The Lower Jordan Meadow is located in an area between the Jordan Street Bridge and an abandoned railroad bridge approximately one mile in length. This area is considered the “inner city” section of the Jordan Creek Watershed. The land is owned by the City of Allentown and has become a dumpsite through neglect over many years.

Last April during Earth Day 2003, the Environmental Science Club undertook this area as our Restoration Project. The Phase 1 scope of work included the removal of the following items: 120-130 shopping carts, various large expansion tanks, detritus, and debris including a large industrial wire spool and telephone poles. In all, 5-10 tons of material was removed and recycled.

In expanding this project to a Phase 2 level, we will focus our efforts from the stream clean up to the riparian buffer area along the west stream bank. The plan will include the planting of mid-size varieties of hardwood trees, understory plants including various berry plants. All of the plants are native to the area.

The roots of vegetation will act as an anchor for the soil to resist soil erosion, and structural integrity to the stream bank, and prevent further erosion of the banks. Hopefully, the restoration will encourage wildlife to return to the area.

The Lower Jordan Meadow has much potential to become an environmental, educational and recreational area for the student body of Allentown Central Catholic and the surrounding community. With additional Financial and technical assistance, we believe that this restoration project will be a catalyst for future expansion of the Jordan Parkway into Allentown. Ultimately, it could become Lehigh County's “third” Rail or Trail spur off the Lehigh and Delaware Heritage Corridor.

Allentown Central Catholic High School is partnering with the City of Allentown's Bureau of Parks, the Wildlands Conservancy, and Randy W. Frey (Arbor Foreperson). This team will evaluate the environmental and educational benefits to the area. The Wildlands Conservancy can assist the community with maintenance through Deleware & Lehigh Trailtenders Program.

The project will promote a safer environment for the community, encourage residents to use the waterway responsibly and feel a sense of ownership that will help to prevent careless littering. A clean creek corrider is aesthetically pleasing, scenic and attractive, and provides recreational oppurtunities to the school and surrounding community.