Johnston Run Waterway Monitoring - Join the Team
Where we have been... |
Where we are now... |
Where we are going... |
Come see what this is about. You are invited to work with our monitoring team on a monitoring day. Learning about "what's in our stream?" and "what can be done?" is a fun, interesting and valuable process!
Healthy Eating for a Healthy Family and a Healthy Environment
Watch for our net Healthy Eating Adventure
A Kick off lecture - followed by a "Taste the fabulous flavors" meal
then eat, share, learn potlucks
A Kick off lecture - followed by a "Taste the fabulous flavors" meal
then eat, share, learn potlucks
Our next Adventure kicks off After Covid!!
Learn More! |
Graduates Celebrate Success!
Healthy Eating Adventures are fun for individuals and families! Learn to plan, shop, cook, and eat plant strong. Leave the processed foods behind and learn to create a fabulous variety of meals and flavors. |
Cooking Healthily from the Start!
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Visit MPMC / MACWell at Springfest and Townfest
"Children" of all ages were fascinated by the interactive Envirosphere. It demonstrates clearly how run off of rain water can carry road dirt, oil, litter, fertilizer from lawns and fields, animal manure, and top soil into Johnston Run. Johnston Run is considered a "dead" stream due to high levels of phosphates, nitrates, sediment and salts; these are harmful to fish and encourages heavy growth of algae. Read about our Watershed Assessment.
After demonstrating the impact of runoff, Claudia Peet, let the children add shrubs, grass, trees, and careful management of run off - to show how these can slow the water, allow it to be absorbed and also filter it. These also provide shade for the water and aquatic life and protection and food for song birds, pollinators and other wildlife. "Wow, that's cool!!" Amanda said. "We can make a big difference."
Landowners can create riparian buffers with trees and grasses, as well as rain water gardens, rain barrels and bioswales to protect are streams and use the rain water effectively. Stop by the booth , review the Watershed Assessment Maps and learn about what can be done to revitalize Johnstons Run
Stop by and discuss Walkability/bikeability in our area. Visitors to the stand can pick up Bike Route Maps, Everyday Chef Cook Books and MPMC Water bottles and re-usable shopping bags.
After demonstrating the impact of runoff, Claudia Peet, let the children add shrubs, grass, trees, and careful management of run off - to show how these can slow the water, allow it to be absorbed and also filter it. These also provide shade for the water and aquatic life and protection and food for song birds, pollinators and other wildlife. "Wow, that's cool!!" Amanda said. "We can make a big difference."
Landowners can create riparian buffers with trees and grasses, as well as rain water gardens, rain barrels and bioswales to protect are streams and use the rain water effectively. Stop by the booth , review the Watershed Assessment Maps and learn about what can be done to revitalize Johnstons Run
Stop by and discuss Walkability/bikeability in our area. Visitors to the stand can pick up Bike Route Maps, Everyday Chef Cook Books and MPMC Water bottles and re-usable shopping bags.
11th Annual MPMC 5 Mile Run-Walk - TBA 2021
The 10th Annual MPMC5Miler for Johnston Run Oct. 31, 2020
This year, due to COVID, we ran on a beautiful fall day! Many thanks to all of our sponsors, participants, organizers and volunteers. Pics on the course, at the finish line, and awards ! Congratulations to all the runners and walkers!! Join us next year for the 11th Annual MPMC 5 Miler! Keep checking back for date!
This year, due to COVID, we ran on a beautiful fall day! Many thanks to all of our sponsors, participants, organizers and volunteers. Pics on the course, at the finish line, and awards ! Congratulations to all the runners and walkers!! Join us next year for the 11th Annual MPMC 5 Miler! Keep checking back for date!
Tree and Wild Flower Planting - Art in Nature Events
Join the Trail Team - Receive notification of Trail planting and maintenance, as well as art and nature events
at the stream -Receive Notifications of Events
at the stream -Receive Notifications of Events
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Out DCNR Forester Schwartzer
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Picture This: Mercersburg Park Envisioned
IMAGINE A NEW PUBLIC SPACE
An energized group of Public Space Advocates started as Mercersburg Skatepark Association, and has now joined with the Lions Club to achieve this goal. "While we originally were organized to create a skatepark, we soon realized the potential to help create a public park that was good for everyone in the community. Since there is only one park in town for kids to play on and no off-leash areas or skateparks within 30 minutes drive of Mercersburg, we decided to expand our mission to meet these needs as well. We believe that safe, fun, and free parks improve the lives of the community, attract families to our town to live and play, and help existing residents recreate near to home. Join us and the Lions Club in our quest to create a space that provides recreation and opportunities for active play for all ages." This is an ongoing project that will be an incredible contribution to our community.
