128-year-old dam removal reveals original creek channel still intact

The Nature Conservancy has successfully revitalized the O'Conner Reservoir dam from the late 1800s, allowing Sterry Creek to revert to its natural course. By lowering the reservoir's water levels and excavating the embankment, they eliminated the need for a costly artificial channel, thus improving local water health. This project also established a natural floodplain and reconnected important stream habitats to the expansive Lackawanna River watershed.