Conservation project day coming to Ritts Park
The land around the stream running through Ritts Park had been eroding prior to 2021, washing pollutants and sediment downstream into the population hub of Butler.
In April of that year, several conservation organizations came together, alongside volunteers, to stabilize the streams by seeding native plant species and digging out invasive species.
According to Jennifer Senchak, certified arborist with Community Tree Resources, the park needs some maintenance work this spring, and those organizations are joining forces to again stabilize the park and its species.
“We figured why not bring in the community to showcase what's going on there,” Senchak said. “Whether you are a small child, middle age or an older person, there is something to engage everybody.”
At 1 p.m. Sunday, Community Tree Resources, the state Department of Natural Resources, the Butler Conservation District and the Penn State Extension Service will have a Sustainable Landcare Volunteer Day at Ritts Park. The Butler Conservation District will provide seeds for planting and the organizations will provide workers, and Senchak said guest speakers will also give educational talks about the greenery in the area.
The event, Senchak said, is all about teaching people how to provide sustainable land care to their local environments.
“It’s about learning and having a good time and enjoying nature,” Senchak said of the event. “Our main focus is to host ongoing seasonal events so we can highlight the impacts on our environment.”
In 2021, the groups planted 300 live stakes of red osier dogwood and buttonbush, and 90 trees, including red and sugar maples, shagbark hickory, paw paw, persimmons, swamp white oak, hemlock, white pine and others, along the stream in the park.
Senchak said the crews will also plant eastern hemlocks — Pennsylvania’s state tree — during the work Sunday. She said the groups want to promote its growth and conservation, especially seeing that its population has declined in the eastern part of the state.
“Ritts has the most natural hemlocks and is right next to a neighborhood with a lot,” Senchak said. “I think it is that little stream that promotes the hemlocks.”
Additionally, the work crews will address the honeysuckle shrub, an invasive species, which is one of the main culprits adding to the pollution of the stream in Ritts Park. She said by removing the shrubs, other native species will have an easier time thriving.
“Honeysuckle shrubs are invasive species, and this will involve tearing them out of the ground,” Senchak said. “We're really trying to promote biodiversity and make people aware of this pest.”
For more information or to confirm attendance to the Sustainable Landcare Volunteer Day, visit the Community Tree Resources Facebook page, call 724-991-9218 or email communitytreeresources@gmail.com.
