Watershed Newsletter -August 2020-www.pwswcd.org

Trash in PWC Waterways, Human Health and Water Quality

Trash in Waterways Impact Human Lives and the Ecosystem PWC Residents Make a Difference

The call for social distancing by the COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge especially for Prince William County residents who enjoy promoting water quality awareness through water quality monitoring and streams cleanup events. Last spring, the big Annual Occoquan River cleanup among other water quality events were cancelled due to the pandemic. But this has not stopped volunteers' willingness to impact local streams in PWC as they could still be seen working as individuals an families to make a difference. This shows PWC residents have taken the protection of water as a natural resource more personal. Special thanks to all the families and individuals who have put on their social distancing hats to engage on private stream cleanup events and water quality monitoring. They affirm how much vitality is gained interacting with the nature environment! Are you thinking of making a difference on your nearby pond(s) or waterway this fall while maintaining social distance? Join Prince William Trials and Streams Coalition (PWTSC) this September, Friends Of the Occoquan (FOTO) in October and other Water Quality Awareness Partners under the District in their efforts to keep the Occoquan River clean; the Occoquan River is a drinking water source for most part of Prince William and Fairfax Counties These cleanup efforts are not limited only around the Occoquan River. Join the District in promoting water quality awareness anywhere in Prince William County. Clean any nearby stream or pond(s) this fall! Get an Adopt-a-Stream/Pond sign at any chosen site! Maintain social distance while working! Contact the District for support if needed! Share your data and pictures with the District! waterquality@pwswcd.org

Water Quality Monitoring Jess McCaulley and team - Bull Run Diane Bahm and team - Cannon Branch Adopt- A-Stream Program Sea Troop 100 and families - Rocky Branch Eric VanNortwick - Neabsco Creek

A big shout out to the Adams Family for adopting a portion of the Catharpin Creek under the District's Adopt-A-Stream program!

Thanks to the Coordinators of the newly adopted sites: Serviclean Inc -Neabsco Watershed Friends of Leesylvania State Park -Potomac River Patriot Scuba - Occoquan Watershed Garfield HS Green Club - Neabsco Watershed Fox Family - Occoquan Watershed

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Please inform the District about your private water quality events. Contact the District for supplies support and trash haul if needed.

For more on the District's Water Quality programs, please visit: https://www.pwswcd.org/water-quality Contact: waterqualty@pwswcd.org

Upcoming Events September 12 Occoquan River Annual Cleanup ( PWTSC and Partners) Engage in cleaning the Occoquan River, a nearby stream or pond(s) while maintaining social distance. For More information visit : www.pwtsc.org Share your cleanup pictures and data with the District waterquality@pwswcd.org

October 10 Occoquan River Cleanup Friends Of the Occoquan (FOTO) Engage in cleaning the Occoquan River, a nearby stream or pond(s) while maintaining social distance. For More information visit : www.friendsoftheoccoquan.org

Share pictures and report your cleanup data with the District! For supplies and support contact : waterquality@pwswcd.org

GOOD NEWS! Want to Become a Certified Water Quality Monitor ? Engage with training online to become a Certified Virginia Save Our Streams Water Quality Monitor. Followup with the District for field practicals and adopt a site of your choice in Prince William County. For more information visit: https://www.iwla.org/water/stream-monitoring/upcoming-water-monitoring-workshops OR Email Rebecca Shoer at rshoer@iwla.org or Call: 978-578-5238.

Thanks again for making a difference! Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District is funded by Prince William County Public Works Department, Stormwater Management Branch, and through financial and administrative assistance provided by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Programs, activities and employment opportunities are available to all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or political affiliation. Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. PWSWCD,  8850 Rixlew Lane , Manassas, VA 20109, Ph.: 571-379-7514 ,Fax: 571-379-8305

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