Don Stevenson

With a love of history and the heart of an explorer, Don Stevenson set out on a journey along the Kiski River in Apollo. His search was for evidence of mainline canal boundary stones. Not only did he find what he was looking for, he found a new passion to which he has devoted the last twelve years of his life. In the positions of President and Board Member of the Roaring Run Watershed Association, Don has played a vital part in cleaning up the Kiski River and creating a wonderful outlet for families to enjoy.

“I always loved the outdoors but never got interested in the environmental issues,” stated Don. Now, all that has changed. He has invested many hours into raising funds for the clean up of the river, promoting community awareness, and in helping to establish the Kiskiminetas Watershed Association. Part of his responsibilities include organizing the annual hikes and being the organizations publicity and public relations person. “We are trying to get more people involved in the program, especially the youth.” And their efforts are starting to pay off. During their last Meet Your Watershed Day for the Kiskiminetas Watershed Association, there were about one hundred students from Leechburg in attendance.

Don has also played a large part in the new and improved Kiski River through his involvement in the watershed. “A lot of people my age thought that they’d never see fish in the Kiski River.” Now not only has the water been cleaned up but the river is stocked with fish and ready to be enjoyed. “We are still working on the clean up but it will slowly get there.”

Future projects for Roaring Run include a larger parking lot - with a capacity for 110 cars instead of its current 35 - a 2 ½ mile expansion on the current trail, and a new side trail which will lead up to the remains of an old rock furnace. “We started the parking lot but we still have to do a lot of fundraising for the other projects,” explained Don.

Don was also a board member of the Apollo Historical Society. Unfortunately his involvement in the watershed left very little time for anything else so he had to resign from that position. He still retains that great love of history that he says started when he was in 7th grade in the Leechburg School District. “My teacher, Melva Hutchenson, made history a lot of fun.” Fortunately the area is rich with history and he has the opportunity to make some great finds.

Besides his involvement with the Roaring Run Watershed Association, Don enjoys spending time with his wife of 46 years, Fran, and their grandchildren. “When my children were growing up they always kept me moving with their sports, gymnastics, and cheerleading.” Now, his grandchildren and his community involvement keep him on the go. Watch the video