The Blue Green Connector is an active research site! Through the leadership of Franklin & Marshall’s Chesapeake Watershed Initiative (CWI), the Little Conestoga Creek is the focus of study for researchers seeking to expand their understanding of environmental restoration.
CWI studies the legacy of human impacts on floodplains within the Chesapeake Watershed and applies its findings through targeted action focused in Lancaster County.
Researchers will play a large role in monitoring the impacts of legacy sediment removal and floodplain restoration for years to come. This knowledge can be applied to catalyze future projects and improve best practices.
Scientific Goals
The Chesapeake Watershed Initiative seeks to understand the effects of colonial settlement, dam construction, dam removal, and restoration.
The initiative interacts with a wide variety of disciplines including history, hydrology, earth science, communications, politics, and economics to understand the complex relationship between our society and the Chesapeake Watershed. The CWI carries out its mission through a three-fold approach of research, education, and action.
Researchers will gain knowledge by conducting field experiments and collecting data.
Ongoing monitoring will evaluate the impact of legacy sediment removal and quantify the success of restoration.
Remote sensing (LIDAR) and economic approaches will be used to identify streams for future restoration.
Researchers seek to engage with the community, landowners and youth. They hope to increase participation in research, restoration, and environmental stewardship.
How to Get Involved:
Citizen Science App: We need your help to monitor restored wetlands and report changes! Citizens will be able to contribute important data to F&M researchers and learn more about restored ecosystems. The app is under development by the Chesapeake Watershed Initiative. Stay tuned for more info!
Water Quality Monitoring: Want to know more about what’s in our waterway? Check out our dashboard and learn about current conditions and metrics. The Little Conestoga Creek is impaired, but as we take action throughout the watershed, we hope to see some dramatic improvements to water quality.
Here are other ways you can get involved with clean water in Lancaster and the Chesapeake Bay:
Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Water Watchdogs Program