Watershed groups are grassroots organizations focused on protecting water quality and improving watershed awareness.

These organizations assist with the creation and development of plans that address issues within the watershed and work to achieve the goals and objectives in the plans.

One such group is the Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance.

In 1999 a group was formed to address the different issues affecting Connoquenessing Creek and its tributaries. The group was made up of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds: farmers, teachers, students, steelworkers, local government, professors, hunters and fishermen.

Over the years, the group has completed numerous projects to improve and protect the waters of the Connoquenessing Watershed.

Water sampling, macroinvertebrate sampling, and electro fishing have been conducted to gather stream health information that was used as baseline data and to show improvements in water quality.

Other projects have included the physical construction of fish habitat structures and canoe launches that have increased recreational opportunity from the watershed.

If you are interested in getting involved or just want to see what’s going on, you’re in luck. The Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance will hold a reorganizational meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Butler Public Library, 218 N McKean St.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.