Local Grant to Provide Improvements to NatureWorksPark

Blair County Conservation District was graciously awarded grant funding through Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission to install two areas of trail extensions, a bollard at the entrance, and stormwater management at the large pavilion at NatureWorksPark.

NatureWorksPark is known for its Multifunctional Riparian Buffer that features floriculture, edible, and wildlife buffers. One of the new trail extensions will enter the edible buffer. This buffer shows visitors that a multitude of edible species can be planted to protect streambanks, improve water quality and be a food source. This buffer includes trees and shrubs such as apple trees and a variety of berry bushes.

The second proposed trail extension will provide access through the wildlife area. This trail will lead off the existing wetland boardwalk and provide access through the wildlife buffer to the Beaverdam Branch. This buffer creates a wildlife corridor between the stream and the wetland giving shelter to birds and animals that call our park home. Bluebird boxes have been placed throughout the wildlife area to encourage the visitation of birds and enhance the visibility of these birds for our guest’s enjoyment.

With safety in mind, there will be a removable bollard installed at the entrance of the park and new downspout outlets installed at the large pavilion. The bollard will prohibit vehicle access but can be removed in times of maintenance needs. The new downspouts will prevent trail scour and increase the water to the created wetland.

We are very excited to get to work and add a more enjoyable and safe experience for our guests!

(Left to Right) Tyne Blazier, BCCD Watershed Specialist/RCT; Beth Futrick, BCCD Ombudsman; Stacy LoCastro, SAPDC Grants Coordinator; and Donna Fisher, BCCD District Manager