Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Conserving, protecting, and restoring Spring Creek’s coldwater fishery and watershed
SCCTU accomplishes our mission through advocacy, conservation projects, and community outreach programs.
Join Us for the SCCTU Holiday Dinner on Dec. 7th
The Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting a holiday dinner and get-together at the American Legion on Saturday, December 7th at 5:30pm. Dinner will include Turkey and Beef Tenderloin entrees, with potato, veggies, appetizers, and dessert. Tickets are $45 per person and include the cost of dinner, door prizes, and one complimentary drink at the bar. There will also be a special raffle item. Remember to bring cash for any additional drinks as the Legion does not accept credit cards. Please register by Wednesday, November 27 so we can give the Legion a count of attendees.
Holiday attire is encouraged! Prior holiday events have been a great time to celebrate the year, talk about plans for the next year, and socialize with other members. We hope to see you there!
Volunteer to Participate in the 2024 Redd Count
Please RSVP - November 24th 10am-3pm
It is once again time for the annual Spring Creek Redd Count! For those who are unaware, a redd count involves teams of volunteers counting and mapping redds (trout nests). It provides invaluable data used in assessing the continued health of the trout population in Spring Creek.
The 2024 Redd Count will be taking place on November 24th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Spring Creek Park. As always, food, drinks, and equipment for the volunteers will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to complete their counts on the 24th. However, if it’s more convenient for you and you have prior experience, you’re welcome to conduct them the week before or after.
We will send out an email reminder with more specifics about the event as we get closer to the date, but there are a few things we could use your feedback on to help with assigning sections:
Please let us know if you are able to participate in the count either on November 24th or another date (remember, you don't have to participate precisely on November 24th if you have prior experience).
If you are coming to the event on November 24th, let us know if you need any equipment (waders, wading staff, etc.).
If you would like to count a particular section, please specify.
Please RSVP to reddcount@springcreektu.org by answering the three questions above. We look forward to seeing some familiar and new faces!
Check out our Citizen Science page for more details on the redd counts.
Friendly Competition at the CHOPPED Fly Tying Contest at the Happy Valley Brewing Company
Thanks for participating in our friendly CHOPPED Fly Tying Competition on October 10th at the Happy Valley Brewing Company. 10 contestants competed in this 2nd CHOPPED installment and everyone was hooked on winning! Contestants were challenged to tie a nymph, dry fly, and streamer using only the materials given to them in a mystery bag. In each category, winners were chosen for "most likely to catch a fish" and "most creative use of materials" by our celebrity judges. Thanks to all the participants and everyone who came to show their support and joined us for dinner and drinks!
SCCTU Celebrates a Triple Triumph with 3 Prestigious PATU Awards!
Ken Sink Award for Outstanding Service to PATUs Conservation Mission:
This esteemed award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to PATU’s mission. It recognizes someone with a long-standing commitment to coldwater conservation, protection, and restoration, as well as exemplary volunteerism and leadership.
Recipient: Bob Vierck
Diversity Award:
This prestigious award honors a chapter that exemplifies diversity among its members. It is vital for chapters to actively engage youth, women, and men, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive environment. Such diversity not only strengthens the chapter’s sustainability but also allows seasoned members to share their knowledge with newcomers.
Recipient: Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Outstanding Coldwater Conservationist - Professional:
This esteemed award recognizes an individual from a governmental agency, private enterprise, or non-profit organization who has made exceptional contributions to advancing TU's mission of conserving, protecting, restoring, and sustaining Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries and watersheds.
Recipient: Adam Smith
Slab Cabin Run at Millbrook Marsh Habitat Improvement and Streambank Stabilization Project
Work continues at our stream and habitat restoration project on Slab Cabin Run at Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. Project benefits include improved fish habitat, pollution reduction, stream access synergies for a future boardwalk replacement project, and improved Wildlife and FEN protection. The project has been progressing nicely, and we'll share more updates in the coming weeks.
The team has installed a toe wood-sod mat, sometimes called a brush mattress, to repair and protect part of the stream bank from erosion. The toe wood-sod mat is designed to look natural and is comprised of logs, branches, and other woody local vegetation. It also provides in stream cover for fish. Over time, the wood will deteriorate leaving a vegetated, stabilized bank.
Construction started on 07-26-2024. Initial construction was the access road and temporary bridge crossing starting at College Township and extending down to the confluence of Slab Cabin and Thompson Run.