The Jennings Environmental Education Center in Mercer County and the federal Office of Surface Mining are pioneering a new method of re-establishing a productive hardwood forest at abandoned and active mine sites under a new program called the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative.

This is the first site in Pennsylvania to be integrated with ongoing environmental education programs. Where for over 20 years, students, professionals, government agencies, and volunteers have worked side-by-side to develop and to evaluate abandoned mine restoration techniques that are not only environmentally-friendly but also innovative.

To celebrate Arbor Day and to “kick-off” the new effort, on April 25, local students had a “hands-on” learning experience while planting about 30 chestnut and oak seedlings with environmental educators, students, foresters, private citizens, representatives from the American Chestnut Foundation, members of the U. S. Office of Surface Mining and representatives of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Over 50 people attended and participated in the event.

Dave Hamilton, Office of Surface Mining, said “This small plot of land demonstrates the two primary reclamation goals associated with the successful restoration of a diverse and vital forest on previously mined lands. They are loose placement of the top 4 to 6 feet of spoil, and elimination of competing grasses. This approach is being implemented at a site that will serve as an example for future restoration projects throughout Pennsylvania. Our demonstration will complement the efforts of seven states in the Appalachian Coalfields and play a role in successfully re-establishing our native hardwoods.”

Dave Johnson, Jennings Environmental Education Center Manager, commented “The addition of the ARRI project adds a new dimension to our education and research program. This is a partnership effort and we thank everyone.”

Rep. Richard Stevenson (R-Mercer) participated in the event saying, “This is a very exciting project and it will be interesting to follow and see if this method of reforestation will be successful in reclaiming these areas while providing a future economic product.”

As all materials and site preparation were donated, a special “thank you” is extended to all volunteers, including the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, Quality Aggregates Inc., McClymonds Trucking, and Stream Restoration Inc.

5/2/2008