The Youghiogheny River Watershed is home to a remarkable diversity of habitats: cold-water streams, vernal pools, wetlands, and more. Now MWA can say that we are the proud owners of 10 acres of wetland and forest in Melcroft, PA! This newly acquired property brings the total of conserved land by MWA to 425 acres
Wetlands play an integral role in the ecology of the watershed. The combination of shallow water and high nutrient levels creates the ideal home for organisms at the base of the food web, like insects, amphibians, fish, amphibians, and shellfish. These spongy habitats also provide natural flood control, because they can soak up large amounts of water.
This newly acquired property will be open to the public through the PA Game Commission’s Hunter Access program. The property directly borders MWA’s office and the Indian Creek Valley Trail. The property will be conserved in perpetuity by MWA as we work to protect biodiverse habitats in the Yough watershed.
MWA is working to protect high-priority properties throughout the Youghiogheny River watershed. If you would like to donate to our land conservation fund, click here!