In September the Heidelberg Township Environmental Advisory planted 30 native Pennsylvania wildflowers in the township riparian buffer area near Werley’s Corner Road.

This is part of a concerted effort to maintain and beautify the buffer along the creek behind the township building.

Preparation for the planting involved removing a thicket of the invasive weed, Common Mugwort, and laying down matting.

Later in the fall, the project was enlarged by spreading a native wildflower seed mix behind the planted area.

A riparian buffer is a “buffer strip” of plants along a stream.

A buffer improves water quality by providing shade and protecting a stream from the impact of human land uses and from stream bank erosion during floods.

One purpose of the township buffer is to provide an example of good conservation practices to residents.

The Environmental Advisory Council established the township buffer in 2009.

Edward William Brennan made the buffer his Eagle Scout Project with the help of New Tripoli Troop 89, doing site preparation and planting trees and vegetation.

Today the area is a thriving “forest.”

Current Heidelberg Township EAC members are Jeffrey Kistler, Denise Dorwart, Priscilla Brennan and Dennis Gough.

Additional members are needed and welcomed!

Contributed article