Watershed Newsletter -September 2020-www.pwswcd.org

Occoquan River Cleanup Fall 2020 George Mason University Partners with the District on Plastic Data from PWC Waterways under the AAS/P Program!

Prince William County Waterways Keep it Clean to Improve Water Quality!

Occoquan River Cleanup September 12 (PWTSC) and October 10 ( FOTO) Join Prince William Trials and Streams Coalition (PWTSC) and partners on September 12 and Friends Of the Occoquan (FOTO) on October 10th to promote water quality awareness in Prince William County.  The use of masks and the maintenance of social distant are highly recommended during this special event. The Occoquan River cleanup event on September 12 by PWTSC will cover both on water and land (ponds and dry ponds areas). Join this effort to clean your nearby ponds and waterways and share your data with the District! On September 12, more than +25 miles of waterway will be covered by volunteers. They will start from Cider Run through Broad Run to the Occoquan River and Hooes Run. There will be several put-in and take-out locations. The Riverview Estates, Lake Ridge Park and Hooes Run sites will be supported by members of PWTSC. The Belmont Bay Paddlers and Community will also be out on September 12 in this cleanup effort in the Belmont Bay area. Volunteers during this event are encouraged to support the District as it partners with George Mason University for data on plastics (bottles and bags) in Prince William County waterways.

To register for the September 12 event, please visit: www.pwtsc.org Partner with the District in this effort to keep the Occoquan River clean and to promote water quality awareness in PWC; the Occoquan River is a drinking water source for most part of Prince William and Fairfax Counties. For private involvement, cleanup any nearby stream or pond(s) this fall and report your data with the District. Request for your Adopt-A-Stream/Pond sign at any site of your choice. This sign will carry your name or organization's name to showcase your support and stewardship in water quality awareness! The use of masks and the maintenance of social distance are highly recommended while working with none same household volunteers. Contact the District for supplies and trash haul support if needed! Share your data and pictures with the District at [email protected]

The District Partners with George Mason University on Plastic Pollution ( Micro-plastics) in PWC Waterways under its AAS/P Program

Volunteers under the District's Adopt-A-Stream/Pond/River program have taken trash in Prince William County waterways more personal. These volunteers have a passion to help make a difference in the community. In order to promote water quality and pollution awareness, they go out at least once a year to cleanup an adopted waterway or pond(s). Now is time to support water quality and pollution awareness in our community as the District and other partners in PWC engage with George Mason University for a campaign on "Change of behavior in trash (plastic) management" across Prince William County. Plastic pollution (micro-plastics) is fast destroying the aquatic habitat. The District is now collecting data on plastics (bottles and bags) during cleanup events. Residents are welcome to adopt any stretch of waterway or nearby pond and be part of this community campaign and study. For more about the District's Adopt-A-Stream/Pond/River program, visit www.pwswcd.org or contact [email protected]. Stay tuned for more about this plastic pollution campaign and study with the District.

Awesome District's Adopt-A-Stream Volunteers, your efforts in water quality awareness and pollution is making a difference!

Adopt- A-Stream/Pond/River Program Sea Troop 100 and families - Rocky Branch Serviclean Inc. - Neabsco Creek

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

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. To register visit: www.pwtsc.org

2020 Virginia Water Monitoring Council (VWMC) Conference September 21 and 22 This year’s VWMC Conference will be held using a virtual format through GoToWebinar. The program runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day, September 21st and 22nd. Learn details on the Conferences webpage: https://vwmc.vwrrc.vt.edu/about/

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 ; [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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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