Sewickley Creek Watershed Association

09/18/2026

🌿 A Great Day of Environmental Education at Lowber Field Day! 🌿

Today, students from Yough School District, Greater Latrobe School District, Mount Pleasant Area School District, Norwin School District, Hempfield Area School District, and Trinity Christian School came together at the Lowber Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) Site for a hands-on day of learning hosted by the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association. Approximately 144 students participated, with nearly 180 students, educators, volunteers, chaperones, and community partners on site.

Throughout the day, students rotated through nine educational stations, giving them the opportunity to learn more about our local environment, watershed stewardship, and the important work being done to address abandoned mine drainage in their own watershed.

This year’s event was especially meaningful as the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association celebrated its 35th anniversary, while the Lowber AMD Site marked 20 years.

08/14/2026

We’re proud to see the story of the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association and the remarkable recovery of our local waterways receiving regional attention!

As part of our 35th Anniversary, Brian Whipkey, Outdoors Columnist for the USA TODAY Network, documented our 35th Anniversary Celebration that was held last week. His article, “Watershed groups bring dead waters back to life,” appeared in the Somerset Daily American and highlights not only the history and success of the Lowber treatment system, but the larger impact that watershed organizations have had across Pennsylvania.

At Lowber alone, the treatment system removes approximately 283 tons of iron each year before it can enter Sewickley Creek and the Youghiogheny River. Over the past two decades, thousands of tons of iron pollution have been removed, helping bring aquatic life, recreational opportunities, and healthier waterways back to our community.

We’re grateful to Brian Whipkey and the Somerset Daily American for helping tell this story and shine a light on what grassroots watershed restoration can accomplish.

As we celebrate 35 years of SCWA, we’re asking our friends and supporters to help us continue this work through our $35 for 35 Initiative. A donation of just $35 in honor of our 35th Anniversary helps support the restoration, maintenance, education, and volunteer efforts that keep projects like Lowber working for generations to come.

Donations can be made here: https://www.sewickleycreek.com/donate-1

08/11/2026

🎉 Celebrating 35 Years of SCWA—and 20 Years of Progress at Lowber! 🎉

Last Friday, friends, partners, and community leaders gathered at the Lowber Volunteer Fire Department to celebrate two important milestones: the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association’s 35th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Lowber Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Site.

State Representatives Eric Davanzo and Eric Nelson presented a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, while Westmoreland County Commissioner Sean Kertes presented a proclamation from Westmoreland County. SCWA was also honored with a proclamation from the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors.

Our keynote speakers reflected on the history, function, and future of the Lowber site:

• Former Pennsylvania DEP Secretary David Hess, who was instrumental in securing state funding for the facility in the early 2000s
• Dr. Bob Hedin, who helped design the Lowber treatment system and continues to study the facility
• Dr. Bob Whyte, who has introduced PennWest California students to hands-on environmental sampling and research at the site

The Lowber facility represents what can be accomplished when dedicated volunteers, scientists, educators, government leaders, and community partners work together. Twenty years later, it remains an important part of SCWA’s mission to improve water quality and restore the Sewickley Creek watershed.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to Lowber VFC. Station 16 for hosting this special celebration!

As we recognize 35 years of progress, we invite you to help carry this work forward with a $35 anniversary donation. Every gift supports SCWA’s efforts to protect and restore our watershed for future generations.

💧 Celebrate 35 years with a gift of $35 today: https://www.sewickleycreek.com/donate-1

08/06/2026

🌿 Help Us Celebrate 35 Years of Protecting Sewickley Creek! 🌿

For 35 years, the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association has worked to protect, restore, and preserve the watershed that connects our communities.

In honor of our 35th anniversary, we’re asking our friends and supporters to consider making a $35 donation. Your contribution will help us continue improving water quality, restoring local streams, supporting environmental education, and protecting the watershed for future generations.

Whether you’ve supported us for decades or recently discovered our work, your generosity makes a meaningful difference.

Celebrate 35 years with a gift of $35 today: https://www.sewickleycreek.com/donate-1

Thank you for helping us care for Sewickley Creek - past, present, and future.

For 35 years, the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association has worked to protect, restore, and preserve the watershed that connects our communities.In honor of this milestone, we invite you to celebrate with us by making a $35 anniversary donation. Your support helps us continue improving water quality...

05/21/2026

This evening's board meeting has been canceled. Should you have an immediate need, please reach out by phone, email, or messenger. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

04/20/2026

Over the weekend, the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association hosted our second Youth Fishing Derby along Sewickley Creek in Lowber. With about 35 young anglers participating, beautiful weather, and plenty of fish biting, it made for a perfect day along the water.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors, and especially to the Bassinger family for their support in helping make this event possible in honor of their son, Brandon.

Stay tuned for more fun and engaging activities along Sewickley Creek—we look forward to seeing you there!

04/10/2026

Wow, that was fast! As of this evening registration is full for our fishing derby next weekend. We’ll see all of you anglers out along the Sewickley next Saturday!

04/09/2026

The Sewickley Creek Watershed Association was proud to lend a small hand to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy on a tree planting project in our watershed.

Conservancy staff—joined by SCWA Board President Austin Erhard and other volunteers—planted 500+ native trees and shrubs across 2.7 acres along the Little Sewickley Creek in Herminie, Sewickley Township.

These riparian buffers help:
• Filter pollutants and sediment
• Stabilize streambanks
• Improve habitat for fish and wildlife

This work builds on last summer’s project along the same parcel, where 1,800 feet of stream bank was stabilized to reduce erosion and enhance the creek.

Strong partnerships = healthier waterways. Stay tuned for ways to get involved!