OUR HISTORY
Get to know the Octoraro Watershed Association Timeline
Octoraro Watershed Association formed by residents of Southern Chester and Lancaster Counties. Geo-Technical Services of Harrisburg, PA retained to study the effect of the increased water allocation for the City of Chester on the Octoraro Watershed.
Octoraro Watershed Association reorganized and chartered for the purpose of "Protection and aiding in the development of the Natural Resources (water farmlands, forest, and recreation) of the Octoraro Watershed."
April Annual Meeting - Oxford Hotel
Speakers:
N. Peechatha, Director of Agriculture Soil & Water Conservation Commission Rural & Urban
Allan Bennett - Soil Conservation Chester County
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May Annual Meeting
August - Farm Tour - Rep. Reynolds Farm, Toughkenamon - Spray irrigation
October - Meeting - C. Victor Funk - Program Specialist of Watersheds, State Soil, and Water Commission.
November - Meeting- Benjamon Reynolds, Spray irrigation of wastewater from Dairy farms.
March 8- Speakers - Amos Funk, State Soil and Water Conservation Commission DER, and Marshall Haws, Executive Director
Chester County Soil and Water Conservation District.
April 19 - Speaker Wayne Hummer, Jr. - Farmland Assessment
June 21 - Speaker - Dr. Bruce Lium, Landuse and its Effects on Water Quality.
August 4- Farm Tour
November 15 - Speaker -U.S.D.A.
August- Steak Fry
November 20 - Speaker Tom Cahill, Brandywine Creek Model Project The Octoraro Creek is included in the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers inventory.
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January - Octoraro Creek Scenic River Study completed.
Thirty-six and one-half miles of East and West Branches, Steward Run, and the main stem placed in the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers System
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Annual Meeting - Speaker -David C. Yaeck, Director Chester County Water Resources Authority. Thirty-eight members.
June- "OctoraroMeanderings" First published.
July- Picnic, Nottingham Park
Pat Fasano became involved when named Watershed Superintendent for the Chester Water Authority.
P. Fasanore instituted Bi-Annual Newsletter and initiated Spring and Fall Nature Walks.
Annual Meeting - Speaker, Bil Sellers, Director Brandywine Conservancy Environmental Easements.
Members accepted the revised Octoraro Watershed Association Bylaws. Board of Directors created.
Greenleaf Farm - Streambank Fencing and cattle crossing installed on Gables Run, Colerain Township, Lancaster County.
April - Annual Meeting - Speaker - Richard Skubhish, Pa. Game Commission, "Streambank Fencing"
Spring - F.F.A. Streambank Stabilization Project conducted on Chester Water Authority property. PA Fish Commission approved and assisted in the project. Colerain Township donated stones.
Spring - Tax-exempt status gained.
June 22 - NatureWalk
June - Pat Fasano conducts Fly Fishing Seminars. October - Fall Foliage Walk.
April – OWA receives a grant from PA DEP to continue the Amish outreach program. For the first time in the watershed, an Amish farmer accepted a direct federal grant to fund best management practices on his farm.
December – OWA participates in a video documentary produced by Maryland Public Television in cooperation with American University. The documentary focused on nitrogen and sediment pollution in the Octoraro watershed.
First Demonstration Site
April - Annual Meeting - Speaker Rendall Arendt, Director of Stewardship Natural Lands Trust, "Land Conservation through Zoning." Second Annual Photography Contest.
Spring- Octoraro Watershed receives honorary Chapter Farmer Degree from Solanco F.F.A.
June - Nature Walk.
Summer - Second Phase of FFA Streambank Stabilization Project on Dale Herr's farm. The Chester Water Authority grants Octoraro Watershed Association permission to convert a two-acre site along the East Branch for a Nature Trail and Memorial Park in Memory of John Evans. Plans for project donated by Landstudies, Inc.
September - Octoraro Watershed Association exhibit booth at Solanco Fair for the first time.
October - Fall Foliage Walk. Photography Auction and Wine & Cheese Tasting, Twin Brook Winery.
April - Annual Meeting - Speaker Dave Putnam, Field Biologist, U. S Fish, and Wildlife Service - "Wetland restoration."
Fourth Annual Photo Contest
April - Wildflower Walk.
Spring - Octoraro Watershed Association sponsored Water Monitoring on Dale Herr Farm by Solanco Natural Resource Management Class.
June 24 - Nature Walk.
June 24 - Dedication of John Evans Memorial Park.
Summer -OctoraroWatershed Association sponsored F.F.A. Streambank Stabilization continues on DaleHerrFarm.
Summer - Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay selects Octoraro Watershed for Stream Corridor Survey.
