The Regional Science Consortium, in partnership with PA DCNR, Erie Bird Observatory, Weed Warrior Volunteers, Go Native Erie!, PennWest-California, Gannon University, Erie County Community College, and Titus & Titus Botanical and Ecological Consulting, have been working for over a decade to restore the nationally designated priority wetlands on Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA.
The project included removal of invasive plants, propagation and installation of native plants, and monitoring of flora and fauna as a benchmark of project success.
Student interns, park staff, and the Weed Warrior volunteers were utilized to remove and control invasive species on 400 acres. Over 7,000 native plants were propagated last year and then installed where invasive plants were removed, thereby outcompeting invasive plants in the seed bank. Native plants were propagated from seeds, cuttings and live stakes that were collected from this area, ensuring a similar genotype. This is the only in-house native plant propagation program at a PA State Park.
This project leveraged additional support through Gannon University to install a year-round environmentally controlled greenhouse on their campus dedicated to the native plant propagation, doubling the number of plants propagated and providing opportunities to involve students. Monitoring wetland fauna included macroinvertebrates, fish, mussels, amphibians, and marsh birds. Marsh birds are difficult to survey due to their secretive habits. These birds are rare, and several are listed as threatened by the PA Game Commission.
Presque Isle State Park is a dynamic system that consists of a recurving sand-spit jutting out into Lake Erie and is home to many state and federally listed rare, threatened, and endangered species of flora and fauna. The Park contains all the successional stages from new beach up to climax forest, and represents all these natural ecosystems to visitors.
On April 30, 2024 the Regional Science Consortium and partners were recognized for their efforts in Harrisburg by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and PA Department of Environmental Protection for their service to protect and restore these critical habitats that are enjoyed by the over 5 million visitors annually to Presque Isle State Park.
