We all live in a watershed to which we contribute and from which we benefit.

Town, Fifteen Mile, and Sideling Hill creeks are in very good condition compared to more developed regions of Pennsylvania and Maryland. In Pennsylvania, Town Creek is designated High Quality and Sideling Hill Creek is designated Exceptional Value, the highest water quality designation granted by the PA DEP. In Maryland, all three watersheds realize a Tier II designation for their exceptional water quality.

If you live, work, or play in the Sideling Hill, Fifteen Mile, or Town Creek watersheds, you already know that these are special places. Maybe you enjoy trout fishing; or hunting in the forests and on the hillsides and in the hollows. Maybe your family raises cattle or grows vegetables using the clean water from springs or wells. Maybe you watch birds and other wildlife from your back porch. Whatever your connection, chances are you take your watershed and local streams for granted - it's always been there, and it always will be, right? We all know how fast things change these days. In fact, your favorite streams could be changing right under your nose. Would you know it if they were?

What You Can Do for RVS Watersheds

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We are always interested in connecting with folks who care about our watersheds. RVS volunteers come from all walks of life. All you need is a desire to be involved in caring for your watershed.

Volunteer activities include:

• Chemical Monitor
• Macroinvertebrate (insect) Monitor/Collection
• Flow Monitor
• (Water) Temperature Logger
• Rain Guage Monitor
• Education and Outreach
• Newsletter
• Administration/Coordination
• Financial or In-Kind Service Support

For more information on the Ridge and Valley Streamkeepers or to get involved, contact us at streamkeepers@outlook.com or 717-294-3979.

How You Can Help Protect the Watershed:

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• Make your voice heard. Support local land use plans that allow for compatible growth and that protect ground water and wetlands.
• Reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticides on your lawn.
• Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural and timber land.
• Plant trees and shrubs along stream banks to reduce erosion and absorb nutrients and sediment runoff.
• Make sure your home septic system is routinely cleaned.
• Recycle paper, newspaper, glass, tin aluminum, cardboard, plastics, used motor oil and safely dispose of toxic materials.
• Install effective anti-siltation devices to keep exposed soil from washing into streams during construction. Plant grass as soon as possible to prevent soil erosion.
• Use phosphate-free detergents.