CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
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Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan<br />
Chapter 4. Biological Resources<br />
reptiles, amphibians, etc. There is a greater abundance of mast-producing trees in a mature forest that<br />
offer acorns, nuts, and soft or fleshy fruits and seeds. Species, such as wild turkey, black bear, and<br />
pileated woodpeckers, prefer mature forest habitats (<strong>Pennsylvania</strong> Envirothon, 2007).<br />
Landowners and forest land managers should promote differing stages of succession to offer a<br />
variety of habitats for wildlife species. Also, when timbering an area, foresters should stagger and soften<br />
the edges of cuts by leaving some older trees and shrubs on the perimeter, and cutting in a meandering<br />
fashion to avoid abrupt transitions between habitats, which may lead to higher incidents of predation.<br />
Grassland Habitat<br />
As mentioned above in the forestry section, reducing the percentage of mowed-grass lawn on one’s<br />
property will reduce energy use, fuel consumption, and pollution emissions, as well as save the landowner<br />
money on maintenance of the lawn. As with forest habitats and tree plantings, native wildflowers, grasses,<br />
forbs, and prairie-type habitats can be used to beautify the property, enhance ecological interactions, and<br />
overall reduce the amount of lawn to be maintained. Native grassland habitats, small or large, may<br />
provide food, cover, and nesting material for a diversity of wildlife. Many of these native species that will<br />
be attracted to the grassland may offer pest control of insects, weeds, and vermin, free of charge. Not only<br />
does this reduce costs associated with controlling these pests, but it also is more environmentally friendly<br />
compared to harsh chemical pesticides and inhumane traps.<br />
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) suggests<br />
planting drought tolerant warm season grasses suitable to the region, such as big bluestem, little bluestem,<br />
buffalo grass, and beardgrass. These adapted grasses will provide shelter and forage for wildlife, help<br />
improve soils, and will require little maintenance. When maintaining a warm-season grassland, it is very<br />
important to schedule hay harvest around the nesting season for ground-nesting birds, generally before<br />
May 1 st and after August 15 th , which will allow enough time for grass regrowth to provide cover<br />
throughout the winter months (USDA-NRCS, 2007). Snake mortality in association with mowing is<br />
another concern, especially when relating to species of special concern, such as the eastern massasauga<br />
rattlesnake. If possible, mowing should occur in the colder months when snakes and other reptiles and<br />
amphibians are overwintering (December through March).<br />
Wetlands<br />
Wetlands are very functional ecological components of a watershed. Some species of plants can only<br />
grow in wetlands—defined as having anaerobic or hydric soils, wetland vegetation, and evidence of the<br />
area being inundated with water (permanently or seasonally). Though the Connoquenessing watershed is<br />
experiencing rapid development in some areas, which threatens the existence of wetlands and other<br />
natural areas, many of these important landscapes still exist in the watershed, and are worth noting and<br />
protecting. Many feeder streams originate from wetlands in headwater areas, which aid in groundwater<br />
recharge. Wetlands in riparian areas and on the margins of<br />
farmlands are vital in filtering excess nutrients, chemical<br />
pollutants, and sediment from water before it enters streams.<br />
Wetlands harbor a multitude of plants and animals, making<br />
them biodiversity hot spots of the watershed as well.<br />
Wetland near Hereford Manor Lakes<br />
Wetland vegetation plays an important role in filtering<br />
water, slowing the flow of water to allow sediments to drop<br />
out, and allowing groundwater recharge. Wetland vegetation<br />
also provides a variety of food sources, cover, and nesting<br />
material for insects, birds, mammals, and other forms of<br />
wildlife. Invertebrates and other lower-order forms of wildlife<br />
build the basis of the food chain, upon which many other<br />
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