Students conducting hydrogeomorphic assessments in a heavily rip-rapped and ecologically-degraded section of Miller Run along Moore Avenue. Improving the aesthetics and health of this stream have been a goal of campus for decades. A new stream restoration grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) provides an incentive and basis for this project.
River Initiative faculty in geology, biology, environmental studies, and civil and environmental engineering have been adapting their courses to allow students to study and assess the hydrology, biology, and plants along the stream. This provides students and tangible and "close-to-home" context for their course learning experience. The information and data collected in these course projects is also generating a wealth of valuable information and ideas for improving the channel conditions.