An energized group of Public Space Advocates started as Mercersburg Skatepark Association, and has now joined with the Lions Club to achieve this goal. "While we originally were organized to create a skatepark, we soon realized the potential to help create a public park that was good for everyone in the community. Since there is only one park in town for kids to play on and no off-leash areas or skateparks within 30 minutes drive of Mercersburg, we decided to expand our mission to meet these needs as well. We believe that safe, fun, and free parks improve the lives of the community, attract families to our town to live and play, and help existing residents recreate near to home. Join us and the Lions Club in our quest to create a space that provides recreation and opportunities for active play for all ages." This is an ongoing project that will be an incredible contribution to our community.
Spring Clean Up at the Fitness Trail - Thank You Volunteers
and Lions Club Park
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Enjoy the Fitness Trail at the Lions Club Park; you can just walk the trail for aerobic fitness, or do the exercises that are displayed at the stations along the trail. The exercise stations provide a balance of stretching and strengthening exercises - great for all ages! Many Thanks: MACWell Board Members Chris Boryan, Liz George & Becky Wolf were joined by retired Mayor Jim Zeger and Dr. Bob George. Volunteers mulched, weeded and trimmed; Lions Club replaced some signs (1st repairs needed since installation 2010!) and provided mulch! Many hands make for quick and fun work! Want to volunteer? Contact Us |
Contact us if you have talent to share - such as Streamside Trail landscape planning,
Historic/informational sign design, stream bank restoration, community walkability and bikeability design or planning. Join the MPMC team!
Visit our MACWell website for ideas for everyday fitness fun in our area!
Historic/informational sign design, stream bank restoration, community walkability and bikeability design or planning. Join the MPMC team!
Visit our MACWell website for ideas for everyday fitness fun in our area!
Community participation was important to our Watershed and Walkability/Bikeability Studies
Community Watershed Workshop - Presenting Study Results!
Community Workshop: Revitalize Johnston Run was held with an open house and presentations at the United Methodist Church in Mercersburg
The community heard about watershed revitalization and trail development, shared their ideas, and enjoyed a buffet dinner compliments of the Johnston Run Revitalization Council.
WE LEARNED...
...about the health of Johnston Run and its Watershed
...how watersheds work and why streams become polluted
...what we can do to help Johnston Run
...about Johnston Run Waterway Trail
WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO...
...care for the natural assets of our community
...preserve our natural heritage for future generations
The community heard about watershed revitalization and trail development, shared their ideas, and enjoyed a buffet dinner compliments of the Johnston Run Revitalization Council.
WE LEARNED...
...about the health of Johnston Run and its Watershed
...how watersheds work and why streams become polluted
...what we can do to help Johnston Run
...about Johnston Run Waterway Trail
WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO...
...care for the natural assets of our community
...preserve our natural heritage for future generations
Johnston Run Revitalization Public Workshop
Participants came from near and far to learn more about the Johnston Run Revitalization and the vital role they can play!
Click Here to see the Waterway Revitalization Brochure! Read About our Watershed |
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Connecting in the Community - Jim Zeger - Former Mayor of Mercersburg
MPMC Steering Committee members Mayer Jim Zeger and Dr. Liz George attended the 2012 Chesapeake Bay Alliance forum on watershed managements. Jim Zeger was an earlier visionary of Johnston Run Stream Side Trail and walkability bikeability
Press Release from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program
The RTCA (the community assistance arm of the National Park Service) announces that MPMC is to receive assistance from the National Park Service. There were only 55 projects selected across 13 states, and MPMC is one of only two projects selected in Pennsylvania. During the past year MPMC and community members have worked with Campbell, Thomas & Co to complete a feasibility study for the network. The support from the National Park Service RTCA program will provide technical planning assistance focusing on an action strategy for the trails network and initial trail implementation. This will advance the MPMC goal of creating a seamless network of safe and scenic on and off road trails, promoting active lifestyles by enabling individuals to walk or cycle on their daily errands, to work, to school and to our parks and historic areas.
Read more about this exciting partnership in This Article
Read more about this exciting partnership in This Article
The Community Joined MACWell for our 5 -Year Celebration
of working towards a goal of "supporting a Groundswell of community commitment to making the Mercersburg Area a place that inspires its population to live well."
Along with an inspiring Keynote presentation by Wenonah Hauter, the evening provided an opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters. We also took a look at the projects and progress that have occurred and talk about "what's next":
of working towards a goal of "supporting a Groundswell of community commitment to making the Mercersburg Area a place that inspires its population to live well."
