East Buffalo Township's Turtle Creek Park project recognized by state

Justin Strawser, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·1 min read

Apr. 17—EAST BUFFALO TWP. — East Buffalo Township was recognized by the state with the 2024 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence for its work with Turtle Creek Park.

The township's efforts are among 22 projects completed by schools, businesses, and community organizations around the state honored by the state Department of Environmental Protection with the 2024 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence.

"The Turtle Creek Park Acquisition and Restoration project partnered with the Union County Conservation Department, DEP, Fish and Boat Commission, and Bucknell University students to do major stream restoration on Turtle Creek," the state wrote in its media release. "The project aimed at restoring the space in a local park with enhanced recreational opportunities, pollinator habitat, and riparian buffer improvements."

The township purchased the property from Lewisburg Alliance Church on Nov. 4, 2022, for $954,750. The property is located along Supplee Mill and Furnace roads just west of Route 15 in East Buffalo Township. The land includes a mix of open fields, wetlands, woodlands and streams.

"This year's Environmental Excellence honorees showcase the innovative ways we can protect our environment and shape a more sustainable future here in Pennsylvania," said Department of Environmental Protection Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. "Together we will spur the next generation of environmental stewards and these projects represent our ability to work together and preserve Pennsylvania's natural resources."

Applications were evaluated for their degree of environmental protection, innovation, partnership, economic impact, consideration of climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice, as well as outcomes achieved.

— JUSTIN STRAWSER