This group is supported by our own Alana Hartman of WV DEP.
Watershed Association of the Year
The 2013 Watershed Association of the Year was awarded to Opequon Creek Project Team. This is a group that is out and about and very busy. They sponsor Make It Shine stream clean ups that provide improved recreational experience for the local residents who use the creek to canoe, kayak, wade, and fish.
Fun Floats are a part of their community education program to introduce residents to the beauty of the Creek and part of the effort to increase membership. Education Hollis Oak brings extra money and the knowledge of the importance of buffers to stakeholders throughout the watershed during the “Hollis Oak” tree sale. They also have found value in presentations. At every buffer planting the president, briefs the participants on the value of the creek, the watershed, and organization’s mission. Members also have used the Project WET program to educate the young people attending events.
Volunteers participate in workshops and conferences by sharing their recent watershed experiences with the attendees and discussing storm water capture using a rain barrel display. They are always spreading the word about their work and their mission. Guest speakers with local programs and opportunities are an important part of monthly meetings.
This group talks about it and posts it. They have installed a number of signs throughout the watershed. Partnerships have led to an interpretive sign installed on the Route 9 bike path just before it crosses the creek. The signs also discuss ways residents can help keep and restore the water quality in the watershed. "Public Access Don't Litter" signs were attached to the DNR signs at the three creek’s public access areas.
Planting trees has always been important to these volunteers and they have been responsible for planting over 3,000 new trees and shrubs. In addition to over 20 buffers installed in their watershed in the last 5 years, volunteers have pitched in to help with surrounding watershed buffer installation.
In addition to their own mission they are a part of two substantial long term projects of CVI/WVDEP in neighboring watersheds that include septic tank upgrades, tree plantings and planning for a dam removal to improve access for boaters and fisherman. They also participated in WVDEP 2012 summer long environmental assessment of Back Creek.
For this long list of accomplishments and the dedication of the volunteers the WV Watershed Network recognizes the Opequon Creek Project Team as the 2013 Watershed of the Year.
