Trees near stream should have stayed
“Taking down trees for a view? Nature is the view!”
That was a thought-provoking quote from a seventh-grader after we recently noticed that many trees, shrubs and bushes have been cut down along the stream in Arnold Park in Chartiers Township. We are very disappointed that this has taken place without considering the many consequences and question the thought process that went into this decision. Unfortunately, the stream is not considered a high-quality stream, so the township can do whatever it wants. However, it was considered a high-quality study area to the students and staff at Chartiers-Houston Junior/ Senior High School.
Years ago, when Arnold Park was established, the school’s science department was contacted to find out if we would be able to use the area as a study site. We immediately thought “Wow, a great opportunity right in our backyard and for free.” Plus, it was within walking distance of the school, and safe, as the stream is small and shallow.
For years, we have used the area to study birds, different types of trees, the stream, and invasive species. We have planted tree saplings to improve the site, and have hosted several schools in outdoor activities. The high school Envirothon team used it in preparation for their contests. A seventh-grade science unit was designed to answer the question “How healthy is our watershed?” Now we can add another part to our study, “How does human impact affect a watershed?”
By cutting down trees in a riparian zone of a stream, habitats of organisms have been destroyed. Many other factors in stream ecology have been affected.
We are extremely disappointed with this decision. Perhaps understanding one of our major student objectives might help with future decisions about this watershed: “Leave nothing but footprints; Take nothing but pictures; Kill nothing but time.”
Gary Popiolkowski
Canonsburg
Popiolkowski is a science teacher at Chartiers-Houston Junior/Senior High School.