Summer - Octoraro Watershed Association sponsored Solanco Canoe Trip on Main Stem conducted by Chesapeake Bay Foundation. September - Octoraro Watershed Association booth at Solanco Fair. October - Fall Foliage Walk.
October- Photo Auction, Twin Brook Winery.
March- Octoraro Watershed Association approves funding for Oxford High School Science Club for GIS mapping of Watershed.
April - Octoraro Watershed Association participates in Riparian Buffer Planting on Kilby Family Farm, Basin Run, Colora, Maryland.
The first year of OWA’s Amish Outreach program. OWA Secretary and Program Director Pat Fasano partners with Amish farmer Henry Beiler in visiting Amish farms throughout the watershed.
Spring: 20 volunteers plant over 400 trees along Stewarts Run, partnering with Ducks Unlimited and the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
August – OWA partners with The US Department of Agriculture in removing a dam along the mainstem of the Octoraro in Maryland
December – OWA creates a calendar with monthly tips on best management practices
Spring – OWA prepares pamphlets for Amish women to encourage best management practices in home gardening.
OWA, ACB, Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC), US Geological Survey (USGS), Chester Water Authority (CWA), the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water worked collectively with OWA to share resources and monitor as much of the watershed as possible. Thus, OWA began the water monitoring program which started with analyzing 20 water samples a month for nutrients and alkalinity.
March – OWA coordinates with Colerain Township and the Lancaster County Conservation District to host a gathering of Amish farmers to discuss conservation efforts. Over 65 farmers showed up.
Started the implementation of a $64,000 grant (acquired in 2015) from the Department of Environmental Protection to utilize the Amish Liaison Model to provide technical assistance to Amish farmers in the Bells Run Watershed to ensure the completion of Conservation plans and implementation of Best Management Practices.
Planted 230 trees with volunteers.
Held 2 educational meetings for Amish farmers to educate them regarding conservation plans, manure management plans, and other best management practices. Cost sharing for implementing the BMPs was also discussed.
Organized a forest management workshop for all farmers and members of the community.
During the pandemic, OWA continued building partnerships and making plans. OWA partnered with the West Nottingham Academy School to provide support to their Sustainability Programs. The school’s sustainability programs focused on action and encouraging the development of life-long environmental ethics in students. The goal of this project was to reach into the next generation of young people to foster an understanding of the value of conservation programs in solving challenges to the health of our lands and waters.
Volunteers from OWA and Andrews Bridge Foxhounds planted 225 trees along the west branch of the Octoraro and provided maintenance on several buffers continued throughout the summer which involved replacing dead trees; picking up those that have fallen over either due to flooding or invasive vines and clearing around the tubes.
Continued to run the Octoraro Volunteer Monitoring Program (volunteers donated over 390 hours to monitor 14 streams in 20 mornings in the field).
Participated in Family Days on the Farm (held July 26 and 27, 2024 in Gap, PA)
Continued participation in the Lancaster Clean Water Partners (LCWP) Rapid Delisting Project. The Octoraro Watershed has three Priority 1 catchments, in Nickel Mines Run, Bells Run and in an Unnamed Tributary on Mt Eden Road.
On April 6, 2024, 9 volunteers from OWA planted trees with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay at the Elk Creek State Park.
On November 26, 2024, 25 volunteers from OWA and Andrews Bridge Foxhounds planted 225 trees & shrubs on a farm in the Bell’s Run sub-watershed. Octoraro Native Plant Nursery donated all the trees and shrubs.
YTD, 20 volunteers have donated 410 hours to monitor 14 streams in 18 mornings in the field.
4 volunteers have donated 18 hours to conduct habitat assessments at 2 sites.
3 volunteers have donated 18 hours to attend habitat assessment training on one occasion.
Published a spring newsletter that was distributed to approximately 250 members of OWA, watershed residents, businesses, townships, and the surrounding communities.
Held our annual dinner meeting attended by 67 people at the Britian Hill Winery.
The Patrick Fasano Memorial Photo Contest had 64 entries this year and was shown in three libraries: Quarryville, Atglen and Oxford as well as at the Octorara High School. It was viewed by at least 9000 people.
Conducted a reservoir clean-up on Saturday April 27, 2024. Volunteers collected 800 lbs of trash and 4 tires.
Had a display table on May 5, 2024 at First Fridays in Oxford done in conjunction with the Elk Creek Watershed Association. About 60 people stopped at the booth.
Held our annual picnic at Fishing Headquarters on September 14, 2024. It was attended by 30 people and luckily, this year the weather was perfect.
