The Stream Scholars mixed river adventure, stream science, and Chesapeake Bay exploration during their week long camping experience. The campers met local professionals and outdoor enthusiasts, explored local ecosystems, canoed on the Shenandoah, and camped at the mouth of the Potomac River in Virginia,
On Monday, Scholars gathered at Spruce Pine Hollow Park to teambuild and learn the Save Our Streams protocol. Used by scientists and citizen scientists alike, these methods are standard throughout West Virginia to collect data on the health of streams and rivers. Over lunch, the Scholars were visited by Kristen Bisom, the Conservation Specialist with the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District, and Jeff Iliff from the Sleepy Creek Watershed Association. Both guest speakers discussed the pollution and threats to Sleepy Creek and what they do as professionals and citizen volunteers to protect the watershed.
On Tuesday, the Scholars traveled to Jefferson County, West Virginia for a canoeing trip on the Shenandoah River. Mike Dudash of Eagle Aquatics ably led the trip and provided the canoes. During the trip, students stopped for sampling along the river and compared results gathered the day before. During the trip and over lunch students stopped to appreciate the ecology, history, and great beauty of the region.
Wednesday was an exciting opportunity for the Scholars to meet their representatives in Washington DC. The Scholars were introduced to Senator Manchin’s staff and asked questions about how representatives help West Virginia rivers. They also had a chance to meet Senator Capito, tour the Capitol building, and took a photo with Capito on the Capitol steps. After heading out of DC, the Scholars arrived at Westmoreland State Park in Virginia (after some car troubles) and set up camp to watch the sunset over the Potomac River and tell ghost stories over a fire.
After a camp breakfast, our Stream Scholars performed a stream study of Bush Mill creek to compare to the headwater streams. To beat the afternoon heat, the Scholars were led through a tour of the Reedville Fisherman Museum. They explored the history of the fishing industry for Reedville and current practices for protecting the bay including the museum’s rain garden. A highlight was examining live blue crabs aboard the museum boat. Back at camp, a local storyteller visited to share tales from slave histories of the area and they compared the data collected from Sleepy Creek, the Shenandoah River, and Bush Mill Stream. Afterwards, they again watched the sunset over the Potomac.
On the last day of camp, the Scholars helped to pack up camp and explored Fossil Beach. Although no fossils were found, the group was excited to next visit the living museum of George Washington’s Birthplace. After a fun-filled week, the Scholars returned to Spruce Pine Hollow Park and wrapped up their week of stream exploration, science, and adventure.
On behalf of our Stream Scholars, Cacapon Institute and our members and Board of Directors extend a special thanks to the Reedville Fisherman Museum staff, Eagle Aquatics, and all the guides, speakers, and educators who shared how they protect rivers and watersheds. We also wish to thank CI’s supporters who make our important work possible especially our members, The USDA-Forest Service, The Evenor Armington Fund, Finley’s Green Leap Forward, and Stutzman Chevrolet-Cadillac. Your efforts have given our Stream Scholars life-long memories and the understanding that each and every one of them can make a difference in their community and on this planet. Thank you!
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