Projects

Rain Barrel Workshop

Harpers Ferry and Bolivar homeowners learned various tips on water conservation at a rain barrel workshop on March 12, 2011, at the Bolivar Community Center.

The workshop, sponsored by the West Virginia Conservation Agency, the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District, and the Elks Run Study Committee, taught workshop participants about rain barrels, rain gardens and the impact storm water runoff has upon the Chesapeake Bay.

The workshop was offered to Harpers Ferry Water Works customers. Registered participants received a free rain barrel with fittings and a packet of educational information on how to maintain their rain barrel, how to install a rain garden and alternative lawn care procedures. Twenty-five homeowners signed-up for the workshop and eleven homeowners audited the class.

The barrels were donated to the West Virginia Conservation Agency from Pilgrims Pride of Moorefield. Lou Scavanicky, president of the Opequon Creek Watershed Association, assisted the project by cleaning, modifying the barrels and assisted with the presentation.

Funding for the project was provided by the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Elks Run Watershed Water Quality Improvement Project

The Elks Run Study Committee partnered with the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District to implement a large project designed to make a positive, measurable impact on the quality of the water that filters into the Elks Run or its tributary the Elk Branch. The purpose of the Elks Run Water Quality Improvement Project is to keep the Elks Run clean and to reduce pollutants such as sediment, bacteria, and nutrients. Special state funding to the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District has made this project possible for all residents of the Elks Run watershed. The two priority areas of concern are agricultural runoff and malfunctioning residential septic systems that leak pollutants into the Elks Run. Funding will be provided to eligible applicants for 100% of the cost for stream fencing, stream crossings and riparian buffer tree plantings. Property owners within the Elks Run watershed are also eligible for a 50% cost-share on septic pumping up to $150 which includes a free septic inspection. For further information, contact Jennifer Garlesky at 304-263-4986 ext. 118, or Barbie Elliot at ext. 117. Or visit the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District website at www.wvca.us/districts/?page=epcd

West Virginia Stream Partners Grant

In 2009, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, the West Virginia Conservation Agency, the West Virginia Division of Forestry, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources awarded a West Virginia Stream Partners Grant in the amount of $1,300 to the Elks Run Study Committee in Jefferson County. Grant funds were used to conduct a watershed education and outreach campaign to enhance and protect the stream since it is an important source of drinking water. The campaign consisted of two parts: the development and mailing of an educational brochure to property owners within the Elks Run watershed and the installation of a rain garden demonstration project.

During the month of July, members of the Elks Run Study Committee and volunteers from the Berkeley-Jefferson Master Gardeners, constructed a small rain garden in a grassy swale near the Sam Michael's Park recreation building. The Elks Run Study Committee wanted to demonstrate to the public that a rain garden is a low-cost, low-maintenance way to protect West Virginia's water resources. A rain garden can be a small inexpensive back yard project such as the one at Sam Michael's Park, or it can be an option for large developments.

Under the supervision of Marianne Bayer and Chris Perun, who are Berkeley-Jefferson Master Gardeners, the Elks Run Study Committee selected native plants for the garden including black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, bee balm, butterfly weed, switch grass and prairie grass. The Committee wishes to thank Marianne and Chris for working to ensure the proper installation of the plants and completion of the rain garden. Thanks also to Lyle C. Tabb and Sons Inc. for donating topsoil and mulch, Michael Schwartz of the Freshwater Institute for donating stones and stone placement, Ira Hale for delivering and off-loading the mulch and soil, Peter Spaulding Landscaping for native grasses and plants, Brad Chandler's Wildwood Services, Jennifer Garlesky of the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District and Alana Hartman of the WV Department of Environmental Protection for consulting services, and especially to the Sam Michael's Park staff who nurtured the garden through the first 10 days of very hot weather.

Stream Walk 2009

Stream Walk 2008