Our Mission
We inspire people to protect, restore, enjoy and learn about the land and waterways of the Pigeon Creek watershed.
Protect
For several years PCWA president Ken Yonek has been monitoring the water quality of the creek by measuring water temperature, acidity (pH), dissolved solids, particulate matter, dissolved oxygen, hardness and suspended sediment.
In May 2024, PCWA collaborated with Dr. David Argent and a group of PennWest, California students to conduct an electrofishing survey, which led to the capture of 188 fish from an encouraging number of 14 different species.
These water quality metrics will establish a baseline allowing us to tell whether stream quality is improving or declining.
Restore
PCWA board members Nat Botsko and Max Noel are known for their 2023 and 2024 Pigeon Creek Trash Bash events (see here) but we also have been busy on other creek restoration fronts.
In June 2024, PCWA and representatives from the Washington County Conservation District – got together with a property owner in Bentleyville who had about three feet of his creekfront property washed away in the spring 2024 floods. PCWA is, helping to sort out permits, working on design solutions, and coordinating funding to minimize further serious erosion.
Enjoy
Pigeon Creek is known for its great fishing spots, but there’s a whole lot more to the Pigeon Creek corridor. You can catch a barrel racing rodeo at Sydmore Arena in Monongahela, do some bird watching along Butsko Road in Fallowfield Township (one of the best spots to see a Great Blue Heron), and experience some of the best cycling in Washington County along the gently sloped and lightly traveled Bentleyville Road.
Here at SWPA, we understand that the more the public enjoys the creek, the more they’ll care about it. Let’s keep the love for Pigeon Creek flowing!
Learn
As Pigeon Creek continues to attract more attention, there is a growing interest in learning about this wonderful resource we have.
Several PCWA members bring a wealth of experience as certified Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards.
PCWA members are enthusiastic about sharing their expertise with schools, youth groups and all those eager to expand their knowledge and appreciation of our Watershed.
Our Board
Ken Yonek, president
As president, Ken brings a wealth of experience as a Penn State Master Watershed Steward, Phipps Conservatory Master Gardener, along with extensive involvement with the Isaac Walton League.
Max Noel, vice president
Max and his fiancee Natalie Botsko organized the popular Trash Bash events in several Mon Valley Communities. Max’s business, M&N Heating and Cooling, sponsored the 2024 Pigeon Creek cleanup.
Natalie Botsko, treasurer
Natalie and Max organized the Mon Valley Trash Bash events, out of which PCWA was formed. Natalie works for a non-profit that helps families and individuals lead self-sufficient and productive lives. She is also the owner of Air Tight Duct Cleaning.
Dan Tregembo, secretary
Dan fell in love with Pigeon Creek once he started cycling alongside it on his way home from work. Riding his bicycle let him soak in the scenery much better than commuting by car. Dan’s colleagues bestowed upon him the nickname “Captain Planet“. Dan is a history buff and writes at the website Lost Monongahela. Dan is also the PCWA webmaster.
Randy Winkleblech
Randy is the PCWA board member at large living upstream in the Bentleyville area. Randy loves to fish and has worked with Max and Natalie on several Trash Bash events.
Our Newsletter
Signup for our free newsletter, just enter your email address below
Membership
Join PCWA to protect our watershed and make a positive impact in our community today!
Our Watershed
Our Friends
Pigeon Creek Watershed Association 