around fast-moving water! High flows can be hazardous for people and pets.

05/28/2026

Seeking volunteers for trail work on the Indian Creek Valley Trail! We need help cleaning up the trail and installing our new mile markers along the way.

ICV Trail Work and Cleanup Days - Times and Meeting Locations:

June 4: 9am - 2pm, 472 Killarney Rd, Mill Run, PA (Mill Run Reservoir)

June 6: 10am - 2pm, 1414 Indian Creek Valley Rd, Melcroft, PA (MWA Office)

June 8: 4pm - 7pm, 1414 Indian Creek Valley Rd, Melcroft, PA (MWA Office)

Sign up at mtwatershed.com/volunteer!

05/27/2026

Spicy conditions for swimming hole sampling today! These spots are probably not going to be "swimmable."

Why? Brown water caused by heavy rain, flooding, or runoff can contain harmful microorganisms (like E. coli or f***l coliforms) that cause vomiting, diarrhea, or severe stomach cramps.

Swimming in chocolate-milky waters introduces the risk of staph infections and other wastewater-related illnesses.

If it's brown, turn around folks!

05/27/2026

Family Field Day at Laurel Hill State Park is coming up!

Join Mountain Watershed Association for a free, fun day outside on June 28! We'll have nature crafts, activities, and more at the Willis Pavilion next to Laurel Hill Lake. Hang out and learn for a while, then take a free boat out on the lake!

More info at mtwatershed.com/events

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🐸Seeking volunteers to run education stations! Email [email protected] if you want to help out!