Along with an inspiring Keynote presentation by Wenonah Hauter, the evening provided an opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, sponsors and supporters. We also took a look at the projects and progress that have occurred and talk about "what's next":
WENONAH HAUTER
Food and Water Watch -
Executive Director to speak in Mercersburg - Oct 23, 2014
Our Mission Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainably produced. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the importance of keeping the global commons — our shared resources — under public control.
Our Vision We envision a world where all people have access to enough affordable, healthy, and wholesome food and clean water to meet their basic needs — a world in which governments are accountable to their citizens and manage essential resources sustainably.
Food and Water Watch -
Executive Director to speak in Mercersburg - Oct 23, 2014
Our Mission Food & Water Watch works to ensure the food, water and fish we consume is safe, accessible and sustainably produced. So we can all enjoy and trust in what we eat and drink, we help people take charge of where their food comes from, keep clean, affordable, public tap water flowing freely to our homes, protect the environmental quality of oceans, force government to do its job protecting citizens, and educate about the importance of keeping the global commons — our shared resources — under public control.
Our Vision We envision a world where all people have access to enough affordable, healthy, and wholesome food and clean water to meet their basic needs — a world in which governments are accountable to their citizens and manage essential resources sustainably.
The Feasibility Study is Completed and Whitetail Pledges its Support
A beautiful view from Whitetail Golf Resort and a deliciously healthy meal greeted guests at their November 16th luncheon to celebrate completion of the tri-municipality MPMC Feasibiity Study of walkability/bikeability in our area, and to announce Whitetail’s donation of $10,000. Dr. George acknowledged government officials, businesses and individuals for having the energy and vision it takes to look down the road 15 years and see the health and economic benefits that can result from this kind of planning. Pictured front row: Kathy Wood, Bob Thomas (Feasibility Study consultant), Don MacAskill, Liz George MD, Mayor Jim Zeger, Commissioner Dave Keller; 2nd Row: Chris Frisby (Borough Council), Honor Zimmerman, Mike Ross (FCADC), Scott Romberger (CFO SnowTime Inc), Julie Barthelow, Tom Wolf, Matt Main, Laura Puckett, Mary-Ann Gordon (Director Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce), Becky Wolf, Scott Longstreth (Study Team lead, Engineer for MPMC) , Carrie Gray, Chuck Sloberg, Phil Tarquino (Director, Franklin County Planning Committee)
Irv Naylor, founder and owner of Snow Time, Inc was there to present a donation to MACWell along with CEO Don MacAskill. “This kind of encouragement from visionaries like Mr. Naylor is key to long term projects such as creating MPMC’s network of safe and scenic routes for pedestrians and cyclists,” noted Feasibility Study designer Bob Thomas of CT&T architectural firm. Pictured Laura Puckett, Bob Thomas, Scott Romberger, Irv Naylor, Liz George, Don MacAskill
"The County's mission is to promote the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Franklin County. Making our communities safer for walking and biking is an important goal in achieving the County's mission, and that's why the Franklin County Commissioners support the efforts of Montgomery Peters Mercersburg Connectivity. Thank you to Whitetail for granting the funds to hire a project manager for MPMC. Whitetail's generous support will be critical to the development of safer walking and biking opportunities for Franklin County residents."
- County Commissioner, Dave Keller
Pictured Mr. Keller with Whitetail CEO, Dan MacAskil
Irv Naylor, founder and owner of Snow Time, Inc was there to present a donation to MACWell along with CEO Don MacAskill. “This kind of encouragement from visionaries like Mr. Naylor is key to long term projects such as creating MPMC’s network of safe and scenic routes for pedestrians and cyclists,” noted Feasibility Study designer Bob Thomas of CT&T architectural firm. Pictured Laura Puckett, Bob Thomas, Scott Romberger, Irv Naylor, Liz George, Don MacAskill
"The County's mission is to promote the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Franklin County. Making our communities safer for walking and biking is an important goal in achieving the County's mission, and that's why the Franklin County Commissioners support the efforts of Montgomery Peters Mercersburg Connectivity. Thank you to Whitetail for granting the funds to hire a project manager for MPMC. Whitetail's generous support will be critical to the development of safer walking and biking opportunities for Franklin County residents."
- County Commissioner, Dave Keller
Pictured Mr. Keller with Whitetail CEO, Dan MacAskil
Walk the Routes, Bike the Routes in the Feasibility Study
On July 28th Many community members joined the Feasibility Study Architect Bob Thomas (of Campbell, Thomas & Co - Philadelphia) and learned about the process of stitching our community back together with safe and scenic routes, paths and trails. The day began at 8am at the James Buchanan High School with a tour of the gym facilities (they're available to the public!). The walking tour ended in Lions Club Park. Participants enjoyed a picnic while hearing about the paths and routes that will make our communities walkable. The bike tour began following lunch and traveled along the country roads, making a stop at White Tail Resort. We walked and biked side by side with our community architect to experience what it means to create a long term plan for connectivity!
