A recently completed osprey nesting platform has been built at the former Zelienople water storage reservoirs. Checking Friday on the project are, from left, Bruce Knoechel, volunteer with CHZ Composting and Education; James Hulings, Harmony Council president; and Harvey Kohler, Zelienople electric department superintendent.

An osprey nesting pole was installed recently by Bruce Knoechel, a volunteer with CHZ Composting and Education.

The pole was donated by Harmony and materials for the nesting platform were donated by Cranberry Township. The pole was set by Zelienople.

The osprey was gone from the state for years because of the use of the chemical DDT. In the early 1990s, more than 90 osprey were reintroduced in this area through a program at Moraine State Park.

The program was deemed a success as birds returned and then have dispersed to places including Slippery Rock Creek, Wilhem Lake and Kinzua Dam.

The birds feed along the Connoquenessing Creek.

Officials said it may take several years for a pair of osprey to select the platform as a nesting site.