MAY 7, 2009 ISSUE
Watauga River Conservation Partners Announce Summer Activities
Watch closely as those “sticks” in the ground at Cove Creek turn into lush vegetation that will stabilize the stream banks, help manage runoff to the stream and offer habitat for birds, amphibians and other critters.
A joint team of the Watauga River Conservation Partners (WRCP) and the Watauga County Cooperative Extension were able to work with students from Watauga High School to plant these “live-stakes” that will grow into silky dogwoods, elderberry, silky willow and nine bark shrubs. This is the first of a diverse array of activities that WRCP has planned for this spring and summer.
Summer Activities
Mark your calendars now and watch for updates as events approach. Contact Wendy Patoprsty at the Watauga County Cooperative Extension at 828-264-3061 if interested in participating in any of the upcoming events.
May—Wetland Planting
The Town of Boone has installed a stormwater wetland on the Greenway in Boone. If you are interested in getting wet and dirty, volunteer to help plant the wetland in May. This project will offer excellent habitat as well as manage stormwater runoff from approximately 40-acres of parking lot, buildings and athletic fields. The wetland will help keep oil, trash and sediment from entering the New River.
June—Citizen Monitoring Training at the Watauga River in Valle Crucis
The more people who watch rivers, the better, therefore WRCP train people to monitor benthic macro invertebrates. These bottom dwelling insects are indicators of water quality. Following the three-hour training session, there will be a potluck and a talk by Watauga RiverKeeper Donna Lisenby.
July—Liberty Parade in Todd
Participate in the Fourth of July Liberty Parade in Todd created by Elkland Art Center, which focuses on protecting our water resources. All materials are supplied.
August—Bog Walk
Don’s miss this rare opportunity to see a high elevation bog on Beech Mountain. Rangers will be available to explain this unique ecosystem during the walk and while enjoying a picnic lunch.
September—Big Sweep
The state’s annual Big Sweep to clean up waterways happens every fall. Get together your family, class, scout troop, grab a bag and get the trash out of the river.
October—Build a Rain Garden
Participants will learn how to build a rain garden to help manage runoff in your yard and provide a pretty addition to your landscape.
All of these activities support the Watauga River Conservation Partner’s mission to protect and preserve the Watauga River watershed specifically and promote watershed health more generally. WRCP is a volunteer organization that works closely with schools and other community organizations to promote education and “on the ground” activities to improve river health. As a chapter of the Western North Carolina Alliance, WRCP seeks to engage people of all ages and backgrounds to work together to preserve our mountain environment.
For more information about the WRCP or these specific activities, call 828-264-3061.
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