Click Here for More info about the Results of the Feasibility Study including Maps and the Executive Summary!
Click Here for More info about the Results of the Feasibility Study including Maps and the Executive Summary!
MPMC at Townfest - flash back!
September 29th 9am-4pm in Downtown Mercersburg
MPMC had a booth at the Mercersburg Townfest! Visitors learned about the benefits of walking and biking, learned the routes in our community and heard about the plans for creating greater connectivity. We enjoyed sharing with you as well as hearing your ideas for the community!
(In photo) Community member Nancy Schultz added her name to our group of volunteers to help with events and help with trail maintenance. MPMC steering committee member Kathy Wood shared information on the seamless network of safe walking and biking tour in our area and discussed the new Johnston's Run revitalization initiative.
MPMC had a booth at the Mercersburg Townfest! Visitors learned about the benefits of walking and biking, learned the routes in our community and heard about the plans for creating greater connectivity. We enjoyed sharing with you as well as hearing your ideas for the community!
(In photo) Community member Nancy Schultz added her name to our group of volunteers to help with events and help with trail maintenance. MPMC steering committee member Kathy Wood shared information on the seamless network of safe walking and biking tour in our area and discussed the new Johnston's Run revitalization initiative.
Bike the Route of J.E.B. Stuart's Raid
Ride from Clear Spring, to Mercersburg and onto Chambersburg and Enjoy history and fun activities along the way!
September 28th 6pm Opening Event
September 29th 9am (registration at 8am) The ride begins in Clear Spring
7pm-9pm Reception and Talk at Wilson College
September 30th 2-5pm Dance at Pen Mar Park
Check out these flyers for information, registration, history, route maps and more!
Ride Guide
Flyer and Registration
September 28th 6pm Opening Event
September 29th 9am (registration at 8am) The ride begins in Clear Spring
7pm-9pm Reception and Talk at Wilson College
September 30th 2-5pm Dance at Pen Mar Park
Check out these flyers for information, registration, history, route maps and more!
Ride Guide
Flyer and Registration
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Community Workshop #2
_ Participants at the January 24th, 2012 Workshop lead by Feasibility Study Consultant Bob Thomas reviewed local and area maps looking at possible routes and corridors and answering the following questions: 1 - What are the criteria you think are most important in selecting trail projects for development in the MPM Area? 2- Which of the potential trails and trail corridors shown on the study maps do you feel have the highest priority for initial development?
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One identified priority is a trail and sidewalk "spine" from JB High and Middle Schools on the north, through Mercersburg Borough, to the Montgomery Township Park, on the south. In addition to creating safe walkability/bikeability to the schools, it also creates walkability from our communities to our other "shopping areas" just outside of town on Routes 16 and 75; it would create safe and scenic routes for reaching our parks and sports areas such as Montgomery Park, Lions Park, TWEP and the new sports facilities at JBHS. The workshop also studied maps of the "bigger picture" looking at the possibility for connections to Whitetail and on to the C&O Canal, or up to Fort Loudon and US Bike Rute 30S, or out to Buchanan's Birth Place and on up the Tuscarora Trail Your input is important. If you missed the meeting, we'd still love to hear your thoughts. Contact Us to give us your Feedback! |
Community Workshop #1
The community workshop took place on October 4th, and helped plan walkability bikeability with our consulting Community Architect Campbell Thomas & Company.
Using maps and aerial views community members answered these questions:
•What are your destinations? What commercial and retail businesses, restaurants, churches, schools, parks, etc. do you want to get to?
•How do you want to go -- on foot, bicycle, or horse?
•What obstacles do you face? Are there difficult crossings, sidewalks which end suddenly, or unsafe roads that make non-motorized travel challenging?
Using maps and aerial views community members answered these questions:
•What are your destinations? What commercial and retail businesses, restaurants, churches, schools, parks, etc. do you want to get to?
•How do you want to go -- on foot, bicycle, or horse?
•What obstacles do you face? Are there difficult crossings, sidewalks which end suddenly, or unsafe roads that make non-motorized travel challenging?
MPMC Hike - Looking for Connectivity
MPMC group at the peak of the Tuscarora Trail - Alisa and Doug Heinbaug, Liz George and Laura Puckett joined CT&T community architects Mike Szylagil and Bob Thomas for a hike along the ridge. They hiked along the Tuscarora Trail, which provides beautiful views of Cumberland Valley, Cove Valley and Fulton County, and explored side trails to loop back towards Mercersburg. MPMC is not only about local connectivity, but about connecting to other trail systems. We're looking for opportunities to connect commercial and historic resources and visitors to trails.
