2024 Chapter Fall Activities
The Penns Creek Chapter rounded out 2024 with a full slate of activities, including educational outreach programs, a visit to several watershed restoration projects, and of course, some fun social events!
Mifflin County High School Environmental Science students took their learning outside during a field day on Kish Creek, where they participated in aquatic sampling and tree planting in Kish Park with support from our chapter volunteers. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Mifflin County Conservation District also lent their expertise to the day. The field day underscored the importance of healthy stream and riparian ecosystems.
Chapter members were given the unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about stream restoration efforts, thanks to Bailey Coder, the Watershed Specialist from Mifflin County Conservation District. Bailey led informative tours of projects along Jacks and Kish Creeks, providing valuable insights into the restoration process. For more information about plans and assessments for watersheds in Mifflin County, please visit the Conservation District's webpage.
Fall festivals are fun events where people can get outside and enjoy the beauty of autumn. The Chapter operated an information booth showcasing fly tying and fly casting at the Reeds Gap State Park Fall Festival and the Little Buffalo State Park Apple Festival in October.
The Chapter hosted two successful social events in the second half of 2024. The Summer Social took place at Poe Paddy State Park, while the Winter Social was held at Shy Bear Brewing Company. Both gatherings were well-attended and enjoyed by all who participated.
Environmental science students performing aquatic sampling on Kishacoquillas creek.
Students gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship by planting trees in Kish Park.
Electrofishing passes a mild electric current through water and stuns fish, allowing researchers to collect them.
During the electrofishing survey, a nice wild brown trout was collected and safely released back into the water.
Chapter members provided fly tying instruction at Reeds Gap State Park Fall Festival.
Hands-on fieldwork allows students to gain valuable insights into the health and biodiversity of the stream.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission conducted a demonstration of electrofishing on Kishacoquillas Creek.
Population studies of wild trout are crucial because they serve as a key indicator of the health of a stream.
Sculpins and various minnow species are also typically found in clean, rocky streams that support healthy trout populations.
The Summer Social at Poe Paddy State Park had a great turnout of members who connected over delicious food.