For Immediate Release
October 15, 2002

Contact: Mike Woolson - Watershed Education Coordinator - (757) 253-6823
E-Mail Mike

On October 19, 2002, the JCC Development Management/Environmental Division will launch the County's new watershed education program during a volunteer stormwater retention facility (BMP) restoration event at Heron Run. From 10 a.m. to 12 noon County staff and Heron Run residents will work together to improve the water quality and functioning of the Heron Run BMP. At 12 noon, the County will unveil the watershed protection education program by designating Heron Run as the County's first watershed protection designated neighborhood.

Heron Run is located in the Powhatan Creek subwatershed of the James River watershed and is typical of most in the County. County and JRA staff will work with Heron Run Homeowner's Association volunteers to plant over 500 wetland plants to improve water quality, plant 200 hardwood seedlings to expand the existing tree buffer along a Powhatan Creek tributary and stabilize the pond's shoreline to prevent erosion. As part of the event, the James River Association's Riparian Lands Restoration Program is donating the seedlings and will be on hand to help with the tree planting.

The goal of the watershed education program is to improve water quality in James City County by teaching residents about the importance of watershed protection while providing residents and neighborhoods with specific watershed restoration and protection tools Neighborhoods will be able to earn a watershed protection designation by meeting County standards for BMP maintenance.

The public education program is a new component of the County's water quality management plan, and will include

- an educational brochure with watershed protection tips
- a map highlighting watershed elements in the County
- an interactive website offering watershed education and protection tools
- neighborhood/homeowner assistance with watershed issues
- a stormwater retention facility (BMP)program for developers, builders, neighborhoods and businesses responsible for constructing and maintaining BMPs.
- free workshops teaching residents how to conduct watershed protection activities in their own yards and neighborhoods, such as constructing rain gardens, improving wetland areas, and using watershed friendly landscape practices