Will also include boardwalk construction, observation decks, pedestrian walkways

HERMITAGE, Oct. 1 – A $103,200 grant from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will help restore the Buhl Park’s wetlands and fund other improvements to the park, state Rep. Mark Longietti announced today. 

Longietti, D-Mercer, said the grant to Buhl Park Corp. – awarded through DCNR’s 2020 Community Conservation Partnerships Program – will fund work to remove invasive plant species and add features that enhance residents’ access and enjoyment of the area. 

“Healthy wetlands perform a critical function of filtering out pollution and contaminated runoff,” Longietti said. “The funding awarded today will allow the park to move forward with plans to protect Buhl Park’s wetlands by excavating and removing non-native, invasive plants and constructing a device allowing the water to pool in the wetlands. The work will improve water quality in the lower Shenango River Watershed, reduce algae building in Lake Julia, and provide a safer habitat for fish and wildlife.

“In addition to the watershed restoration work, the project will include construction of boardwalk, observation decks and pedestrian pathways, ADA access, and landscaping and related improvements. The new features will help visitors enjoy more of the park’s natural beauty and will expand environmental education for area students by allowing school districts to expand field trips and other learning opportunities.”

C2P2 grants fund planning, acquisition and development of public parks, recreation areas, motorized and non-motorized trails, river conservation and access and conservation of open space.

The grant is the second C2P2 grant Mercer County received in recent days. On Sept. 24, the county was awarded $70,000 to help fund major improvements to South Pymatuning’s Regional Community Softball Complex.

More information about C2P2 grants is available here.