HARRISBURG, PA — Chester County’s Big Elk Creek State Park, a sprawling 1,800-acre gem in the heart of southern Chester County, is set for substantial restoration work, according to an announcement by John Hallas, Director of the Bureau of State Parks. The restoration project, funded by a grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), aims to enhance wildlife habitat, improve local water quality, and foster biodiversity within the park.
In 2023, about 80 acres of former agricultural fields were seeded with native meadow plants, a move expected to yield vibrant blooms this spring. These plantings are anticipated to offer crucial floral resources for pollinators and create nesting grounds for various bird species. The project’s cost exceeded $100,000, reflecting the significant investment in the park’s ecological health.
Further enhancing the park’s environmental resilience, approximately 255 acres of streamside buffer areas will be reforested starting April 2024. Currently used for hay or crop cultivation, these areas will undergo a transformative shift towards native tree cover. The resulting forest buffers will play a pivotal role in improving the health of nearby streams by reducing runoff, stabilizing banks, and providing shade to cool water temperatures.
The community will have a chance to participate in this ambitious initiative. A 1,500-tree planting event is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, offering residents a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the park’s restoration.
The restoration project is being executed in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The Alliance has been awarded a grant of around $3 million through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program. This federal funding supports not only the work at Big Elk Creek State Park but also similar projects in other locations.
The timing of the restoration aligns with the park’s ongoing master planning process. “We are moving forward with this restoration work as we undertake a master planning process for the park to take advantage of federal dollars available now related to improving waterways in Pennsylvania and downstream in the Chesapeake Bay,” Hallas said.
Big Elk Creek State Park, added to the Pennsylvania state park system in September 2022, is poised to become an even more valuable asset for Chester County residents and visitors from across the Keystone State. Beyond offering recreational opportunities, the park’s restoration work underscores a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation, themes that resonate deeply within the community.
In the face of increasing environmental challenges, the restoration of Big Elk Creek State Park represents a proactive response. By enhancing wildlife habitats, improving water quality, and cultivating biodiversity, the project promises to enrich the park’s ecological fabric while preserving southern Chester County’s natural beauty for future generations.
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