| Title: | Blackberry Meadows Farm Spring Development |
| Grant Award: | $30,310 |
| Location: | Blackberry Meadows Farm, Natrona Heights |
| Collaborators: | ACCD, State Conservation Commission, PA Association of Conservation Districts |
| Program: | Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program |
Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) awarded Blackberry Meadows Farm the first Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) grant in Allegheny County. Blackberry Meadows is a 75-acre farm located between Natrona Heights and Fawn Township. Their operation produces pork, eggs, produce, and more for their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, online sales, and an on-farm shop. The grant will fund multiple projects, including a spring development to provide a more sustainable water source for its livestock and protect surrounding water sources.
Description of Work
The existing spring development was decades old, and many components were no longer functional. The piping and tank originally used were not appropriately sized, leading to clogs and leakage. Contractors were hired to dig a trench over 500 ft long to accommodate corrugated tubing and piping at angles and depths that allow a clean flow from the spring to a storage cistern and bring overflow to a pond on the property.
Best Management Practice
Spring developments are a valuable tool, especially in Allegheny County where hilly farmland and many underground springs can lead to erosion and wet spots that pose a danger to topsoil, crop health, and animal safety. The new spring development will use perforated pipe to collect water at the spring and direct it to a cistern. The farmers can then install an electric pump and use the water to irrigate crops and water animals. Excess water will flow into an existing pond on the property.
Get Assistance
ACCD provides technical assistance to improve water and soil resources throughout the region.