Old Crow Wetland focus of art exhibit
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An art exhibit focused on the Old Crow Wetland will open with a reception at 6 p.m. today, Feb. 3, at the Huntingdon County Arts Center, 313 12th St., Huntingdon.
The exhibit features paintings, photography and sculpture relating to the wetland, all created by local artists. The exhibit will then be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through March 4 at the arts center.
The display also includes information about the potential impacts of development proposed for the property next to the wetland.
The controversy over recent plans to build a large gas station and convenience store -- with parking spaces for 25 tractor-trailers -- has been documented in news articles and letters to the editor, which are included in the exhibit.
Old Crow, about eight acres of wetland and fields near the intersection of routes 22 and 26 in Smithfield Township, is a popular spot for observing birds, other wildlife and native plants. PennDOT, with assistance from the Huntingdon County Conservation District, purchased the land and created Old Crow Wetland in 1997. PennDOT is required by law to compensate for the loss of wetlands due to new construction projects. Old Crow serves as a "bank" wetland to keep the number of acres of wetlands in the state from decreasing.
Old Crow is a nesting ground and migration stop for many birds, with 221 species of birds being recorded at the wetlands, including some on the Pennsylvania threatened and endangered species lists. The diversity of avian life draws bird watchers from across the state to see mergansers, American bitterns, great egrets and blackpoll warblers, among other species.