OWA in partnership with the Foundation for PA Watersheds again sponsored the Patrick Fasano Memorial Scholarship.
Had a display table at Earth Day at Rising Sun Elementary School on April 19, 2024 and an estimated 60 people engaged with our representatives.
Launched the new website for OWA on January 2, 2024. Utilized volunteer services so the construction and maintenance are free.
Had a display table at the Cecil County Wade-In, June 15, 2024.
Had a display table at the Family Days on the Farm 2024 on July 26 and 27, 2024, Gap, PA.
Had a display table and a “touch tank” for the kids at the Public Water Independence Day at Octoraro Reservoir Fishing Headquarters on June 8, 2024.
Began a project, “Students of the Watershed”, with Amanada Kieffer, science teacher at Octorara high school.
OWA members are participating in the Natural Lands Kestrel Box Program with Steve Eisenhauer in an effort to find appropriate locations for Kestrel boxes in the Octoraro Watershed and promote installation of more boxes.
PA Fish and Boat Commission Awards Solanco F.F.A. "Parent" Plaque in recognition of the Adopt-A-Stream Program.
Provided a presentation to Mifflin County Conservation District about OWA’s Amish Outreach model, which educates the farmers and facilitates the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) for farmers.
Facilitated the installation of sondes units along major waterways in the Octoraro Watershed. A sondes unit measures different water quality parameters (e.g., pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen).
Sponsored the planting of approximately 50 trees along Stuart's Run to create a riparian buffer. The owners of the property open the area to fishermen, and it is highly utilized by the community.
Held an informational breakfast program at an Amish farm in the Octoraro Watershed for Amish farmers to educate them regarding conservation plans, manure management plans, and other best management practices.
Held our first “Octoraro Farmer Field Day”. Information was provided, and the discussion revolved around soil health, riparian buffers, pesticide credits, and funding sources for conservation practices.
Held an informational breakfast program at an Amish farm in the Octoraro Watershed for Amish farmers to educate them regarding conservation plans, manure management plans, and other best management practices.
OWA participates in two Department of Environmental Protection-led projects: A Watershed and Water Quality Model of the Octoraro Watershed which will enable “what-if” decisions; and a Strategic Plan for the Octoraro Source Water Collaborative (specifically targeting the Upper Octoraro Watershed). All of these are multi-partner projects that helped leverage resources to fulfill OWA’s mission and provide great learning and networking opportunities.
Published Spring Newsletter for approximately 225 members of OWA.
Redesigned and launched new website
Returned to in-person Annual Meeting at Britain Hill Winery in Quarryville. 61 people attended.
The Patrick J. Fasano Memorial Photography Contest had 64 entries, was shown in three libraries and viewed by at least 1500 people.
Conducted 6th annual Octoraro Reservoir Cleanup. A total of 29 people collected 2740 pounds of trash in 3 hours.
Participated in First Friday in Oxford in conjunction with the Elk Creek Watershed Association.
Planted 200 trees with 23 volunteers.
Conducted 22 days of water quality monitoring on 14 waterways with 17 trained volunteers.
2024
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Octoraro Watershed Association disbanded.
Octoraro Watershed Association Incorporated is a Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation in Chester County, Pennsylvania. The Incorporators were as follows:
Thomas McKelvey ( RD. . 1, Oxford, PA Colerain Township, Lancaster County)
Glen Myer (Kirkwood, PA; Colerain Township, Lancaster County)
Otis A. Astle (R.D. 1, Oxford, PA; Upper Oxford Township, Chester County)
Cyrus B. Ferguson (R.D. 1, Oxford, PA; Colerain Township, Lancaster County)
Robert T. Hogg (Oxford, PA; Lower Oxford Township, Chester County)
Annual Meeting - Dues $3.00
Speaker - Bob Struble, V.P. Brandywine Valley Association - Cooperation in Development of Water Resources
January - Meeting
April 24, Annual Meeting - Speaker, - John Moss, Franklin & Marshall, President of Lancaster Environmental ActionForce.
July- Steak Fry
December - Meeting
January 17 - Annual Meeting- Speakers: Amos Funk, Concerns of Landuse and their impact on the Watershed.
May -Farm Tour, Kenneth Shirk, Jr. July 18 - Steak Fry
February 5- Speaker - Tom Cahill, Brandywine Creek Model Project, Landuse, and Water Quality.
August 23- Steak Fry
October - Plant Tour, Chester Water Authority.
November 18 - Speaker - Harry Redline, Lancaster County Waterways Patrolman.
March 3-Speaker- Wil Johns, Public Relations Director, Pennsylvania Fish Commission.
