Environmental Stewardship

Stewardship of the area and trails in the Birdsboro Waters property are a major priority for Crew 5.14. In May 2011 our members started a conservation project under the Schuylkill Scrub by removing trash and debris from Hay Creek along the southern abandoned stretch of PA-82. Additionally, Crew 5.14 is joining the Birdsboro Area Climbers Association with their biannual Climb and Clean and developing a partnership with the Hay Creek Watershed Association to organize solutions to access problems in this area. One of the largest barriers recreational users find to the accessibility and maintenance of the trails is lack of information, maps and access. Some trails are eroded and damaged, and others have trash and illegal camp sites bordering them.

Crew 5.14 is developing an environmental stewardship program called "Climbers Gone Clean." This program will serve as our crew's on-going outreach to the Birdsboro Waters property where we climb frequently. The Birdsboro Quarry, maintained by the Birdsboro Area Climbers Association, Crew 5.14's charter organization, has become our local crag. The Birdsboro Waters also resides within the Hay Creek Watershed. Through partnership with the Hay Creek Watershed Association and the Birdsboro Area Climbers Association, Crew 5.14's Climbers Gone Clean program aims to improve recreational access, to maintain our environmental resources, and to promote Leave No Trace skills.