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Natrona in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

Three Rivers Water Trail

 
 
Three Rivers Water Trail Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 15, 2025
1. Three Rivers Water Trail Marker
Inscription.
Fish of the three rivers

Many people are amazed to learn that the three rivers provide a diverse habitat for many different species of fish.

During the Industrial Era, Pittsburgh's three rivers became severely polluted as waste from riverfront factories was deposited directly into the waterways. Additionally, large amounts of city sewage were discharged into the rivers, creating serious ecological problems that we continue to correct today.

When industry declined during the 1970s and 1980s, the combined actions of environmentally-aware organizations and government officials began to focus on river and riverfront protection and restoration. As water quality improves, a diverse group of over thirty native fish species are returning to Pittsburgh's three rivers.

It's not surprising that people are also enjoying the benefits of improved water quality. Pittsburgh's rivers are once again becoming a great place to relax, stroll, and enjoy outdoor activities like boating, swimming, as well as fishing.

(Captions):

Fish species you are likely to find in the three rivers.

Minnow • Gizzard Chad • Bluegill • Smallmouth Bass • Sauger • White Crappie • Pumpkinseed • Largemouth Bass • Walleye • Black Crappie • Longnose Gar • Common Carp • Channel Catfish • Flathead Catfish

 
Erected by Friends
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of the Riverfront.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: AnimalsEnvironmentIndustry & CommerceWaterways & Vessels.
 
Location. 40° 36.561′ N, 79° 43.327′ W. Marker is in Natrona, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is at the intersection of Veterans Way and River Avenue, on the right on Veterans Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 129 River Avenue, Natrona Heights PA 15065, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Ohio River Valley, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Natrona Bank Building (approx. 0.3 miles
Three Rivers Water Trail Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 15, 2025
2. Three Rivers Water Trail Marker
away); Natrona Honor Roll (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pond Street School Bell (approx. 0.4 miles away); Harrison Township Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Harrison Township (approx. 0.4 miles away); Churches Founded In Natrona (approx. 0.4 miles away); Penn Salt Manufacturing Company (approx. 0.4 miles away).
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on August 16, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
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Sep. 20, 2026