Press release by Valerie Myers with the Erie Times-News on 17 February 2025
A state grant will pay most of the cost to protect the South Branch of French Creek in Union City Borough. The $375,453 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Plus program plus $48,273 from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and an $8,034 in-kind contribution from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will fund improvements along a half-mile stretch of the creek. Work will take place on properties owned by Union City’s American Legion Post and Union City Little League on the south side of the creek, near the Little League fields on First Avenue.
Project details
The three-year project will begin this summer with the removal of Japanese knotweed, an invasive weed that can grow to seven feet in height, blocking visibility and stream access and hindering the growth of native plants. The public will be invited to help knock the weed down before herbicide is applied to finish the job. Workshops will educate the public on spotting the weed and removing it from their own properties. Coming in 2026 are bank stabilization structures that will improve in-water habitats for fish, amphibians and insects. The structures will be built mainly of logs to help hold the stream bank in place and prevent erosion. Work will conclude in 2027 with the planting of trees and native vegetation to further stabilize the stream bank and improve wildlife habitats.
Kayak launch, trail plans
A separate project by the American Legion, Fish and Boat Commission and Union City Borough will provide a kayak and canoe launch on American Legion property along the creek this year. Additionally, Union City Borough is considering building a French Creek Trail along the creek, from Devereaux Park along Bridge Street and through the borough to the western end of the ballfields. French Creek was key to the community’s settlement in the late 1700s and powered much of the town’s growth through the next century. Not much heeded through the 20th century, the creek is now an important part of the town’s identify and planning, Union City Borough Manager Cindy Wells said. “It’s not dissimilar to how Erie’s bayfront was an industrial hub for decades, then was ignored for a long time until everyone realized what a recreational and quality-of-life asset it could be,” Wells said.
