Because watersheds serve residents
recreationally, while supporting the
biological environment and providing
protection from flooding, its optimal
function is essential, explains Moul. A
watershed channels moisture from rainfall
and melted snow, creeks and streams into
rivers and eventually the sea. When not
properly maintained, flooding can result.
“Everything depends on everything
else,” Moul says, pointing out the
interconnectivity of the entire ecosystem.
“For example, Pine Creek feeds into the
Allegheny, which feeds into the Ohio,
which feeds into the Mississippi River. The
focus narrows as you come upstream.”
The group’s watershed conservation
efforts have included stream-bank planting
to reduce erosion, which can impact the
wildlife and organisms that live in the
stream.
Moul says that the NAEC’s work extends
throughout all of the North Hills and
North Boroughs and into parts of Butler
County. While the maintenance of Pine
Creek and Girtys Run serves as their main
focus, they’ve also completed work on
Brush Creek and Lowries Run.
The NAEC currently has about 200
Traci Imai picks up her seedling order at the NAEC's Annual Seedling Sale. The sale of selected species
which improve wildlife habitats has taken place since 1972.
members who come from all over the
North Hills and about 50 members are active
for individuals, families or businesses. To learn more, visit the North
on each project. Because the group is all-volunteer, they rely upon
Area Environmental Council website at naecwpa.org. Information
member dues, grants and fundraising efforts, including a consistently
about the Pine Creek Watershed Coalition can be found at
successful annual Spring Seedling Sale which originated in 1973.
pinecreekwpa.org. ■
“We’ve distributed more than 100,000 plants over the course of the
program,” says Moul, who works as a software consultant.
Historical 1970s photo of NAEC's Crouse Run Cleanup Day in Hampton.
To raise awareness, the group often participates in local festivals and
events, such as the Allegheny County Green + Innovation Festival,
an annual fair that takes place in the fall at Hartwood Acres Park. At
community events, the NAEC typically exhibits a variety of mounted
animals to allow individuals to get a closer look at what Moul
describes as the region’s “natural history.”
“A lot of kids and adults have never seen a raccoon or squirrel or
even a frog up close. Depending on the theme, we usually have a
variety of amphibians or land animals that visitors can inspect or even
hold,” adds Moul.
While the group’s successes are numerous, Moul particularly
remembers a few. The reconstruction of a pond on the North
Allegheny School District’s Marshall campus, the completion of
numerous Pine Creek studies and the municipal recycling programs
which the NAEC has helped to initiate, stand out in his mind as
significant accomplishments.
“We have tried to make it easy for municipalities to recycle,” he
explains, declaring that efforts have certainly paid off. “The volume of
garbage has been reduced substantially. One municipality saw as much
as a 50 percent reduction in garbage!”
Still these achievements represent only a fragment of what the
NAEC has accomplished over the past 40-plus years. True to its
mission, Moul states, “The goal of our group is to continue to allow
residents to voice their concerns, initiate research and see solutions.”
The NAEC is always looking for new members and volunteers for
its many projects. Dues range from $10 – $50, with memberships
Ross Township | Summer 2014 | icmags.com 35