January 10, 2003                         First Quarter Moon                                                                                                                         

Shale Barren and Sideling Hill Creek One of Sideling Hill Creek watershed's most unique habitats is the shale barren. These shale outcrops are characterized by hot, steep southwest to southeast facing slopes that are sparsely vegetated and typically undercut by a stream. The steep slope, intense exposure to sunlight, and poor moisture-holding capacity creates a unique community that features up to 18 endemic plants (plants that are restricted to shale barren habitats). In Pennsylvania, these natural communities are found only in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachians. Pictured above is Sideling Hill Creek. The watershed holds the most globally defensible population of harperella (Ptilimnium nodosum), a globally endangered plant. Furthermore, Sideling Hill Creek is considered one of the most pristine streams flowing into the Potomac River. A unique combination of geology, climate and geography helps create a diversity of habitats for several species and natural communities of global rarity. Shale barrens and glades, seasonally exposed riverine shoals and floodplain forests are of particular significance, and the focus of our conservation strategy. A rare opportunity exists to preserve intact this special stream and its rich complement of the region’s biodiversity. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is proud to launch a Web companion to the Sideling Hill Creek video story "Upstream/Downstream: Preserving Our Way of Life."

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