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Canonsburg Lake gets a cleanup

By Suzanne Elliott 2 min read
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The day could not have been nicer, with the sun shining and ducks swimming. It was a perfect time for a trip to Canonsburg Lake.

And that is what about 30 students from Peters Township and Canon-McMillan high schools did when they joined forces Tuesday afternoon to clean up around the lake, which sits in both North Strabane and Peters townships, and learn how to safely use a canoe. The students who came to help did so on their own time.

The event was sponsored by the Canonsburg Lake Restoration and Improvement Committee, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving the 70-year-old lake. This was the second year the event was held.

“We’re just trying to do our part,” said Chelsea Geist, a Canon-Mac environmental science and zoology teacher, who sponsors the school’s environmental club.

Canonsburg Lake was built in 1943 by Alcoa and quickly became a popular destination for local fishermen, canoeists and picnickers. But the depth and extent of the lake have eroded over the years due to sediment buildup and it needs maintenance work, such as dredging. Events like the one held Tuesday are designed to draw attention to the lake and spark the interest of future generations.

“Hurricane Ivan (in 2004) did some damage to the lake,” said Carole Milas, a committee member.

While one group of volunteers were canoeing, the other cluster of students were armed with heavy-duty trash bags to pick up garbage around the lake. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which manages the lake, supplied the eight canoes and more importantly, the safety tips.

Keith Compeggie, a Peters Township science teacher, is the faculty adviser of SAFE, which stands for Student Action for the Environment. He said club members were very passionate about doing their part to help with lake cleanup efforts.

“They love it,” Compeggie said.

Isabelle Henney, a senior at Peters, said it is important to take responsibility for nature and community assets.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I like cleaning the lake and canoeing.”

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