Water at Risk Series
This is a series of articles on the water of the Brodhead watershed.
“The people have a right to clean air, pure water…”
November 2024
That promise in the Pennsylvania state constitution goes on: “and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.”
You might be thinking, “Well, duh. Of course.” Clean air and pure water are essential to life; natural beauty and our woods-and-water heritage are essential to a good life.
And yet, many everyday conveniences we don’t give a second thought to give off “forever chemicals” that get into the air we breathe and the water we drink.
“Salt of the Earth”? Not So Fast!
October 2024
Sodium chloride — better known as salt — was a precious commodity for more than 8,000 years. It was so highly valued that it was used in religious rituals and even as currency.
Today salt is so easy to come by that we spread it around by the ton — close to a million tons a year in Pennsylvania alone — to keep roads, driveways, front steps, and acres of big-box parking free of snow and ice.
It’s cheaper than alternatives, but trouble is, sodium chloride is durable stuff. All the salty runoff just doesn’t “go away”.
Talkin'
Trash
September 2024
Let’s agree you’re a pretty responsible person. You know that one person can’t fix the world’s problems, but you try to do the right thing.
When it comes to separating trash and recycling, though, it can be hard to know what the right thing IS. And in our watershed, where you live makes all the difference. If your township or borough does regular trash and recycling pickups, you can stop reading right here. But for most of us who live among the creeks of the Brodhead watershed, we’re on our own.
Nature Knows What She's Doing
August 2024
In their natural state, our glorious Pocono creeks look a lot alike. They’re shady, with old rhododendrons ganging the banks, along with trees large and small. Thanks to that shade, the greenish dusky air is cool even on hot summer days. Ferns, blueberries and other low-growing native plants stretch away in the understory on either side. The clear water gurgles as it tumbles over the rocky, sandy bottom.
A forested riparian buffer.
A Free, Zero-Labor Way Your Municipality Protects Water
July 2024
Sometimes the best thing local government can do to protect your drinking water is nothing. Here’s why.
About a century ago, all the trees in the Brodhead watershed were timbered — clearcut — for tanneries, buildings, and railroads. Some trees survived, just overlooked or in creek valleys too hard to reach. You may meet one of these rare specimens if you walk our woods today.
Who’s in Charge of Your Water?
June 2024
How land is used all around you, even miles away, can affect how safe and pure your water is and even how well your septic system works.
Local elected officials make decisions about what can be built, how big, where, and, crucially, exactly how water will be protected.
Many townships demonstrate ways they — and you — can help protect water quality.
Name
Calling
May 2024
Creeks and streams throughout the Brodhead watershed have signs like this one proclaiming their names. Knowing your place among the creeks and where they flow connects you to nature in your daily life.
Believing that people love what they know, BWA has been working with municipalities ever since to get signs posted and maintained along creeks large and small, throughout the watershed.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness….
April 2024
America’s founding words echoed around the world — not just in 1776 but in aspiring democracies ever since. Those simple, beautiful words express a promise to everyone.
Nature's Water Protection System
March 2024
If you spend a little time walking trails in our area, you’ve probably noticed that every stream, wetland, and waterway has shrubs, ferns, grasses, and wildflowers — all kinds of native forest undergrowth — growing on and along its banks.
The History - and Mystery - of Lawns.
February 2024
Did you know? Grass provides little food and shelter for our birds and other critters. Find out how native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs are the better alternative.
Municipalities work to protect clean water.
January 2024
Leaders in Stroudsburg, Smithfield and Middle Smithfield are getting the word out about how to protect our drinking water…