The public can learn about fly fishing, stream bank restoration, macro-environments and more at the Buffalo Creek Watershed Festival on Saturday.
The free nature festival will feature loads of information and hands-on demonstrations at the Audubon Society’s Buffalo Creek Nature Park in Buffalo Township.
“The reason for the celebration is that Buffalo Creek is one of the most biologically diverse watersheds in the state, from the Butler farm fields to the deep hemlock-lined ravines providing for an abundance of birds and animals,” said Karen Stein, Audubon’s director of Buffalo Creek Nature Park and Succop Nature Park.
Duquesne University will conduct electro-fishing demonstrations.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the “macro-environment table” featuring the spineless creatures that live in Little Buffalo Creek, which runs along the nature park.
Arrowhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited will show visitors how to tie artificial flies and fly fish.
“When you protect a beautiful area, you also have the fun of it,” Stein said of the recreational activities in the watershed.
More fun will be found at the food trucks for the event with a mix of American cuisine featuring loaded tots, pizza, pulled pork and more.
Locally, 1833 Coffee and Tea Co. of Freeport will offer up its cold brew and ice teas.
Local outdoor organizations on hand will include Penn State Extension, the Butler-Freeport Community Trail, Armstrong County Conservation District, the state’s Department of Forestry and others.
Officials from the environmental groups will discuss the watershed, stream quality, impacts on the watershed, pollutants including agricultural runoff, bank restoration, how to install native plant buffers along streams and how to enjoy the Butler-Freeport Community Trail.
Audubon’s Buffalo Creek Nature Park is located at 154 Monroe Road in Buffalo Township. Contact: 724-295-3589.
