The Fall 25 Confluence’s “Boatload of Knowledge” session drove home a truth that’s easy to overlook: healthy ecosystems depend on connections. Freddy Smith from the Lawrence County Conservation District showed us how culverts can either be highways or roadblocks for wildlife trying to access critical water sources. David Antis, representing the Washington County Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Society (PARS), demonstrated why herps – those often-overlooked amphibians and reptiles – are essential indicators of watershed health.
Their presentations weren’t just academic exercises. They were real-world reminders that the infrastructure we build and the habitats we protect directly impact both ecosystem health and water quality. When wildlife can’t access wetlands because of poorly designed culverts, we don’t just lose biodiversity – we lose the natural filtration systems that keep our water clean. The article below from Environment America perfectly illustrates why Freddy and David’s work matters so much, showing how thoughtful culvert design in Fayette County is making a measurable difference for both wildlife and water quality.
