Stewardship in Action: Independence Conservancy's Watershed Restoration Projects

Watershed Stewardship: Healing and Protecting Our Waterways, Wetlands and Green Spaces

Independence Conservancy is a watershed-based, all-volunteer group of environmental enthusiasts who share a vision of clean water, beautiful vistas and special places in the Raccoon Creek Watershed preserved forever.

We are a well-respected partner in environmental restoration initiatives in the Raccoon Creek and nearby watersheds, involved in volunteer cleanups, outdoor education, abandoned mine reclamation and assistance to other groups. We have a strong partnership and working relationship with the Raccoon Creek Watershed Association.

Read more about cleanups in the Raccoon Creek Watershed...

What is a Watershed?

A watershed is the region or area drained by a river or a stream. Watersheds come in all shapes and sizes. They cross county, state, and national boundaries. No matter where you are, you're in a watershed! Watersheds contain our homes, farms, factories, schools, roads, forests—all manmade and natural features, including wetlands.

What is a Wetland?

A wetland is an area that is regularly saturated by surface water or ground water and is characterized by a prevalence of vegetation that is adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.

The Wonders of Wetlands...

Wetlands in their natural state provide a wealth of values to society and play key roles in our environment, but are vanishing at an alarming rate. Read more from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

Where is the Raccoon Creek Watershed?

The Raccoon Creek Watershed is in southwestern Pennsylvania, northwest of Pittsburgh near the West Virginia state line.
It is designated 20D in the State Water Plan.
Its headwaters begin in Allegheny and Washington Counties. From there it flows north to join the Ohio River just up stream from Montgomery Lock & Dam near Industry.