CONSERVE!: Unit 3.


We’re All Connected:
Ecology and the Circle of Life

Ecology

The opportunities below are examples of ways in which Pennsylvania Master Naturalist Volunteers can participate in stewardship and citizen science activities related to the ecology and functioning of the Northern Piedmont and Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain ecoregions.
Please visit their web sites directly to learn more about the groups and their volunteer opportunities.


Brandywine Red Clay Alliance: Philadelphia, PA.
(Formerly known as: Brandywine Valley Association and Red Clay Valley Association Environmental Stream Teams)

What:

Formed in 1945, the Brandywine Valley Association (BVA) be came the first small watershed association in America. With more than 800 members, the organization now works to conserve the Brandywine Creek, a creek that provides drinking water, opportunities for recreational activities, and an important aquatic habitat. The BVA promotes conservation through education programs, environmental studies and projects, and technological advocacy.

The Environmental Stream Teams are part of the Red Clay Valley Association’s (RCVA) Red Streams Blue Program. This program aims to upgrade the water quality of streams in the Brandywine Valley through stream restoration projects and stream monitoring, with the hope of removing impaired streams from the DEP’s impaired list.Volunteers will aid in monitoring efforts, including chemical testing, biological monitoring, habitat assessment, and bank pin measurements.

Who:

The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance: 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road, West Chester, PA 19382; 610-793-1090; water@bva-rcva.org.

For more information:
Visit: 

www.brandywinewatershed.org for more information about the organization, its projects, and how you can get involved.

www.redclayvalley.org/stream-teams.html for more information about joining a stream team.


Awbury Arboretum: Philadelphia, PA.

What:

The Awbury Arboretum is located in historic Germantown in Northwest Philadelphia. The Arboretum is located on a 55-acre property, which includes a historic house, open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk. Dedicated to educating the public, the Arboretum offers programs that focus on education and service learning in the areas of watershed protection, urban agriculture, horticulture, and food systems. The Awbury Arboretum recognizes the importance of parternships in the community, and has formed relationships with numerous institutional and private organizations throughout the region.

Who:

The Awbury Arboretum, The Francis Cope House, One Awbury Road, Philadelphia, PA 19138; 215-849-2855.

For more information:
Visit:

www.awbury.org for information about the Awbury Arboretum.

www.awbury.org/volunteer/ to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Arboretum.


Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust: Philadelphia, PA.

What:

The Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust was founded in 1970 as a nonprofit conservancy, 15 miles northeast of Philadelphia. The organization is dedicated to the stewardship of the lands protected in Trust’s 809-acre Pennypack Preserve natural area. The Trust specializes in restoration projects, urban deer management, professional education, and land conservation. Additionally, the Preserve offers 11 miles of trails open to the public for exploring nature.

Who:

Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, 2955 Edge Hill Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA  19006; 215-657-0830.

For more information:
Visit:

https://pennypacktrust.org to learn more about the organization’s work.

https://pennypacktrust.org/support/volunteer-opportunities/ to find out how you can take part in their volunteer opportunities.


Continue to:
Unit 4: We’re All Connected: Ecology and the Circle of Life

Go back to :
Unit 2: Rocks, Ice and Dirt


Updated: June 2018