Wild and Scenic Rivers Taskforce was formed to study Octoraro Creek. Included were the Octoraro Watershed Association, the PA Department of Environmental Resources, and Lancaster and Chester County Planning Commissions.
No Records Found
The task force was formed to study the Octoraro Stream Corridor and make recommendations for the Management of the Scenic River Corridor. The task force included the following: The township of Lower Oxford, Upper Oxford, West Fallowfield, West Nottingham, Bart, Colerain, East Drumore, Fulton, Little Britain, and Sadsbury. Also included: Chester County and Lancaster County Planning Commissions, Octoraro Watershed Association, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
Octoraro Scenic Rivers Task Force publishes "Octoraro Creek Corridor Issues and Management Recommendations."
No Records Found.
April Annual Meeting - Speaker - Chotty Ault, Coordinator of Environmental Projects Muddy Run Recreation Park, "Nesting Bald Eagles."
June Nature Walk
Fall- Pat Fasano, Hugh Hetzer, and Dr. Arba Henry design Streambank Stabilization Project for Watershed F. F.A. Chapters.
April - Annual Meeting - Speaker Caren Glotfelty, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Resources, "Water Quality Issues Affecting the Watershed."
The First Annual Photography Contest held
June- Nature Walk.
First successful Eaglet hatched by Octoraro Eagles.
Solanco F.F.A. Streambank Stabilization Project moves to Dale Herr Farm and becomes the Adopt-A-Stream Program of the PA Fish Commission.
July - Eaglet takes flight.
October - Fall Foliage Walk.
April -Annual Meeting- Speaker -Lamont Garber, Agricultural Specialist from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation - "Restoring Tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay." Third Annual Photograph Contest. April First Spring Wildflower Walk.
Spring - Wetland Restoration Program initiated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
Spring - volunteers and the PA Game Commission place 16 wood duck boxes on the East and West Branches.
June - Nature Walk
Summer - F.F.A. Streambank Stabilization continues, Phase III, with Pa. FishandCoat Commission.
July - work on John Evans Park begins. Chester Water Authority donates stone, grading, fence, and walkway bridges. Colerain Township donates fil material. Landstudies, Inc. donated 100 trees which were planted by volunteers. Under Octoraro Watershed Association and Chester County Conservation guidance Eagle Scout Candidate, Steve Walter, along with Troop 20, Atglen, designs and builds the Stream Bank Stabilization Project on Walter property, East Branch. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Officer, Dave Putnam, along with Octoraro Watershed Association members tour six Octoraro Watershed properties for Wetland Restoration Projects.
September - Octoraro Watershed Association booth at Solanco Fair. October - Fal Foliage Walk.
October - Photo Auction - Wine & Cheese Tasting, Twin Brook Winery.
April - Annual Meeting - Speaker Glenn Page, Watershed Restoration Program Director for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Subject: "Stream Corridor Preservation."
Fifth Annual Photography Contest
April - Wildflower Walk
Spring - Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay does a Stream corridor survey on eight streams in Octoraro Watershed.
Octoraro Watershed Association sponsors Octorara Middle School Water Monitoring Class.
Summer - U.S. Fish and Wildlife complete two Wetland Restoration Projects in Octoraro Watershed.
Summer - Solanco F.F.A. Streambank Stabilization Project continues September - Octoraro Watershed Association Solanco Fair Booth. October 8 - OctoraroWatershed Association receives the 1996 Watershed Protection Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.
October - Fall Nature Walk.
October - Photography Auction- Twin Brook Winery.
December - Octoraro Watershed Association applies to D. C. N. R. for Grant to prepare Conservation Plan for Octoraro Watershed.
With funding from the US EPA and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, OWA partners with Millersville University to conduct a 400-household telephone survey to gauge knowledge about issues in the Octoraro watershed.
April 7: OWA organizes a conference for municipal planning and zoning officials in the watershed. Speakers include Lancaster County Planning Commission Executive Director Ron Bailey and Chester County Water Resources Authority Executive Director Jan Bowers.
March – OWA, in conjunction with the Amish Old Order Book Society and The
Alcoa Foundation creates small lesson cards about watershed preservation for Amish children. They are attached to tree seedlings that are passed out to children at Amish schools. Plants are given to 700 students and teachers throughout the year.
April 23rd – OWA volunteers plant seedlings and shelters along Nickel Mines Run
- 28 acres of wetlands are restored in the Octoraro watershed, thanks to a $200,000 project in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
OWA fosters the Friends of Fishing Creek organization, helping with logistics, outreach, and membership drives.
Fall – OWA creates an outreach booklet for Amish who do not farm, giving them information on environmental conservation and best management practices for lawns and wells.
