WILLISTOWN CONSERVATION TRUST

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Meet Laryssa Terleckyj, our Stewardship Intern

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Each summer, Willistown Conservation Trust hosts students who are pursuing degrees related to the conservation work we do here. We asked Laryssa, an intern working with Bill and Stewardship, some questions.

Laryssa has spent a lot of time in the field this summer.

1. What’s your major?

I study Environmental Engineering with an Environmental Policy minor at Clarkson University.

2. What interests you the most about working with Willistown Conservation Trust?

I am interested in learning the different ways that land is protected and  preserved. 

3. What do you hope to learn during your internship experience?

I have been learning more about land easements and the processes that go into land conservation. I have also been able to get more involved with community engagement and outreach events with the Trust. 

4. If you could design your ideal job, what would it be?

An ideal job for me would  involve research and experiments but would also involve a policy component to implement the findings of research. My ideal job would be centered around sustainability and implementing sustainable practices. 

5. When you’re not doing science stuff, what do you like to do?

Outside of the classroom and work, I love hiking, trail running, and horseback riding. I am also a workout instructor-in-training. 

6. How do you hope to make an impact in your chosen field?

Recently, I have become very interested in sustainable food systems and the agriculture industry. I either want to implement policy that will create a more sustainable food system or research and help people understand sustainable nutrition. 

You Have Options

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Single-use cutlery, food containers, and straws are used for a few minutes and discarded to remain in the environment forever. Even compostable options have limitations. By choosing to refuse these single-use plastics, you can help set a precedent for sustainable alternatives and show others how easy it can be.

When dining out, try bringing your own straw for beverages and reusable containers for your leftovers. If you like getting takeout, try bringing a set of reusable cutlery with you. You can let the restaurant know that you don’t need plastic cutlery or straws.

At the grocery store, avoid plastic packaging when you can by bringing your own container to buy in bulk and refusing to buy products that are unnecessarily wrapped in plastic, like fruit. You can also avoid pre-packaged meat and deli products that are sold in plastic or on polystyrene trays by going to the counter or finding a local butcher that sells unpackaged items. Just remember to bring your own reusable container when you go shopping.

Even though Plastic Free July is coming to an end, saying no to single-use plastic is something we should consider doing every day. If we all pick a few plastic items to eliminate from our daily lives, together we can create a Plastic Free Watershed!

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Choose to refuse single-use coffee cups

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Plastic and paper coffee cups are not recyclable in most locations. Even ‘compostable’ cups are rarely composted as they require very specific facilities and conditions. 

Get your coffee in a refillable cup instead

You can easily avoid single-use coffee cups by bringing your own reusable alternative. There are many reusable coffee cups available on the market. Keep it in your bag or on your desk at work; wherever you’ll remember to use it. Bringing your own cup shows others how easy it is to reduce their waste and can create a new trend.

You don’t even need to purchase a special cup. You can bring a mug or jar from home – just be conscious of using items that can heat up or don’t travel well if you’re going far. Bring yours to your barista to fill with your morning caffeine. Some places will even give you a discount for bringing your own cup! If you forget your reusable cup and don’t have time to dine-in, consider going without. It might not be easy, but will probably mean you never forget again!

Take the the #PlasticFreeJuly challenge at https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/ and say no to single-use plastics. 

If you’re interested in other ways to help, keep an eye out for local stream cleanups to help create a plastic free watershed!

New Trees Breathe New Life into Ailing Streamside Meadow

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In the haze of a steamy May morning, a team of volunteers, students, and Trust staff met in the dewy, northern meadow of Ashbridge Preserve. This meadow is the result of decades of sediment build up behind an old dam.  The lake that existed here since the dam was constructed in the early 1900’s was drained when the dam breached. 

Digging in…

Now, over 20 years since the dam failed, the resulting meadow is overrun with exotic grasses and vines.   These nonnative species have shallow root systems, which do not offer much support for the rapidly eroding stream banks nor do they provide shade for Ridley Creek, which suffers ill effects from sweltering summer sunlight. 

East Goshen Tree Tenders gave time & expertise.

Direct sunlight can cause water temperatures to increase, which can be stressful for an aquatic environment. Further, when the soil from stream banks erodes quickly into the stream, it can smother sensitive stream species.  Stabilizing the bank using tree roots can slow down the erosion to a level that even sensitive species can handle.

Volunteers planted 125 trees.

Ashbridge Preserve is owned and managed by Willistown Conservation Trust, who recently acquired funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Tree Pennsylvania to re-plant the streamside forest that historically grew here. Also known as riparian forest buffers, these streamside trees will stabilize Ridley Creek’s banks, shade its water and provide valuable habitat for native pollinating insects. Once mature, the effect of this buffer will be a much healthier stream.

Thank you, volunteers!

Just before the official start of summer, the Trust was joined by the members of the East Goshen Tree Tenders, students and teachers from Harriton High School, and several community members to plant the first 125 trees of what will ultimately become nearly 5 acres of new riparian forest buffer. On the tail of several severe weather patterns, the air was wet and heavy, but spirits were high!

Watershed co-ops from Drexel University got more field experience.

Eager hands and the expertise of the Goshen Tree Tenders made quick work planting, staking, and caging the young trees and shrubs. (By the way, if you missed out on this rewarding and fun event, we’ll be planting more trees in the fall! Watch for details.)

Great work, team!

The planting incorporates a diverse assortment of species that share an affinity for the wet soils of Ashbridge’s lakebed, including sycamore, river birch, swamp white oak, and persimmon. Once established, these new trees will help improve and protect water quality, restore animal habitat, and add new beauty to the surrounding landscape!

Planting trees + protecting watershed = big smiles!