Atlanta Department of Watershed Management’s Office of Watershed Protection Celebrates the Return of Native Fish Species to Proctor Creek in Northwest Atlanta
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Atlanta Department of Watershed Management’s (DWM’s) Office of Watershed Protection participated with EcoAddendum, the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA), and community volunteers in a stream walk on Proctor Creek in northwest Atlanta. The purpose of the stream walk was for outreach and education about native fish species and their aquatic habitats. Participants got to learn hands-on how to properly collect fish using fine mesh seines in different aquatic habitats. The location of the stream walk was upstream of Grove Park and included two City of Atlanta Greenway properties. Proctor Creek is a highly urbanized stream that starts in the heart of downtown Atlanta and flows all the way to the Chattahoochee River. The in-stream habitat has been impacted by sedimentation and erosion from high flows caused by increasing stormwater runoff. Proctor Creek has a reputation for poor water quality, but the discovery of native fish species during the Proctor Creek stream walk is proof of resilience and natural adaptation. Stream walk participants counted 11 different species of fish in the 350-meter long reach that was sampled! These included the Black Crappie, which had previously not been collected that far upstream on Proctor Creek. In addition to the high species count, another notable find was that the fish appeared to be very healthy in this more naturalized section of the creek.
This was the first event for the City of Atlanta’s Urban Fish Communities Program recently established by DWM’s Natural Resources Section. Through this new program, DWM staff will monitor fish communities to strengthen our understanding of the biological, chemical and physical properties governing our water quality in the City of Atlanta.
Full list of species counted on the June 22 Proctor Creek Native Fish walk:
• Gambusia
• White Sucker
• Alabama Hogsucker
• Yellow Bullhead Catfish
• Golden Shiner
• Bluefin Stoneroller
• Red Shiner
• Black Crappie
• Bluegill Sunfish
• Redbreast Sunfish
• Blackbanded Darter
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You are cordially invited to attend a Stormwater Roadshow Open House hosted by the City of Atlanta
Department of Watershed Management (DWM)
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Join us for an engaging session to discuss and explore stormwater initiatives, issues and solutions. DWM will host six (6) open house sessions from July – September.
All are welcome to attend any of the sessions.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend:
Watershed: South River
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Rosel Fann Rec Center - 365 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
Watershed: Proctor, Sandy, & Baker’s Ferry Creeks
Thursday, August 8, 2019 | 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Northwest Library at Scott’s Crossing - 2489 Perry Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
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Stay Safe Outside!
Hydrate…and Avoid Heat Stroke
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Exposure to heat can cause illness and even death. The most serious heat illness is heat stroke. Other heat illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash should also be avoided.
There are precautions you can take any time temperatures are high:
- While outside this summer, drink as much water as possible. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) advises one pint of water per hour during the day’s warmest times.
- Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Excess layers or articles that fit too tightly prevent proper blood cooling. Also, light colored clothing will absorb less heat than darker pieces.
- Avoid strenuous activity in the warmest weather and identify shaded area and cool spots for when you feel overheated.
Avoiding heat stroke begins with conditioning your body for hot temperatures. Hydration is key to proper sweat and cool down, so fill up before, during and after you go out.
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DWM Rain Barrel & Compost Workshops 2019
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It’s not too late to sign up for rain barrel and composting workshops. The workshops teach the benefits of using rain barrels for water conservation and stormwater management. Rain barrels provide an additional source of water for shrubs and plants and they help to prevent erosion from stormwater runoff. Workshops also include information on building rain gardens.
Workshops are held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Water Works Lodge, located at 655 Green Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.
The workshop fee is $40 (includes rain barrel and installation kit), which can be paid on-site by cash, check or money order.
Please see this year's schedule below.
Click here
to register for the July Composting Workshop.
Click here
to register for the August Rain Barrel Workshop.
Click here
to register for the August Composting Workshop.
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Rain Barrel Workshop Dates
August 17
September 11
Composting Workshop Dates
July 24
August 21
September 25
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Atlanta Bicycle Coalition Hosts Streets Alive: Southwest
Sunday, September 29, 2019
2 - 6 p.m.
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Join the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition for Atlanta Streets Alive: Southwest on Sunday, September 29, 2019. The community-driven route (along 4.8 miles of Cascade Road, Cascade Avenue and Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard) kicks off in front of the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve at the intersection of Cascade Road and Veltre Circle for the official opening of the street, followed by a parade of a route. All are welcome to walk, roll and stroll! Visit activity partners and route hosts along the way that will have a host of interactive and family-friendly activities. Explore the historic open streets from end-to-end.
Atlanta Street Alive: Southwest is FREE and fun for all ages. Bring friends and family and share in the experience of enjoying our city streets as public space!
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The 2018 City of Atlanta Water Quality Report is Available
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Watershed Management is proud to present the 2018 City of Atlanta Water Quality Report. The report details the source of Atlanta’s drinking water, its components, and how our water measures up to standards set by regulatory agencies. We thank you for your support in our mission to provide clean, safe drinking water to all of our customers.
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Schedule Bulk Item Collection
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Residents requiring bulk item collection must schedule pick-up at least one business day in advance by contacting ATL311. Dial 404-546-0311, or visit
www.atl311.com
for scheduling.
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Does DWM Have Your Correct Contact Information?
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Do you have a new email address or phone number? Do you want to receive DWM emergency notifications by phone, email or both?
The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management is doing what matters. We want to be able to reach you with information you need to know.
Please
click here
to ensure that we have your correct contact information for our database and let us know your communication preferences.
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Do you want to stay up-to-date on the latest programs and services offered by Watershed Management! Visit
www.atlantawatershed.org
and sign up for the
e-newsletter today!
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