Join The Opequon Watershed group and our hosts Deb and Steve Bauserman at Fiddler’s Bottom on Saturday, June 17, for an enjoyable and informative day on Opequon Creek. We will see Mother Nature in all her glory, including wildlife, birds, wildflowers, and leafed-out trees. There is a blue heron rookery; perhaps we will see a bald eagle nest! The float will be followed by a picnic and stream monitoring demonstration and optional SOS training.
9:00 am: Arrive at Fiddler’s Bottom, east of Ridgeway, WV. Boats and boaters will be shuttled to our put-in just below Brucetown Bridge.
9:30: Depart Fiddler’s Bottom for put-in.
10:00: Put in at a farm downstream of Brucetown Bridge.
Noon, approximately: Arrive at Fiddler’s Bottom on Opequon Creek.
1:30 pm: Save Our Streams demonstration and instructor training (optional)
Times are approximate, the final schedule and details will be confirmed prior to the event.
If you prefer not to float, you are still welcome to attend the cookout and SOS demo. There are several trails on our hosts’ property, as well as a significant frontage on Opequon Creek. Let us know your preference when you complete the registration form below. A map is included in additional event details below the form. Google Maps marker will get you close but you need to follow the road to end through the gate.
The Float Trip
The stream is not technically challenging, but if you are used to flat, calm water, it can be. The stream is not deep, so if you tip over you can usually stand up. It is a better stream for a kayak than a canoe. If water levels are high, a rain date will be determined. In any event, you are responsible for your own safety. Please note that a small group from our organization will float the route prior to the event to identify and remove any snags or obstructions.
Cookout
Following the float trip, we will have a casual picnic lunch — a chance to hang out, chat about what you observed on the trip, and learn about Opequon Creek and our organization. There will be a couple of expert naturalists along who will gladly share their knowledge.
Save Our Stream Demonstration and Optional Training
After lunch, Callie Sams, coordinator of the WV Department of Environmental Protection’s Save Our Streams program, will discuss the SOS program and demonstrate sample collection and analysis involved in determining stream health. She will include some water chemistry collection and analysis. She will also follow with training for anyone wishing to become an SOS instructor in West Virginia.
Discussion of riparian buffer and streambank stabilization program in Berkeley County
Matt Pennington of Downstream Strategies (not to be confused with The Downstream Project) will be on hand to discuss this new program in Berkeley County.
Please complete the registration form below. If you have any questions, email us at events@opequonwatershed.org