Teacher taught a valuable lesson
Chartiers-Houston Junior/Senior High School science teacher Gary Popiolkowski is to be commended for the example he sets for his students and all of us in his recent letter to the editor about the unfortunate clearing of trees and shrubs along the stream in Arnold Park in Chartiers Township.
There is a common misunderstanding that trees and shrubs along streams are untidy or unsightly when, in fact, they play a crucial role in protecting water quality, reducing flooding and erosion, and providing an environment that supports native wildlife.
People often underappreciate the importance of riparian buffers with trees and regularly clear them to “improve” views.
I hope Chartiers Township will make amends for its mistake and replant the cleared area to restore its ecosystem and its value as an outdoor classroom. The Chartiers Creek Watershed Association will volunteer to assist in any way it can.
Popiolkowski deserves thanks for teaching us all an important lesson.
Carrilee L. Hemington
McMurray
Hemington is the secretary of the Chartiers Creek Watershed Association.