As spring readily approaches, the desire to once again be outside and enjoy all that nature has to offer becomes all the more palpable. One great spot to visit when it gets warmer is Kocher Park.
Located at 1519 State Route 487 Orangeville, PA, the park offers a family friendly place to enjoy all of the natural beauty Pennsylvania has to offer. In an interview with watershed specialist Brittney Hartzell, she was able to provide some insightful commentary about the park.
Hartzell began the interview by explaining her position as a watershed specialist. She discussed how her “versatile” position was dedicated to water quality. This area keeps her constantly on the move whether it is to work in the field to examine water quality from a site or to work on grant writing and projects from inside the office. She also has a hand in the coordinating of the clean up of Kocher Park every spring and fall.
Hartzell was able to communicate about the park’s history and how it was donated by the owner of the land who was worried about damage from erosion and wanted to preserve the area’s natural beauty.
When asked about what she thinks makes Kocher Park unique, Hartzell was able to list off a few reasons she felt that made the park stand out.
“Keep open to the public”
- Fishing access
- Swimming
- Very Open
- Dog Friendly
- Home to many native species
When asked about the incorporation of local groups and organizations with the park, Hartzell noted how the Fishing Creek Watershed Organization are some of the major players. The organization volunteer their time for clean up and up keep because they recognize the importance of the park as a resource. The fishing creek acts as the major water supply for Bloomsburg
“Kocher Park provides access to the creek”
Hartzell was also able to explain when the park gets busiest during the year. She expressed how the summertime is the busiest because of the good weather and the desire people have to swim, fish, walk their dog, and more. Spring is a close second with the return of the flowers and wildlife. It is important to remember though that the park is open year round.
When asked to discuss the biggest challenges the park is currently facing, Hartzell identified two key problems.
- Erosion caused by the nature of the stream. The large size of the creek can often lead to erosion and the landscape constantly changing.
- Invasive Species. The Japanese Knotweed is a hollow bamboo like plant that damages the trails and increases the level of erosion because of its shallow root system.
Kocher Park has been keen on fighting these issues though as Hartzell explained. She cited that to ward off these challenges the planting of native species (like milkweed) and rain gardens may be a solution. She also discussed how the park has added bird and bat boxes to house local species. There should also soon be the addition of Mason beehives to increase the park’s number of natural pollinators.
Finally, when asked to note some of the upcoming events that the park has planned, Hartzell was able to provide a good look onto the park’s future.
- March 28- Big Event Cleanup. Bloomsburg University students team up with park management for cleanup.
- April 25-Salamander Safari. New event held at the park’s new section to show participants some of the cool amphibians that live at the park.
- May 30-Fish and Fun. An annual event that is open for all, but is aimed at showing people with disabilities how to fish and enjoy the park’s beauty.
- July 25- Forest Therapy. The opportunity to experience forest therapy at the park will be available.
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