The public is invited to join in several activities associated with Ulster County Creek Week on the Rondout Creek.
Where: Meet at the Pavilion at the Town Hall in Accord, 50 Scenic Drive
When: 10 AM-2PM
Who: Trained W.A.V.E. Citizen Scientists
Why: The four towns along the non-tidal Rondout Creek–Marbletown, Rochester, Rosendale, and Wawarsing– recognize the value of the stream for clean water, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and scenery, and know that a healthy creek promotes quality of life for residents and provides economic opportunities for the communities.
To ensure that the Rondout Creek thrives, and to learn what problems exist, members of the environmental commissions in Rochester, Rosendale, Marbletown, and Wawarsing are participating in the first inter-municipal water testing program on the Rondout, through (WAVE), the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Water Assessments by Volunteer Evaluators program. Together these efforts will help to characterize the condition of the stream and improve the four towns’ understanding of conservation priorities, restoration opportunities, and necessary actions to keep the Rondout clean and enjoyable for residents and visitors.
WHO: Members of the Rondout Valley High School Environmental Class and Volunteers
WHAT: Boat Brigade supported by Riverkeeper
WHEN: September 20th, 10 AM
WHERE: Meet at the Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, 2 Rescue Road, High Falls, NY (The former street address was 6 Epworth Lane). Park at the visitor parking lot
KAYAKS AVAILABLE: Bring Your Own Boat! If you can’t, New Paltz Kayaking Tours has generously offered a limited number of kayaks, available for reservation at no charge to participants in this Boat Brigade. To reserve a kayak, contact Brigade organizer John Messerschmidt at [email protected].
ALSO: Wear shoes that are suitable for wading, as portage may be necessary in some areas. Also be aware that you are responsible for yourself and all personal items. Understand the risks associated with outdoor recreation before setting out.
Why: The Rondout-Wallkill watershed is the Hudson River Estuary’s largest tributary. Riverkeeper’s citizen sampling partners test for Enterococcus at 18 locations downstream of the reservoir. For Creek Week, Rondout Valley High School students and other volunteers, supported by Riverkeeper, will form a Boat Brigade and in conjunction with WAVE, will conduct a visual study of the creek, looking for potential sources of pollution, erosion and wildlife habitats.
Meet back at the pavilion at 1:30 to process samples and share stories and results. Public welcome!
Rondout Creek Week events are sponsored by the Town of Rochester Environmental Conservation Commission. For more information or to register email [email protected] or message the Rochester ECC on Facebook.