News from the Stones River Watershed Association: May 2005


1. Big day in Smyrna!  Come out from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday (5/21) for the
1st Annual Waterfest in Smyrna.  Smyrna stormwater manager Greg Upham has
planned a terrific lineup of demonstrations and presentations about water
quality, boating safety, insects and other inhabitants of Stewarts creek,
caving, recycling and related topics.  There will be good hands on
activities for kids.  It all happens at Volunteer Park on the banks of
Stewarts Creek.  To get there take Sam Ridley Parkway to Weakley Ln., turn
left on 8th Ave and cross the creek.  The park is on your right and the
Waterfest area is at the picnic tables in the grove.

2. Float and cleanup on Saturday, May 28.  We'll put in at Hoover Mill Rd.
near Readyville and take out at Goochie Ford Rd., a distance of about 7
miles, and we'll collect trash along the way.  Everyone welcome but you need
to let Heloise Shilstat know that you're coming: heloisew@bellsouth.net or
896-6278.  If you don't have a boat you can rent them from MTSU and we're
able to reimburse a few canoes because they are needed to pile the trash
in.  What could be more enticing?  Meetup at 9:00 and take out around 3 pm.

3. Two pieces of exciting news.  We're received notice that we have been
given a grant of $2750. by the River Network.  This is a "capacity building"
grant that is to be used to build our organizational strength and
abilities.  Another step toward that goal is the hiring of Randle Branch to
be our Education Coordinator for a project funded through the Tenn. Dept. of
Environment and Conservation.  Randle will be working to promote river
awareness and public understanding of water quality concerns in our
watershed. 

4. Don't miss our Annual Meeting at Barfield Park on June 25.  We'll have
outdoor activities in the afternoon, beginning at 3 pm.  Then at 5:00 we'll
hear a report on the most recent state assessment of water quality in the
Stones.  TDEC has a five-year recurring cycle for each watershed that
includes a mid-course assessment of specific areas.  This is your chance to
ask about your favorite stream section.  The presentation will be followed
by a cookout and potluck.

To keep up on all our developments check our website frequently:
http://stoneswatershed.org. Those of you are web savvy will note the amateur
nature of our site. You might even feel compelled to offer some help in
sprucing it up.  If so, email mayo@stoneswatershed.org.






That’s all folks. Stay in touch and we’ll hope to see you soon.