Call for Volunteers! Help PA Cleanways clean our streams!

We are always looking for volunteers to help fulfill our mission. There are many different ways that you can help out!

Cleanups

Volunteers are needed for a variety of cleanup activities around the county, including our river cleanups with the Tireless Project, from April through October. Projects can range from light work to strenuous work. Cleanup support is also needed to help with registration, hospitality, etc. Most cleanups last less than 3 hours and refreshments are often provided.

DumpBusters

If you enjoy a good workout, want to help clean and restore our region's greenspaces, and are willing to commit to on-going volunteerism with us, please consider becoming a member of our DumpBuster crew.  The crew works every day, all year long, so we can use you whenever (including evenings during the summer) and as frequently as you're available.

Project Assistance

Each cleanup event involves set up, take down and equipment organization. This is a valuable service with limited time commitments.

Outreach

Allegheny CleanWays values opportunities to share our information with the public at community fairs and other outreach events. Volunteers are needed to staff outreach events, share program information with the public, enroll volunteers, and educate visitors. These are frequently weekend commitments involving 2-4 hours.

Office Support / Clerical 

There are databases to manage, and many other office duties for which volunteer help is invaluable. Time commitments can vary to meet your schedule.

If you are interested in helping out, contact PA Cleanways today or sign-up for their mailing list.

SFCG is looking for Board members

Are you interested in land use and conservation issues in the Chartiers Creek Watershed? The SFCG is currently looking for individuals who would like to join our Board of Directors.

Who We Are
Our Board is made up of professionals and community members from a variety of disciplines which brings a wide variety of skill sets and knowledge to the table – there is no "required" background for Board members and we in fact thrive on diversity!

What We Do
There are many exciting projects happening within the group including large and small scale land and waterway restoration projects, Abandoned Mine Drainage remediation and educational outreach programming.

Our Board members work on projects that they wish to pursue as their schedules permit. As a group, we have accomplished and continue to accomplish notable things in our community. See our projects page for photos and more information about our efforts.

Join Us!
Our meetings are open to the community and anyone can attend. We meet on the second Thursday of every other month at 7:00pm at the South Fayette municipal building (right beside the library). See our calendar for our next upcoming meeting.

If you would like more information or have questions about joining the SFCG Board, contact us.

Congrats to the winners of the raffled rain barrels!                 

WINNERS              

1. Under the Sea won by Jack and Georgina Townsend
2. Pine Wood Sunset / High School 1st place winner won by Kathy Ryan
3. The Relaxation Pond won by Lorrie Mitcham
4. Beach Days won by Debra Girman
5. Nature won by Kari Bair
6. Rainy Rainbow won by Billie Rondinelli
7. Colorful Garden of Rain / Middle School 1st place winner won by Mike and Carrie Gates

Pics from the Geology Hike

Thanks to all who attended our geology hike on April 28th. We learned a lot about the local geology
of the Montour Trail and had a great time! Check out our photos!

Rain Barrels on Display Now!

The rain barrels are on display at the South Fayette Middle School. See more pictures.

Enter the raffle and take a chance to win them at the Celebration of Excellence that runs this Thursday from 7-9 at the Middle School. The rain barrels will move to the High School on May 3rd for the band concert.

Tickets are $1 a piece or 10 for $5. Each ticket is a vote for which barrel is your favorite.

For more information, email Cindy Cox at: ccox@southfayetteconservation.org.

Recent News: SFCG Recieves Mini Grant from Dominion

On April 5^th, the South Fayette Conservation Group received an $800 grant through the 2012 Dominion Watershed Mini Grants Program to be used for our general operating expenses.  Grants like this help the South Fayette Conservation Group meet our mission to conserve, protect and enhance our natural and recreational resources for the benefit of our families and neighbors.  Financial support for this project is provided by the Dominion Foundation which is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities served by Dominion companies. 

The grant program is administered by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in commitment to its core mission of conserving Pennsylvania’s diverse ecosystems through science-based strategy, leadership, and collaboration.

The SFCG presents:
Rain Barrel / Rain Garden Workshop May 14 at 6:30
At the South Fayette Twp Municipal building-515 Millers Run Rd

Why have a Rain Barrel?

A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted out onto your property or to a storm drain and eventually to local streams or rivers. Rain barrels are also an economical way to store rain water to be used as a secondary water supply for indoor plants, flower gardens, lawns, fill the bird bath, and washing cars and windows. Learn installation tips and make a difference in your own backyard!

What is a Rain Garden?

A rain garden is a specially designed garden, with a man-made depression, that collects and infiltrates runoff from impervious surfaces such as a roof, driveway, or parking lots. The runoff diverted to the rain garden soaks into the ground and is used by the plants rather than being a potential cause of erosion and the carrying of pollutants (sediment, lawn fertilizers, and pet droppings) to the nearest creek, stream, or river. Learn how to create a functional and beautiful landscape!

Workshop is free – Pre-registration is desired.
Pre-register to purchase a 40-gallon blue rain barrel plus plumbing for $40. or $35. for plumbing alone, (rain barrels are available elsewhere in various colors and sizes in local stores or catalogs).

Take a chance to win a painted Rain Barrel!

The South Fayette Middle and High School Lion Hearts Clubs are participating in a “Paint a Rain Barrel Contest” to help the SFCG spread the word on the importance of collecting storm water. These creative works of art painted by teams of middle and high school student volunteers, will be displayed at the middle school during the play on April 21^st, the middle and high school during the Celebration of Excellence on April 26th, and the high school band concert May 3rd, and everyday in between!  Chances are $1 for one or $5.00 for ten chances. Winners will be contacted by May 5^th, just in time for the Workshop! Winners will also receive free plumbing for their rain barrel.

For more information about the workshop or contest, please email ccox@southfayetteconservation.org or call Cindy Cox 412-855-6799