Octoraro Watershed Assn

Write a Review717-529-2132

Octoraro Watershed Association is dedicated to protecting and conserving the natural and historical resources of the Octoraro Watershed. The watershed covers 208 square miles and includes fourteen townships and four boroughs in Southern Chester and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania and Cecil County Maryland. The Octoraro Creek flows into the Susquehanna River downstream from the Conowingo Dam, which in turn empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Watershed Association was founded in 1967 by a group of Chester and Lancaster County residents dedicated to protecting water quality, promoting sound land use practices and raising environmental awareness. In 1983 we were instrumental in placing thirty-four miles of the East and West branches and the main stem of the Octoraro Creek in the Pennsylvania Scenic Rivers Program. This was one of Pennsylvania's first Scenic River designations. In 1986, we developed the Octoraro Taskforce which studies the problems of the Watershed and made recommendations to the townships and boroughs for stream corridor protection. In 1998 and 1999 through a grant from Pennsylvania DCNR and with the help of a community taskforce we studied and prepared a Watershed Conservation Plan. Our educational programs include a stream bank stabilization project with Solanco High School FFA Chapter. We will also be working with students to construct a Demonstration Project on Solanco High School Campus. OWA worked with providence Elementary School to build a nature study center on their campus. We also worked with the teachers there to develop a continuing curriculum that will utilize the nature center throughout the students educational career.