Each year tons of sediment erodes from the banks of Sevenmile Creek, which flows through Glinodo, and into Lake Erie. This erosion and excess sediment is detrimental to the health of the stream, to macroinvertebrates, fish and other aquatic species, to the stability of streamside properties, and ultimately to the health of Lake Erie.
The restoration of this stretch of Sevenmile Creek will improve fish habitat and water quality, and will reduce sedimentation entering the stream by 45.6 tons annually. The project includes the widening and re-vegetation of an existing forested riparian buffer which will help to stabilize the banks and provide shade, while also providing vital habitats for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. The project also includes monitoring of improvements to determine the pre and post-construction fish and macroinvertebrate populations, and educational activities to inform the public of the project and its benefits.
These efforts were made possible by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Greener Program, which awarded $141,891 in 2015 to the project. Growing Greener remains the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania's history to address Pennsylvania's critical environmental concerns of the 21st century.
The restoration site is located at the Glinodo Center, 6270 East Lake Road in Harborcreek Township, Erie, PA. Partners in the effort, Pennsylvania Sea Grant and the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, encourage the community to visit the site to see the positive improvements that have resulted from this effort.
